Buying a computer is a daunting task for many people. The wide range of options available, along with frequent improvements in technology, it leaves many people bewildered. However, with a little effort and a little planning, you can buy a desktop or laptop computer that meets your needs. Here are things to consider when buying a computer.
- Determine how you plan to use the computer. The purpose for which you plan to use your computer must determine whether you want a desktop or laptop computer, as well as the hardware on the inside that will need to be able to meet your needs effectively.
- If you plan to use your computer to video games, you’ll want the faster processor and a large amount of random access memory (RAM), as well as a large and fast hard drive and a mind-blowing graphics card. Some players choose to have 2 or even 4 graphics cards, but this requires extra power to power the computer and takes up the expansion slot that could be used for something else.
- If you plan to use your computer to edit digital photos and video, it will take a large capacity hard drive to store all your digital images. You’ll want a fast processor, a large display and a good graphics card, but you do not need a graphics card that as a good of a player. If you do see more images and to change then you can settle for low-end components. If you want to view images on a TV, you need to be sure that the video and audio connectors match those of the TV.
- If you plan to use your computer to run programs for the business, you need enough power to run the software that allows you to perform daily activities. You’ll need a faster processor only if you are running a large number of different software applications and a graphics card of quality only if you are running a business of graphic design.
- If you plan to use your computer at home or at work, you’ll want at least as much processing power and memory.
- If you bring your work with you regularly, it will take a laptop, if you normally do not bring your work with you, a desktop will be suitable. If you travel a lot, you should consider a netbook, this is small, lightweight and portable, but its screen is smaller and the processor is slower, it usually is suitable mainly for word processing, data entry and e-mail .
- Set a budget. Unlike other electronic products that tend to become cheaper and more accessible over time, but for a PC there will always pay more for faster processors, more memory and more features. You can usually get a decent desktop computer with screen and accessories for less than 750 Euros, and sometimes for just € 500, unless you need more features or a more expensive system. The laptops tend to cost more than desktop computers with the same characteristics, but decent laptops can be had for less than 800 Euros.
Generally, Apple computers tend to be more expensive computers running Windows or Linux, but are more suitable for users who do a lot of graphic work.