How to... Shop for a computer

Buying a computer - what you need to know

Author:  Paul Landers

Your computer needs to provide you with a few years of trouble-free, daily use and so, when shopping for a computer, you really need to have a longer-term view in mind.

Firstly and foremost, you should decide whether you want a laptop or a desktop computer. It really is a matter of personal preference and finances. As a general rule, laptop computers are more expensive than equally configured desktops. They are far more convenient in terms of portability (I often watch television while working or playing with my laptop sitting on the arm of the couch). They are able to run on their in-built battery, greatly contributing to the convenience of their portability. Desktops however are far more accessible in terms of their internal components. Replacing hard drives, graphics cards, sound cards, adding more memory etc is far, far easier to do in a desktop than a laptop (and far cheaper).

Five years ago I would have said that desktops were my personal preference. In those days I enjoyed fiddling with various graphics and sound cards. These days I tend to fiddle more with software than I do with hardware, so my requirements to get inside the computer enclosure have all but gone away. At home we have three laptops that “talk” to each other using a wireless home network (wireless so that we can move our laptops around without having to worry about wires).

In terms of what they do, and given that they are correctly configured for your individual requirements, there is little difference.

Consider your potential use/s of the computer and write them down. Visit a few computer stores, discuss your uses with a salesperson at each store and see what they recommend. Don’t be talked into any particular brand just yet! Look at the configurations (speed, amount of memory, amount of disk etc) of the computers that they recommend. Is there a consistency? For example, is there a consistent recommendation that you add more RAM (or memory) to the computer because you plan to edit the family videos on it? And, because video files tend to use larger amounts of disk space, that you should consider a configuration with a larger disk? Compare, compare, compare.

Next, wander through a few computer stores and look at the computers. Picture, in your mind, sitting in front of them and using them – do you like the screen clarity, its brightness and legibility – does the keyboard feel comfortable to type with – does it come with a screen and keyboard or are they extras that you need to accommodate in the price. What software does it come with? Does the whole package “feel” right for you?

When you have a general feel for your wants and needs, then (and only then), begin looking at brands. Warranties vary between brands so check carefully. If it breaks under warranty, where is it fixed? Locally? Interstate? What is the store’s policy? Do they assist you getting it to the repair base or do you have to get it there yourself?

I recommend looking at prices last. In computing, you get what you pay for. These days, anyone who can plug components together can make and sell computers. And they can do it relatively cheaply. The price (alone) of a computer doesn’t make it a good buy. It has got to be reliable and suited to your purposes for buying it. I believe in buying the best that I can afford, not necessarily the cheapest I can find.

For me, and after being burnt many times over the years, “brand” names are better (I did say “for me”). Brand name manufacturers have reputations to uphold and so they don’t tend to take shortcuts for quicker profits. They also know and understand that each time a broken computer comes back to be repaired under warranty, a significant portion of the profit they made on the sale of that computer is greatly eroded. Brand names cost more (“just for the fancy name embossed on the case” – I’ve heard variants of that saying time and time again) and there’s no argument there. But, for me, that "fancy" brand name embossed on the case is my insurance policy. And I’m willing to pay for it.

Here's a list of the items you'll need to be familiar with when looking at computers:

Monitor:  Laptops come with inbuilt screens (though you can also add an external monitor to them) so ensure the screen and its resolution are pleasing to your eye. Desktop computers usually come with a choice of monitor (at varying prices). If your budget permits, a Flat Panel monitor should be your preferance, ideally a 17inch or 19inch monitor. Ensure you see the monitor working in the store and that it's pleasing to your eye.

Keyboard:  Again, laptops come with inbuilt keyboards (though you can add an external keyboard to them). Your desktop package should come with a keyboard that you should be able to change if it doesn't suit you. There are many types of keyboard and some have multi-media control capabilities (volume control, next track control, previous track control, etc). Regardless of the "extra" functions your selected keyboard provides, it should feel comfortable when you are typing on it - after all, that is what you will mostly use it for.

Mouse:  Laptops have some form of mouse capability, either "button" or "touch pad", but you'll no doubt want to add an external one. In selecting a mouse, regardless of the extra functions it may provide, it should feel comfortable to use. A laser mouse is a preferable choice. Stick with brands like Microsoft or Logitech.

CPU (or processor):  Processor speeds are measured in GigaHertz. Faster processor speeds mean faster computational power. Therefore the higher the number in GigaHertz the faster the processor. Remember - larger numbers are better.You can read a more detailed article about how your computer works here.

RAM (or memory):  RAM is measured in Megabytes and Gigabytes. Most computer "packages" are under-configured with RAM. As a general rule, as far as RAM is concerned, more is better. Your minimum should be 512MB. 1 GB or more is better, depending on your budget. It is cheaper, and far more convenient, to add additional RAM when you're buying a computer than to add it later. You can read a more detailed article about how your computer works here. Also, you can read a more detailed article about RAM here.

Hard Disk Drive:  Your storage capacity depends on your intended use of the computer. Sound and image files are large so if you're planning to store a lot of music, photos and/or video, you'll need an appropriately large amount of storage. For everyday use you'll not need as much. For everyday use, select a Hard Disk Drive around 60GB (or more). For sound and image storage, select significantly more. Hard Disk Drive speed is measured in access times of milliseconds. Lower milliseconds mean faster access and therefore faster performance. You can read a more detailed article about how your computer works here. You can also read a more detailed article about Hard Disk Drives here.

Optical Drive:  Also known as CD and/or DVD drives. You must have one of these, preferably inbuilt to your laptop or desktop. A CD drive which "burns" or "writes to" CDs is a minimum choice. If you plan to watch and/or burn DVDs you should get the appropriate DVD drive. Most home users should select an inbuilt CD drive which can "burn" or "write" CDs.

Networking:  Your new computer should have an inbuilt 56Kb (Kilobit) modem as well as a network (or Ethernet) port. Additionally, if you're planning to install or use a wireless network, your computer should have wireless (Wi-Fi) networking capabilities. With the rising popularity and accessibility of wireless networking, Wi-Fi capabilities should be one of your considerations. If you're buying a laptop and plan to use it as a portable computer, Wi-Fi capabilities are a must.

Ports:  Ports are the connection points into which you plug external or add-on devices. Your computer should have a monitor port, a parallel port (for your printer), a modem port, a network (or Ethernet) port and a number of USB ports.

Sound Facilities:  Most computers come with inbuilt sound facilities. If you're planning to do anything more complex than simply listening to music and/or videos, you might need to consider a Sound Card upgrade. For most home users, the inbuilt sound facility is more than adequate.

Video Facilities:  As with sound (above) there are specialised video cards that should be considered if you're planning to do things like video editing. If you're an average home user, the facilities your new computer comes with should be adequate. As with RAM, where there is a choice, more video memory is better than less.

Cables: Not all computer components come with cables. Check whether you need to purchase any additional cables.

If you're buying a laptop, you'll need to check that the weight of the unit and its battery capacity suit your requirements. As a general rule, you should expect to get a couple of hours use out of a fully charged laptop battery. It you require longer battery-powered use, you may need to get an additional battery.

Software:  Other than the Operating System, there is no "standard" suite of software that comes with a new computer. It's a good idea to pre-determine any software you need and see if you can "bundle" it with the hardware "package". You may be able to save some money by doing so.