Sunday, August 22, 2010

I've never bought a computer before, what should I be looking for, general advice?

I have a laptop now, but my father gave it to me, it's like 6 years old. While its been sturdy enough, it's just worn out. I also want to get one with a printer. I was thinking of getting a desktop instead of a laptop. I was just browsing and I'm just totally confused at what I should be looking for or how I know if I'm getting a good deal. I'd prefer to pay less $1000. Thanks for any info.I've never bought a computer before, what should I be looking for, general advice?
best thing for you would be a dell desk top. if you go to dell.com you can customize it anyway you want. it really depends on what you plan to do with the computer. if you want it for games or pictures you're going to need a lot of memory. so something with a high level RAM and Hard drive. if you want it for mostly suffering the internet then you dont have to pay for all that memory. going to dell is a great easy way of getting the perfect computer for you. and if you dont understand what they are asking you, there is a nice little help button. if it still doesn't make since, dont be afraid to email me =). hope that helpsI've never bought a computer before, what should I be looking for, general advice?
Less than $1000 can get you an average computer.





Basically, go to stores and look for some package deals. We don't know what you need it for and since you have a 6 year old computer, I'm guessing it's not for high-end things that require a lot of processing power.





For this reason, I suggest going with a brand you might like (or that you have heard of) such as HP, Compaq, or E-Machines. I don't recommend E-machines because they are usually the lower end machines.





Any computer out in the big electronic stores right now should do just fine (except for the netbooks, you can't do much of anything except for the minimum basics like surfing the web and limited applications).
In basic terms the main parts of a computer are the:-





1. CPU (central processing unit) which determines how fast the computer can do things.





2. RAM (ramdom access memory) which determines how many things the computer can do at one time or how many things you can have open before it begins to go a bit slower.





3. HD (hard drive) which determines how much total space the computer has for storing things.





I suggest you start with a price you want to spend, then look at these three things and pick the one that gives you the highest amount, particularly the CPU an RAM.





Then consider the other things depending on what you want the PC for.


eg Printer might be include in the package


for Games consider the graphics card


for Movies you might want a bigger screen.





Basically most of the ';off the shelf'; packages in all stores will be more than capable for home use and anything you probably want to do.





Simply put, start with a price and build as much into the price as you can for what you need or feel is most important to you.


:-)
If you can get to an Apple store, you can discuss with them how you plan to use the computer and make recommendations. The entry level MacBook is just under $1000 in the store, but in their online store, you can buy refurbished ones for much less, and they are like new and have the same warranty.





You could even call ahead for an appointment with a ';personal shopper'; so you don't have to wait.
find what you want in a computer, general use, games, media etc... b/c if it is for general use, (word documents, email, internet, etc ) then you don't need anything super cool, so it should be kinda easy to get one for under $1000. I build my comps so I get exactly what I want.
1000$ is to much.


You can get a latest configuration desktop by 450$.


Depends upon the configuration.
Any computer should be good, if you get Vista make sure it has at least 2Gb ram and 2Ghz processor or you will have a lot of problems with speed and programs crashing and such.
First, do you want a laptop or a desktop?


A desktop is less expensive and generally has more power and is more upgradeable (you can buy new/better parts for it).





Second, what do you want to use it for?


If you just want a few basic applications and internet access, you can get a new laptop for only a few hundred dollars.


If you want it for high powered games or art software (corel, etc.), then you need to find a computer with a high processor speed (measured in GHz) and with a lot of RAM (measured in MB/GB).


If you are going to have a lot of music, movies, other data stored on your computer, you want to have a large hard drive (measured in GB).





Third, make sure it has all of the other feature you need. For instance, verify that it has a wireless internet card installed. You would hate to buy a nice, portable laptop only to discover that it is archaic and only connects via ethernet cable. Now you have to find the right wireless card and get it installed! Also check for a CD/DVD RW, USB and FireWire ports. Also, maybe you want Bluetooth?





Fourth, on a similar note, make sure it comes with the software you need. Do you need/want Office 2007? For some things you might want it, or maybe you will do just fine downloading Open Office. What sort of virus protection does it have? Oh! And don't forget to read the warranty!!





Fifth, read reviews!!!! Think you see one you like? Go to the company's website or other product review forums and see what other people are saying about it.








Most companies have great package deals on their websites or have special discounts for students.


Personally, I enjoy Macs. They cost a little more, but for their interfacing, the OS, the security, and the overall continuity of design, I think they are worth it.








Unless you are buying one of the nicer MacBooks or an extra-portable notebook, you should easily be able to spend less than $1000 on both the computer and the printer.





Good luck!
Best bet is, get a desktop instead of a laptop since they are more robust, and your 1000$ will go further in a desktop.





Since I assume by the sounds of things that your not a computer shabby person, I won't sujest that you get a Linux computer. You could try a Mac, but you need to know that a Mac isn't the same (when it comes to opening and closing stuff) as a Windows PC. If all you've know thus far is Windows (XP or ME or 2000), then its probably best that you get a Windows Vista computer.





When it comes to the guts of the PC, get something with a decent processor (or CPU), at least 2 GB of ram, and I would say a minimum of 80 GB for a hard drive. Of course, most new PC's will have a DVD burner, but if you want to play blue ray discs, get one with that on it too, but it will up the cost (I wouldn't bother). If all this stuff is confusing, try going to the computer store (Future Shop in Canada, or Best buy in the USA) and have a look around. I would also suggest Staples (or Business Depot) since they don't try to sell you stuff to make a commission.





BTW: A HP or Compact may have pretty cases, but your paying way more for the looks then what's under the hood.
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