When purchasing a computer, it is essential to keep several things in mind when shopping for one, such as the monitor, operating system, hard drive space and memory capacity. Furthermore, processor speed will determine how quickly your machine runs.
Before visiting a computer store, it is wise to conduct preliminary research so as to find the ideal machine for your specific needs.
1. Determine Your Needs
Before beginning your computer search, it’s essential that you determine exactly the kind of machine that suits your needs. There are countless models on the market ranging from basic laptops to powerful gaming machines; to help narrow down your options, it may help to write out a list of non-negotiable requirements for an IT solution as well as those features which would be nice but aren’t necessary—such as features deemed desirable but don’t need to be included in your new machine.
For instance, if you need a computer for work purposes, it will likely need a powerful central processing unit and ample memory (usually 8GB or 16GB is enough).
Other things to keep in mind include what type of display you require—from full HD monitors and ultra-wide screens to optical drives such as DVD burners or Blu-ray players—as well as whether or not a laptop or desktop is best suited to you and which operating system would best meet your needs.
Always bear in mind that desktop computers tend to provide greater value for your dollar than laptops and are usually less costly as well as being more durable in comparison. They’re ideal for frequent users on the move who require mobility.
2. Decide on a Budget
Computer markets are highly diverse, offering devices at various price points. To avoid buyer’s remorse and ensure that you find an ideal computer for you within your budget, establish one before beginning to shop and compare prices at major retailers such as Best Buy or Target as well as online platforms such as Amazon or NewEgg before considering direct purchase from manufacturers.
Decisions on whether you will buy a laptop or desktop PC should also be carefully considered. While laptops offer flexibility in portability, desktop PCs provide superior performance at lower costs with greater upgrade and customization opportunities compared to their counterparts and tend to cost less overall—not to mention less likelihood of damage during transit!
Your next decision will involve selecting either an Intel or AMD processor and how much memory is necessary. A basic model with 4-8 GB of RAM should suffice for daily tasks; for creative work a high-end CPU and dedicated graphics card are recommended. Finally, look out for ports and connectivity features like USB and HDMI ports to complete your purchase.
Bundled systems may seem more economical than purchasing each component separately; however, be wary of “list” prices on manufacturer websites and comparison shop before making your decision. You’re likely to find similar configurations at other retailers for better prices.
3. Shop Around
Once you know what kind of computer you want, shopping around should begin immediately. With many different computer models to choose from and many computer manufacturers offering multiple configurations of their machines available to them, shopping is sure to produce many options that may meet your particular needs better than others. For instance, if your needs only include email and social media use, an affordable gaming machine with high-end hardware may suffice compared to one intended for creative projects or intensive computing tasks that might need additional specs. Many computer manufacturers provide several configurations of machines, so be sure to look before making your final purchase decision!
Considerations should also be given when searching for computers, whether new or used is desired. New computers tend to be more costly; however, they usually come with warranties and will less likely to become outdated sooner.
Many computer stores will offer bundles that include a PC, monitor, and various accessories at an attractive price point. While this may save money in the short term, it’s also important to make sure you only pay for what you actually require; for instance if a printer is unnecessary, it might be more cost-effective to buy an individual PC and utilize your existing monitor instead of paying for an entire bundle that might go unused.
4. Make Your Purchase
Technology moves fast, and keeping up isn’t always easy. Computer hardware terminology may be confusing or even confounding for those without advanced degrees or an interest in tech; but there are some basics you should keep in mind to maximize your purchase experience.
Central Processing Units (CPUs) are key in determining how fast your computer performs. Look for CPU models with two digits following their name – 10 or 11 would be ideal. Memory should also be an important consideration – for apps or games you plan on installing, consider getting 16GB or more; otherwise 8GB should do.
Selecting a computer type is another essential choice to be made based on either personal or business needs. Many organizations opt for laptops because of their portability, while some prefer desktop computers because of their performance and versatility.
Some companies opt to purchase used and refurbished machines in order to save costs, and it is wise to conduct extensive research before making a purchase decision. You can find preowned and refurbished computer options online via eBay or at stores such as Target or Best Buy with standard 90-day warranties available; for office purchases it may be more economical to invest in longer-term maintenance contracts instead.
