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Introduction
Choosing the right combination of hardware for your computer system starts with pinpointing your specific requirements:
- CPU - Processor performance depends on many factors, only one of which is clock speed.
- Hard Drive - Storage capacity is the first thing to look for, but there are other important factors to consider.
- CD/DVD Drives
- Whether you buy a single CD drive, a single DVD drive, or a combo
drive that supports CD and DVD, reliability and compatibility are key.
- Monitor & Graphics Card - Screen size and resolution can make a huge difference in your computing experience.
- Keyboard & Mouse - The right keyboard and mouse will help you avoid sore wrists and tight hands, as well as increase efficiency.
- The right OEM
- Determining which computer manufacturer, or OEM (for Original
Equipment Manufacturer) to choose should be based on more than the
price tag.
- The right retailer - Once you've found the right computer, be sure to get the best deal from a reputable retailer.
CPU
Think about what sort of tasks you want to accomplish with your
computer. If you're doing a lot of video editing or are running several
programs at once, an extremely fast CPU will be important. If you're
primarily using the Internet and office applications, you can likely do
with a
less expensive mid-range CPU.
Some extremely fast processors are not suitable for use in laptops,
because they give off too much heat for a laptop's small enclosure.
Even desktop computers that can run "hot" chips require more or bigger
fans to cool the interior of the computer. Take this into account when
selecting a CPU, especially if fan noise bothers you.
Keep in mind that a processor's true speed at performing daily
computing tasks can't be easily quantified by a clock speed (such as
1.5 GHz). For unvarnished comparisons of CPU speeds, see the resources
section below. Hard Drive
Today's hard drives can hold impressive amounts of data. If you're
using your computer primarily for business needs, and are running a few
standard applications, a 40Gb (40 Gigabyte) drive is more than
adequate. If you're working with video, large image files, or storing
extremely
large amounts of data, go with an 80 GB or larger drive. For fast
access to data on the hard drive, make sure it runs at 7200 RPM or
faster. CD/DVD Drives
CD drives are cheap and fast, but they do vary in reliability. DVD drives,
while newer technology, are dropping in price rapidly and becoming standard equipment on many new computers.
Combination drives can play music CDs, read data CDs, play movies on
DVD, read data DVDs, and even record movies to DVD. These drives offer
tremendous flexibility, but are more expensive than individual CD or
DVD drives.
CD-ROMs make an excellent storage and distribution medium. A CD-ROM
drive is a must, while a DVD drive is only a necessity if you are
working with video or want to watch DVD movies on your computer. Monitor & Graphics Card
LCD, or "flat" monitors are becoming more and more popular as they
drop in price. These flat monitors offer sharper, flicker-free display,
and
take up less space. However, for the same amount of money, you can buy
a much larger traditional CRT monitor.
The most common monitor size for desktop computers is 17", but 19",
21", and larger sizes are available. If you frequently use two or more
applications that need to be open at the same time, you may want to
consider a "cinema display" which offers a wider aspect ratio, allowing
two
documents to be placed side-by-side.
Larger monitors require more VRAM (Video Random Access Memory),
which is supplied by a computer's graphics card. Make sure that your
graphics card can support your selected monitor at a desirable
resolution. The higher the resolution, the more pixels the monitor can
display on screen.
Spending the extra money to obtain a larger monitor can provide a
huge payoff, particularly if you tire of squinting at small text on
screen. With a 19" monitor you can set the resolution at 1024x768 and
still see a
standard Web page, with room to spare. If you are working with video,
this is even more important, and while a 17" monitor will work, a 19"
or 21" screen will make a world of difference. Mouse & Keyboard
While many people are comfortable with a standard mouse, some swear
by a trackball mouse, which uses a rolling ball, held in a stationary
base. There are also variations on the standard mouse, from optical
tracking, to scroll wheels and more. Test out the options at your local
computer store to see what feels most comfortable to you.
Standard keyboards usually are equipped with letters, numbers, and
programmable function keys. Some also include a numeric keypad, sound
controls, and even computer on/off buttons. The Right OEM
The eternal Macintosh vs. Windows debate is too large a topic for this
primer, but if you are going to buy a new computer it's a good idea to
evaluate the full range of available options. If you're a Mac user,
check out the latest PCs. Try out the latest version of Windows, and
price some Windows machines. If you're a Windows user, go to an Apple
dealer and try out the latest Macintosh OS. Price the hardware and see
what applications are available. In either case, don't be swayed by the
arguments of others. The choice of an operating system is a very
personal one, and you'll be using that computer day in and day out, so
make sure you like the operating system you do choose.
Each year, consumer magazines such as Consumer Review and Consumer
Reports publish their evaluations of overall customer satisfaction for
the major computer manufacturers. This is a good basic indicator of how
well a given manufacturer is treating its customers.
Warranty coverage is an important factor, particularly on lower-cost
computers. These machines are typically made with less robust parts,
and while this may not matter for daily use, the odds are a very
inexpensive
computer will malfunction in some fashion before a more expensive one.
While a one-year warranty is generally the minimum, if it's not much
money, opt for a two or even three year warranty. Anything more than
three years isn't worth the money, as by then you'll likely want to
upgrade to a new computer anyway. The Right Retailer
In some cases, the retailer is also the OEM. Apple, Dell, Gateway, HP,
Sony, Toshiba, and other computer makers sell direct online. These
online stores may not always have the best price (with the exception of
Dell, which only sells online), but they sometimes offer closeout
deals. Also, most of these sites provide tools to assist you in finding
the right computer for feature/price comparison purposes.
Whether buying online or from your local retailer, watch out for
add-ons that only add price. For example, if you already have an
Internet account
through your county or a university, a free year of AOL, MSN, or
CompuServe adds no value to you. Bundling allows the retailer to
disguise the actual price of the core product, which is the computer.
Figure out which computer wins on price and performance first, then
think about whether the bundled items are helpful.
Reputable retailers will offer free customer support for at least
one year from the date of purchase. If you buy direct from an OEM, they
will usually state their policy up front on their website. However, if
you buy from
a chain store or local computer outfit, be sure you get their customer
support guarantee in writing.
Sometimes a computer just isn't right. Despite all your best efforts
at selection, you may get a lemon. A good retailer will allow you to
return the computer for a full refund, or at least replacement credit.
Before you purchase from a retailer, ask around. If you know anyone
who has purchased from them (particularly a computer), ask them what
their experience has been like. Were they treated well, or were the
salespeople pushy and unhelpful? |
