Q. I want to buy a new computer but am very confused as to the array of choices out there, please can you give me some advice on what to look for when buying a new computer or Laptop.

Ans. 1. Buying the Least Expensive System: We all want to save money when buying stuff, but with computers this can lead to problems. Often times the spectacular deals offered on systems have hidden caveats that users are unaware of. A common deal was low cost computers if purchased with a year of ISP service, but if you don't use the year of service, you don't get the rebate. The most common issue though is older outdated systems sold for minor savings instead of spending a bit more to get a dramatically better PC. Always price compare and look at the individual components to be sure that it really is a good deal and not last years tech at low low prices.

2. In my opinion computers that have Celeron and Turon processors should never be bought . They are too slow and frustrating when multitasking. Core 2 processors are recommended and in the case of Laptops Centrino Processors would be ideal as they use less energy and do not heat up as much as AMD processors and some intel pentium ones.

3. With the New vista operating systems that are shipped with new computers these days (sorry this is not good news for hardcore XP die hard fans) Microsoft have developed a rating designed to tell you how fast your computer will run. The Windows Experience Index measures the capability of your computer's hardware and software configuration and expresses this measurement as a number called a base score. A higher base score generally means that your computer will perform better and faster than a computer with a lower base score, especially when performing more advanced and resource-intensive tasks. So the next time you buy a new PC, in Vista Right click my computer > properties and see what the rating is.



4. 2000 MB otherwise known 2GB of memory: The biggest mistake most people make when purchasing a new computer is that they fail to get one with enough memory. In fact, many people discard perfectly good computers, thinking their computer isn't powerful enough when the problem is they just need to add more memory. If you purchase a computer with Windows Vista and it only has 1000 MB or 1GB of memory, buy at least another 2000MB or 2 GB and have it installed, we can do this for you, It will make your life so much easier. Please remember Vista 32bit machines will only be able to handle a maximun of 3GB of Memory..

Have the latest and greatest processor but not enough memory to run your applications? What about having enough RAM to run you programs smoothly but not enough drive space to store your programs and data? This is something that consumers have a hard time judging as they might not know their needs until they start using the computer. The problem is that with some computers these items may be hard or impossible to upgrade. Always try to research and be sure you are buying what you need now or that it has the ability to be upgraded in the future. Nowadays plump for at least 200Gb Hard disk space for Laptops and 500Gb for Desktops.



5. Look for dedicated Graphics cards rather then integrated. Integrated graphics card share memory with the RAM. A dedicated graphics card makes a big difference to system performance, they come with a lot more features that normally integrated dont come with. Like 3d capabilities. Also dedicated graphics cards have their own processor, integrated uses the system processor, decreasing system performance. If you do decide to budget and buy an integrated Graphics card purchase plenty of Ram to compensate for not having a dedicated Graphics Card. 

 

6. Check your new PC\laptop comes with a reinstall CD of XP or Vista or at least a Restore CD in case of crashes or unrecoverable errors which result in the Computer not starting. This is a common mistake new computer users make before they purchase a brand new computer because they are not aware how important such a CD is until their computer crashes.

 

7. After you buy please do not forget the Administrator password and as a result not being able to log on at all. Before this happens and believe me please don't let this happens to you, make sure you create a password recovery disk, always remember your password or create two admin accounts with different passwords that you can remember.

So to sumarise look for a laptop with the following specs: Intel core 2 or core 2 centrino (or higher), 2gb Ram or higher, at least 200gb Hard disk, 3 -4 USB2 ports, wireless. If your budget permits , a dedicated graphics card. All the rest should be standard i.e. DVD writer and SD card reader. Last of all avoid buying Acer laptops because of relaiblity problems.
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