Ten Points to Consider in Buying a New Computer

The Bottom Line Has your old computer got you down? Then check this out! Ten things to consider about buying a new computer!

Review on How to Buy a Computer (March 2, 2001)

One of the most frustrating experiences I can think of that I must go through every now and then is to buy a new computer. Computers can be expensive and they come with all sorts of bells and whistles, some great, and some not so great. I thought it might be nice to spell out some points to consider when attempting to buy a new computer (especially since I am planning to buy a new one right now myself). First, let me clarify that I am by no means a computer expert - I have simply been through several computers already and I have a basic process I use in selecting a new computer. Here are ten things you might want to consider: 



1. Price - This is always a concern for me whenever I buy anything that might be considered expensive. How much money do I want to spend? If you got an unlimited budget, and then this might not be so important, but then again, why would you be looking for advice in this forum? Establish a price range.

2. Features - Face it. Marketers of computers have a good sense of what people want today, and they often package deals for their customers that will help them sell their products. Often times, if a product is not a big seller, they will add it to a package in order to get rid of it. Basic items to consider: Do you need a new monitor? Often not - my monitor is a small 13-inch model that I'm perfectly happy with. It takes up little room on my crowded desk and it suits me fine. Speakers? Once again, my computer is only 3 years old. The external speaker system I got with it still sounds great. Hard Drive? I have a 6gig hard drive on my existing PC. Yet, I plan to use this for something else, and I want to upgrade anyway. Also, a 3-year-old hard drive might need replacing soon anyway. Things like a keyboard and mouse usually are standard parts of a new system and are not optional.

Other things to consider are the speed of the microprocessor. For the average person using the PC to surf the net or do basic tasks, anything above 700 MHz may be overkill, especially if you upgrade your PC a few years as I do. Of course, it would be nice to have 1Ghz, but why? What do you really need that fast of a microprocessor for? The same argument can be made for RAM: I believe 128M RAM is plenty.

Now, for the real bells and whistles: CD-ROM? You bet! I have to listen to music when I'm at my PC. CDRW? This feature allows you to burn your own CDs. I do not currently have one of these drives, and it is the principle reason for me to upgrade. Sound Card? This is needed to turn your PC into a stereo - you betcha! Modem? Well, it would be tough to get to Epinions without one! PC camera? The jury is out on this one. If I can convince enough family members and friends to get one so we can use it as a videophone, I might get one. They're pretty cheap anyway.

Well there are other features and components to consider, but I think I made my point.

3. Computer Brand - What is in a name? There are those computers that are made: 1) cheap, 2) with quality. If you choose the first type, cheap, you will end up with a cheap computer. If you choose a quality computer, you will get something that you can be proud of. Needless to say, I would recommend always buying a quality computer. What is a quality computer? I recommend going to a computer forum on the web and searching this answer out. The answers may surprise you. Keep in mind, quality computers may be purchased at low prices.

4. Build your own PC or Buy one ready Made? - I weighed this relatively new option of building my own PC. It really is not all that complicated to do, and it does have the benefit of being an educational experience. Plus, there are savings to be had in customizing your PC the way you want it. Yet, there is something reassuring about having your PC all together such that all you need to do is plug it in. If you have two left hands and you don't know how to use a screwdriver, forget about it. Buy a PC already put together.

5. Operating System - Well, what flavor do I like today? I prefer Microsoft products, since I am already accustomed to their line of products and I am reluctant to change from something that works for me. However, I would suggest getting their latest operating system.

6. Where to buy? - This is a tough question. I searched all over the place to find the lowest prices going on a great computer system. Low and behold, the best deal I found was at one of my local brick and mortar electronic dealers! One thing you might want to do, if you have a preference on where you want to buy your PC, clip an ad for the PC you want to buy and bring it to the store you want to buy it from. Often, if the store you want to buy it from sells the same equipment, they will at least give you a price match, and often they will beat the price!

7. Warranty? I don't like warranties. I always find that you pay a lot of extra money for them, and it always seems the only time I really need help is a few days after the warranty expires. I would rather pay someone outright for fixing a problem, if a problem ever occurs. If you buy your PC from a gray market shop - beware. They may not be around long enough to honor your warranty, should you need them. Yet, in defense of a warranty, it is comforting to know that if you have problems, there is someone there who can help you.

8. Do you really need a new computer? My PC at home still works great! Yet, it gets over taxed at times and I always find myself having to update the software. For instance, when I got a new scanner, I needed to have Windows 98. My PC had Windows 95. I updated to Windows 98, but there seems to be some compatibility problems. Also, I find myself needing more RAM to run some more of the complex software I am using today. I also like to keep up with the times.

9. Desktop or Laptop? This one is entirely up to you! I know for myself, I prefer a desktop. The laptop would be broken in no time with me. Besides, why would I want to carry that thing around with me wherever I go? I know others would say: "Hey, with a laptop, I can take my PC wherever I go!" Good for you.

10. PC or Apple? Suffice to say, any apple that I've ever seen that does not come from a tree was rotten. 


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