What
Computer Should I Buy?
Due to the vast range
of choices available, deciding what computer you should buy can
be a daunting task - so many options with so many people saying
different things. Hopefully this article will help answer all your
questions and give you a range of choices to help you make the right
decision.
What's
the Computer For?
The first thing to ask
is: what is the computer going to be used for? Example uses include:
- Word processing (writing
letters and resumes);
- Internet Access;
- Managing accounts
at home;
- Managing a small business;
and/or
- Gaming
- Most people don't
realize the importance of this question, but the answer gives
you an idea of what type of computer you need and how much it
will be. For instance, if you were just using the computer for
word processing, a top of the line computer that costs big $$$
wouldn't be recommended. But if you were a hardcore gamer, you
would need to spend a lot of money to ensure your gaming experience
was enjoyable.
For a rough guide, take
the above examples, and as you work your way down the list, the
computer needed is more powerful (i.e. more expensive).
Looking
to the Future
A computer should last
you around 2-3 years (not including upgrades), so you also have
to look at what you'll be using it for in the future, not just your
current needs. Getting an idea of your future needs may save you
some money in the future.
Consider these needs:
Will your family be using
the computer for their own purposes? If so, what are these - you
should include them when making your decision
- If you're not on the
internet now, will you want to be in the future?
- If you're a business,
what happens when your business grows? Can you expand your capabilities
(such as networking with other machines, and new programs) without
paying out too much in costs?
The worst thing to do
is to pay for a computer and find out a few months later that it
can't handle what you want to do.
How
Much do you Want to Spend?
Most people when asked
how much they want to spend say "as little as possible".
Of course it's unlikely that you'll find something that costs as
little as you like. The reality of it is - you have to match what
you need with your budget. And it also depends on where you are
going to buy the computer, and what brand of computer you are going
to buy.
There are three main
options available when choosing a place to purchase a computer.
You can purchase a computer from:
- a well known brand
computer/store - such as Compaq, Dell, IBM or Hewlett Packard;
- your local computer
store, purchasing an IBM compatible or (white box) model;
- or a second hand computer
from a friend or via an auction.
Which Option Should I Take?
Known Brand Computers
Going to a large department
store or chain store has its appeals. It's:
- Easy - just walk in
there, purchase a computer and take it home
Convenient - the computer is right there, you can see it, touch
it and experience it in the store
- Safe - large companies
(usually) have large financial resources behind them. Warranties
can be extended at extra cost. But beware - we've also had cases
where the large companies were unable to honour warranties.
Buying well-known name
computers can have its downsides:
- Cost - because of
the overheads involved, these brand names tend to be a bit more
expensive than the generic brand (and this doesn't guarantee increased
reliability as they mostly use the same parts as IBM compatibles).
- Small upgrading choices
- if you wish to upgrade in the future, or replace parts that
aren't under warranty, you'll have to purchase priority parts
from the manufacturer, tying you into the costing they decide.
There's little ability to shop around for the best part or price.
- Added features - many
computers come in packages with a lot of things you pay for that
you don't need, or will never use.
- Time - if there are
any problems, you'll probably find yourself spending more time
on the computer listening to hold music than talking to an actual
person.
Your Local Computer
Store
The advantages of purchasing
a computer from your local store include:
- Lower Price - usually
you get a lower price on many components;
- Tailoring - you can
tailor a system to your exact needs;
- Immediate Help - help
is often just a phone call away if you have any problems (you
won't be sitting on hold for 20 minutes); and
- Custom advice - they
can often help you after your purchase, giving you advise if you
want to use your computer in other ways.
The disadvantages include:
- Less packages - software
discounts are usually not available to these stores;
- Lack of reputation
- local computer stores sometimes have a bad reputation - will
they be there in the next few years to provide warranty support?
Second Hand or Auction
The advantages of buying
a second hand computer:
- Lower costs - when
purchasing second hand goods, the price is always substantially
lower than when they are new.
As always with second
hand goods, there are a few important things to look out for:
- Missing parts - what's
included with the computer? As one of my friends has discovered
recently, computer drivers (those files needed to ensure the hardware
works correctly) are important. Most second hand computers don't
come with these drivers making it difficult to get the computer
working to the best of its ability. But it's not hard to download
them (most of the time).
Reputable dealers - are the second hand goods coming from reputable
dealers, in other words, make sure the computers are not stolen,
or they are misguiding you as to the speed or parts you are getting.
- Working order - also
make sure that the computer is in working order. You must ensure
that the computer boots up, and that the video can display. It
would also be ideal to plug in any peripherals and ensure they
are working as well.
- Old hardware - when
purchasing old hardware, although it's at a cheaper price, it
will be very difficult to upgrade when the need arises. Make sure
that the computer you are buying will last you - otherwise you
might have to go through this whole process again in the near
future.
Purchasing a computer
can seem like a mammoth task to some - but it really can be simple
if you ask yourself a few key questions, and understand the options
that are open to you.
If you need any further
advice, please feel free to contact
us
on (02) 9870 7777.
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