Buying a New Computer

Let’s say you’re thinking about buying a new computer. There is so much new technology out there that all the options for your new computer are endless and can be confusing when choosing. So, how do you go about deciding the right computer for your needs?

No matter what type of new computer you buy, you can get the technology that allows it to handle all the programs you plan on using at an affordable cost. This includes advanced program applications such as speech recognition or video downloading and editing. You also need to determine the price range you’re willing to spend and stick to that budget when buying a new computer. Computer systems can cost anywhere from $500 to over $3000.

Computer Needs Assessment

1. What is my budget? If you have a very limited budget when buying a new computer, you may want to look at some of the computer manufacturers that base their business on inexpensive computers. You will be able to afford more advanced technology (yet not the newest) and get more computing power for your dollar. The drawbacks to this are that you are not purchasing the newest in technology, you will have difficulty or may not be able to upgrade at a later date. The general reliability of the computer will be lower than a higher priced computer.

2. What am I going to use the computer for today and in the future? If your only use of the computer is to do light word processing, email and surf the internet then you only need a basic computer. Let's say you are going to be installing large programs such as the newer version of QuickBooks, downloading programs from the internet or playing games (both local and internet) or editing pictures and videos. When buying a new computer you will want to look at the higher end PCs with newer technology.

3. How long do I want the technology to be able to handle advances in software and hardware that is developed in the future? As far as price goes when buying a new computer, the higher the price – the newer technology that you purchase. Newer technology will serve you for a longer period of time.

4. Do I want to start with a base PC and upgrade hardware later? When buying a new computer, you'll want to look at PCs that are of good quality. You can cut the cost by leaving out some of the advanced options such as DVD-RW, you can add these features later as you save for them.

Desktop or Notebook?

• Desktop computers have the advantage of newer technology, more power and in most cases are easy and inexpensive to expand and upgrade.
• Notebook computers have the advantage of mobility and can still be used as main home computers via a docking station attached to a larger monitor, keyboard and mouse.

For both of these types of computers, I recommend buying a Dell. They offer a variety of different systems all the time.

What Type of Technology Do You Need?

• Processor Type and Speed - The processor runs the computer. There’s Intel Pentium IV, Pentium IV and new dual core processors, Celeron, AMD, Duron and Athlon. Computers with the higher speed run faster, however other factors come into play when determining speed such as BUS and RAM memory speed as well as hard drive type and speed.

• RAM Memory - This is the Random Access Memory, where all the work is performed on the computer. The more memory the better. For newer computers running Windows XP 512MB is the absolute minimum amount in order for your system not to freeze. 1 Gig is recommended for fairly fast, smooth operation.

• Hard Drives - This is the storage area where the operating system, programs and your personal files are stored. There are several types of hard drives available with size and speed variations. The type of hard drive you can upgrade to depends on your computer’s system board (mother board) capabilities. In some cases you can add a component board to handle a faster drive. In general the larger and faster a drive, the higher the price of the drive and upgrade.

• CD-ROM & DVD Drives - Most software still comes on a CD-ROM, however a lot of new programs come on DVD format requiring you to have a DVD drive. The price of add-on DVD/RW rewritable units have dropped so much that it makes sense to add one of these upgrades to an existing PC. Where the CD has a 700Mb capacity, the DVD writable has the capacity to back up 4.7 Gig of data on a single layer format or 7.95 Gig for dual layer and 15 Gig for a double sided dual layer DVD. A DVD/RW will also let you copy non-copyright movies, downloaded movies and home movies (with a capture board added to your PC).

• Graphics Card - New computers these days will support most graphics in standard programs. But if you want to play games you need at least a 3D- accelerated video card with more memory up to 64mb. If you don’t play games then a video card with 16mb of memory is just fine. Using a high end graphics card will speed up your computer in general.

• Monitor - Flat screen LCD monitors have dropped in price over the last couple of years making them the choice of most PC users. They take up a fraction of the space of a the old CRT monitors and are less strain on your eyes as they do not emit the radiation level of the CRTs. If you are going to do picture or video editing you might want to consider a digital screen for greater resolution when buying a new computer. Larger screens are easier to read/see and many now come in wide screen.

• Sound Card and Speakers - Most computers that you purchase today will have at least an onboard sound card. Adding a PCI sound card will give you a game port and surround sound. If you’re watching movies on your computer, adding good quality speakers and a powered bass speaker will turn your PC into a home theater with surround sound.

• Modems/NIC Cards - Using your computer as a fax and connecting to the internet by phone (non-DSL) requires a 56K modem found standard in most computers. There is no need to upgrade this modem as 56K is the fastest phone modem technology. A NIC or network interface card is required to connect computers together and to connect to the internet with some cable and DSL (phone) modems. Most new PCs will have a built in NIC.

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