How to buy a new computer – Part 1. What do
you need
Ok, the very first thing you need to do is NOT run out to
a place that sells computers and buy the one you can afford!
Do NOT do this. You’ll end up with either MORE
computer than you need, which is a waste of money; or, you’ll
end up with LESS computer than your need, which is a waste
of money as well. The first thing to do is consider
what the heck you need. So, instead of a list of components
you’ll need or want, let’s start with what you’ll
be doing with your computer. So get a large piece of
paper and, on the left side, start listing all the TASKS you’ll
be performing with your new computer. Such as:
- Email
- Do taxes
- Surf the web
- Run a business
- Write letters
- Play games
- Work with images I’ve taken
with my digital camera - Help
my children learn
- Etc.
On the right side of the paper, list all the software you
are now using or will be using, such as:
- Internet Explorer
- Microsoft Word
- Outlook Express
- Games
- etc
List as many things as possible. Ok, all done?
Next let’s consider three types of computers:
1. Low-end – inexpensive (US$700 to US$1,000);
best to run only 1 or 2 programs at a time; small writing
tasks (not a book); children’s games and learning; email
and internet surfing; etc.
2. Mid-range – (under US$1,500) can run
3-6 programs at once; same as 1. above, plus large writing
tasks; run a small business; manipulate photos; play many
of the latest games; etc.
3. Top-end – expensive (over US$1,500) –
same as 1. and 2. above, plus work with large complex images;
run a large business; play the latest and greatest games;
do commercial desktop image processing; work with large spreadsheets;
etc.
So which category do you fit into? Here’s a break
down of what you’ll need for each:
1. Low-end (around US$1,000):
a. Pentium 4 or Celeron with 1+Ghz processor and
Windows XP Home Edition
b. 256 Mb of memory
g. Stereo speakers
c. 40 GB hard drive
h. 56k modem
d. CD/DVD drive
i. no special video card
e. 15” monitor
j. Microsoft Office 2003
f. non-color printer
2. Mid-range (around US$1,500+):
a. Pentium 4 with 2+Ghz processor and Windows
XP Home Edition
b. 512 Mb of memory
g. 56k modem
c. 80 GB hard drive
h. 5.1 Channel Audio Card with 5.1 stereo speakers
d. CD/DVD drive
i. Extreme Graphics Card
e. 15” flat panel monitor
j. Microsoft Office 2003
f. Color printer
3. Top-End (around US$2,500):
a. Pentium 4 with 3+Ghz processor and Windows
XP
b. 1 GB of memory
g. 56k modem
c. 120 GB hard drive
h. 128MB GeForce FX 5200 Graphics Card with TV-Out
d. 16x DVD drive with a 48x CD-RW drive
i. Sound Blaster- Audigy 2™ Sound card with
5.1
e. 19” monitor stereo speakers
f. Color/Photo printer
j. IEEE 1394 Firewirecard
k. Microsoft Office Professional
In the nest issue we’ll let you know how to save money
and how NOT to save money on your new computer
Favorite LINK: http://www.pcguide.com/buy/summary.htm
Does a nice job of walking you thru the entire (and time consuming)
process of buying a PC.
