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So you want to buy a PC. |
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1 |
Laptop vs Desktop
You should expect to pay more for a Laptop than a desktop.
Where will you be using the PC, If you think you need
portability look towards a laptop, otherwise you should
consider a desktop. If you do chose a Laptop, consider
getting a Docking Station. This allows you to connect a
full size monitor, keyboard and, mouse when working from your
home office and still affords you mobility. |
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2 |
Monitors
Basically, the more you spend the better you get. Do you
really need the 21 inch flat screen. Maybe not.
Today some packaged prices include free upgrades to better
monitors. If you're not happy with the one you get, you
can always upgrade later. |
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3 |
Processor Speed
Depending upon what you intend to do on your PC, you may be
able to save some money by purchasing one or two levels lower
then the latest and fastest processor speeds available.
Keep in mind that the faster the machine is today, the longer
it will be before you will have to get a new one. |
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4 |
Memory
Most PC's will run fine with 512 meg of Ram. There are
different kinds of ram and most machines can handle at least
twice that amount of memory. Most machines contain four
memory slots that are in pairs. So if you purchase a PC
with a single 512 memory stick, you can add on to it later.
Only the more robust applications require more than 512. |
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5 |
Graphics Boards
This is where you can really get some bang for the buck.
Graphics boards come with additional memory which greatly
affects how long it takes to display graphics. Today's
world is graphic intensive, whether your playing games or
surfing the net. I always recommend getting the highest
amount of memory, and in most cases this means the most
expensive board you can get your hands on. You won't
regret spending more money for this. |
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6 |
Disk Space
This may depend upon what you think you are going to save on
the PC. If you plan on saving all your digital photos,
than bigger is better. For the High Speed fanatics, two
drives are faster than one. When configuring a PC with
two drives, the operation system and all software reside on
one disk. All the 'data' files reside on the other. This
leverages having double the heads (one head for each
drive) instead of a single head doing the work of one.
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7 |
CD
CD's hold about 600 meg. Work in most CD Audio players
and can hold SOME movies
DVD
DVD's about 4.7 Gig. Works in most DVD players (Movies)
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Purchasing a DVD writer will also allow you to write CD's.
There are two different DVD formats, DVD+ and DVD-.
There is no difference except that when buying blanks, they
must conform to whatever format you have. Another nice
to have is a second DVD drive (read-only) which will make
backing up a disk easier, by being able to place both disks in
drives at the same time. |
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