When it comes to acquiring the best possible computer, it’s not always the technical aspects that you must consider. It’s also your needs that you must think about. You may need a model that has a solid state drive in it, for faster, quieter access or a small screen to conserve space.
Are you interested in watching movies on your computer? Or do you need something you can use to check your social media updates on? With the many different computer prices and specifications, this guide should help you decide what sort of computer you should go for, based on your needs. So continue reading for my best PC buying tips.
Rules When Buying a PC
When it comes to acquiring a new system, it’s always important that you purchase one that you can afford, but meets all your needs. Technology is for ever improving, which means, your brand new system will go out of date very quickly. Thus, it’s best that you buy a system that has the fastest CPU, most RAM and largest hard drive that you can afford, as that will ensure that it will last as long as possible.
Beyond these various components, you must also think about the many different features. A high performance graphics card is not necessary, if you do not intend to play computer games on your computer. If you’re not going to watch Blu-ray movies, then you do not need a Blu-ray drive. Most of the computers you find today come with their configurations fixed, which can make things somewhat more difficult, especially when you know the exact components you would like in the computer.
You should also consider getting rid of those extras, as that can usually save you a good penny. And for the tower PC, if you get rid of a component today, you can always acquire it later, as and when you need it.
All-In-One PCs
These types of PCs are fairly common nowadays, often referred to as AIOs. All the components for this PC exist within its slim monitor. AIOs are most ideal for those who would like to save space. Less cables means less clutter as they only need one plug and require very little to actually setup. They also come in an impressive range, from your more expensive Apple iMac to your more budget Windows system.
Pros
- They are small and compact.
- Size makes them versatile.
- Very common nowadays, which means a lot of reviewed models.
Cons
- Less control over the actual specs of the computer.
- Fairly heavy to pick up and move.
Timing Is Everything
Missing out on a deal can be quite frustrating, just as, purchasing a system at a particular price only to find a better one the next day at the exact same price, can be. In order to not get caught up in these traps, you must do the necessary research. Black Friday can be the best time for you to find that deal, but PC vendors are always launching different sales, all year round. So take a peek around at the different PC vendor sites, do comparisons, and don’t be afraid to hold out for a week or two, just in case there is something better out there.
To be sure that you’re getting the most bang for your buck, you must take the time to read. If you have a particular brand that you like, then take some time to find announcements on new products that haven’t yet been launched. That way, you can give yourself the time to either acquire the new component or get the best possible deal for the previous generation of the component.
Storage Space
Storage space is measured in gigabytes (GB) and terabytes (TB) with one TB equal to 1,000 GB, these measurements are of course used to determine how much data your storage device can hold. Photos, documents, movies, applications, all of these things take up hard drive space. The bigger the drive, the better, usually, although solid state drives (SSDs) are more expensive than your typical hard drive, and have considerably smaller storage capacities. However, what they do offer is much faster loading times and a completely silent performance.
Processors
The processor is basically the computers brain. Generally, the more gigahertz (GHz) a processor has, the faster it is. Choosing the right processor can be very complicated today, with all the multi-core processor configurations. The more cores a processor has, the better, as such CPUs are able to handle more complex tasks. The processor can be pretty expensive and can easily increase the overall price of your computer if you decide to splash out.
RAM Memory
Ram is unlike your storage space, and thus should not be mistaken or confused with it. Essentially, your RAM determines the amount of short-term memory the system has, while hard drive space represents long-term memory. The more Ram you have in your system, the quicker the load times and the smoother the transition from different programs. 4GB is about standard, but you should definitely consider more if you can afford it.
Monitor
When using a computer, the screen has to be one of the more important components, coming in a variety of different setups, whether it is a desktop solution, AIO or mini all-in-one PC. When you purchase an AIO, the screen is already setup for you, but when you buy one of the other solutions, you are required to go out and purchase a screen separately. Generally, you’ll want one with a resolution of around 1,920 x 1,080 pixels, as the more pixels, the sharper the image quality. That said, on a smaller screens, the optimal screen resolution may be much smaller.
PC Ports and Drives
One thing to consider, especially when deciding whether to purchase an AIO, desktop or mini all-in-one solution, is the DVD drive, which is something the all-in-one solution and AIO may not come with. When it comes to the ports, you want as many as you can find. Bearing in mind, a minimum of two is required for both your keyboard and mouse. USB 3.0 is faster than USB 2.0, so that’s another thing you may want to look out for.
Now that you have a general idea of what to go for, you should be able to go out there and acquire that ideal all-in-one solution.
AUTHOR INFO
Uchenna Ani-Okoye is a former IT Manager who now runs his own computer support website www.compuchenna.co.uk.