The joys and terrors of buying a new computer

Buying a computer can be a very confusing process, mainly from a technical but also from a linguistic point of view. Megabytes, RAM, CPUs… whaddaheck does it all mean and above all: how can I make a choice? Alright, here’s a quick run down on some of the terminology. Once you understand what you’re buying, it will be a lot easier to compare, and to finish up happily with a good choice!

Some essential terminology for the computer buyer

• CPU – Stands for Central Processing Unit: the brains of your computer. When buying a computer, you can compare brand, model and speed of the processor on the spec sheet. The two brands you’ll likely come across during your shopping will be AMD and Intel – both are excellent. Often your best bet is to find last year’s high-end processor. That way you’re saving money and getting the fastest speed and performance.
• Megabytes (MB) and gigabytes (GB) – A megabyte is a unit of computer memory or data storage space (on disc or as RAM) equal to 1,048,576 bytes. A gigabyte is equal to 1024 megabytes. The more megabytes or gigabytes, the more space for software programs, photos, music and documents. Adapt your computer memory to the requirements of the software you’d like to use and consider what you’ll be using your computer for. Music and photos take up a lot of memory, documents generally far less.
• RAM – Random Access Memory is short-term storage for data used or accessed while your computer is running. To be a bit more technical when you’re comparing computers: Random Access Memory (RAM) or system memory is the temporary storehouse for the data flowing to and from your computer’s central processing unit (CPU). The most common forms of random access memory today, DRAM and SRAM, require continuous power in order to maintain their data. Switch the power off, and all is gone…

  All else being equal, a system with more memory can:

  * Deliver faster performance
  * Handle more open files at once
  * Open larger files
  * Work with more open applications at once

How long will your computer last

While the general consensus is that most computers last about 4-5 years, in practice your computer can last as long as you want it to – provided you maintain it and probably occasionally replace some parts. Because replacing parts can be expensive and tricky, many people often opt to simply buy a new computer. This means the costs of your computer, its features and functions are important, as are the costs of the parts you may need to replace. Let’s take a look at a few of the more common parts which get replaced.

• Keyboard and mouse – Keyboards wear out and so do the clickers and mouse roller balls on laptops. These parts are easily replaced on a desktop system and, though a bit more tricky, on a laptop too. The cost depends largely on the type of computer you have and the features you want your keyboard to have. If you want a wireless keyboard for example, it’s going to cost more than a USB.
• Drives – This is one of the occasions where someone may choose to simply replace the computer rather than to replace the drive. Motors can burn out and drives can simply die. Replacing them can be expensive and tricky and if you’re looking to upgrade your computer, it’s easy to justify a new one.
• Battery and adaptor – If you have a laptop then you’ve likely come into contact with this problem. Either the adaptor, the battery or the connection between the cord and the computer stops working. Adaptors can be quite expensive however if you still have a few years of life left in your computer, it’s likely worth the expense.

In general, computer software requirements are the reason why computers need to be replaced. Software keeps getting more demanding and requires faster, better computers. If you never upgrade your software, your computer can last as long as you need it to.

Laptop or desktop, which Is better?

If you’re looking for a new computer and still don’t know where to start, one of the most basic questions to ask is “Am I looking for a laptop or a desktop?” Here are a few questions to consider that will help you narrow down your selection.

• Will you work from a single location, or will you move around?
• If you purchased a desktop, would you also eventually purchase a laptop?
• What will you be doing on your computer? For example, if you’re going to do a lot of video editing and producing, you’ll need a lot of memory – you may be better off with a desktop.
• How big is your workspace? A laptop fits nicely in a corner of your desk or even in a drawer when you’re not using it. However, a desktop enables you to have speakers, a dual monitor setup and just about anything else you’d want to add to the ‘puter.
• Laptops generally feel more fragile so if you’re inclined to drop things, maybe a desktop would be a better solution.
• Will you be the only one using your computer? A desktop can’t travel from room to room with each person using it.
• Do you have wireless internet? With a laptop, you don’t want to have cords coming into your computer from all around the house. Wireless is almost a requirement.
• How much do you have in your budget? Laptops are generally a bit more expensive though the price is coming down on comparable laptops.
• Are you environmentally conscious? Laptops generally use less energy.
• Laptops are portable but they’re easy to steal.
• Desktops take up a lot of space but they generally have better performance than laptops.

Finding a reliable computer retailer

By now you may have narrowed your decision down and decided what you need your computer to do. You have maybe even chosen a specific computer you want to buy. Now it’s time for your next important decision. Where you’re going to buy your computer? Here are a few considerations when choosing a reliable retailer:

• Look for a retailer who has a good customer service reputation. If you need to return your computer or you have questions, you want to be able to speak to a person who can and will answer your questions.
• Look for a retailer with the best prices. Sometimes retailers offer specials and it pays to stay on top of store specials, promotions and sales. Whether purchasing your computer online or in a brick and mortar shop, you can usually save money.
• Look for a retailer with a reasonable return policy. Computers break and the last thing you want is a lemon that you can’t return.
• If you’re shopping online, only buy from websites with privacy protection measures in place including secure online payment procedures. At the payment page, look for the little padlock in the corner of your computer screen and https in the URL.
• Find a specialized computer retailer. You don’t want to buy a computer from a store that specializes in televisions: you want choices and knowledgeable sales people.
• Purchase from a store, online or off, where you feel comfortable, valued as a customer and respected. There are too many retailers out there to shop somewhere that makes you feel uncomfortable.

Computer extras and add-ons

Computers can come with a number of options and add ons. How do you decide what is necessary and what is a waste of money? Here are a few guidelines to consider:

• When it comes to memory or performance add ons, like 1 GB versus 4 GB, always purchase as much as you can afford. That’s money well spent!
• Monitor size. Here you can save money. Unless you’re a designer, produce videos or have a job where you really need a large monitor, a standard monitor is fine.
• Warranty. Many computers come with a one year warranty, with more years as an option. Most experts recommend not buying a warranty beyond what comes with the computer.
• Drives. Your computer will come with at least one drive. You can often upgrade to two or more and you can determine the drive’s capability, like do you want a DVD burner drive or a really nice Blue Ray disc writer? It depends on what you’re using your computer for. You can buy external drives at a later date should you need one.
• Pre-Installed software. If you’re going to use it, then paying a little extra for pre-installed software makes sense, because buying it separately is usually much more expensive. But don’t pay extra for software you doubt you’re going to need.