subject: Tips To Keep In Mind When Buying A Computer [print this page] Some people have an easier time when purchasing a computer than others and seem to know what they want. Most of us do not know what we should look for and what constitutes a good computer purchase. This decision is important because we do not make this purchase often and we are looking for a computer that will last for a long time. Here are some tips to keep in mind when buying a computer to reduce your confusion or insecurities about the purchase.
What makes this decision even more difficult is that there are so many choices available by many computer manufacturers. Who do you go with and why, when buying a computer? Which is the best? The responses to these questions are subjective but you need to perform some bit of research and due diligence.
Choosing the Right Computer
1. Budget
The first step is to create a budget and try to stick to it unless it makes sense to increase or reduce your budget after looking at the selections on offer and your computer needs. With the current economy, we are all trying to save a buck or two and most buyers do not usually end up paying full retail price. There are various discounts and promos offered by merchants. You also need to include the maintenance costs, service costs as well as insurance in your budget.
2. Peripherals.
You need to buy a computer that includes the basic peripherals which include the CPU (central processing unit), monitor, keyboard and mouse. If you are a novice, it is probably best to buy all four components. If you are getting a laptop, you may not include a mouse purchase.
3. Computer Use
Determine what you need the computer for and make a computer purchase accordingly. If you simply need a computer for online web browsing, sending email, basic word processing, a computer with the basics discussed above will be sufficient.
If you have more complicated or sophisticated computing needs you may need to add a scanner/copier/printer, tablet, camera, microphone, speakers, etc.
4. Comparison Shopping
A smart buyer comparison shops for the computer that has the best features such as a fast processor, portability, fastest modem, memory size and capability, best hard drive capacity, etc. There are newer models on the market all the time encompassing the latest technology advances which will ensure that you are able to use the computer for many years to come that meets your computing needs.
5. Well Known Brands
Common or well known brands are probably the best way to go since they usually have the best support that you need if you experience any problems with the computer. They also are more technologically advanced than little known brands.
They also will have a long proven history with computers that you can tap into when or if needed. If you ever decide to sell the computer, you will have a much easier time with a well known brand than a little known brand.
