Looking for a New Computer? Start Here-

[awild1]

I see a few ppl on the forum who are looking for recommendations on computers. Instead of jumping right into brands or the best specs money can currently buy, I thought I would take the time to share a little guide that I have come up with by my own experience buying computers as well as helping friends do the same. This guide is meant to ask the right questions to help you determine your computing NEEDS, so you can pair down the vast majority of configurations available.

#1 - Portability: Where are you going to use this computer? Mostly at home, or work, do you NEED to have it on your person at the coffee shop, in class, or on the go? Here's Why: the answer will help you decide Notebook or Desktop. Notebooks are hot and portable, but come a higher price for the same performance as a desktop.

#2 - Usability: What are you specifically going to use the computer to do? Browse the web, play your music collection, use MS Office, etc? Here's Why: Surprisingly, It doesn't require a relatively powerful computer to accomplish MOST tasks. The biggest offenders to computer resources are extensive image editing, current gen gaming (i.e. gorgeous First Person Shooters or Massively Multiplayer Online; I'm not talking about minesweeper or Flash games), 3D graphics creation/Animation, and Video Editing. So if you have no plans on doing any of those things, it greatly reduces the power needed and in turn the cost of the machine.

#3 - Scalability: The consensus would say that the average computer lifespan is about 5 years. Looking ahead, what will you be in the market for at that time? Will you want to clear off the slate with a whole new machine or will you plan to upgrade the existing machine? Here's Why: The big manufacturers would all like you to just buy a new system every 5 years because they will make more money off you. Notebooks in general are difficult. if possible, to upgrade, and the big brands will on purpose engineer their hardware to stunt upgrades, HOWEVER if you do some homework and get an upgradable system, in due time you stand to gain the far better, rejuvenated system for cheap. The answer to the best scalability is to find someone you trust to build you a system or to build one yourself. Of course I understand that most are not willing to do this, but it is worth it to consider the options.

#4 - Priceability: Probably the most important of all is how much cash you can fork over. Tech is perpetually getting cheaper to manufacture all the time, so that means the same system you buy today will in 6 months be a lot cheaper to buy for the next guy. Knowing this, there is always a bit of a sweet spot on price where you'll receive the best bang for your buck. This dollar amount all depends on what your using the computer for, the sweet spot of a high end gaming machine will be different than a mid range notebook. The best weapons in your arsenal here are tech blogs, forums, and sites like Dell's that let you configure the system yourself and see how much all the different components cost. That way you can at most times plainly see where the prices hike way up there.

That's it, the more you dwell on these guidelines, the more likely you are you purchase a system that suits your needs and doesn't give you sticker shock. Also you are now better equipped to communicate to us or the sales consultant what you are looking for. Good luck!