Computers are essential tools today, and if you are out there buying a computer, it may seem daunting with all the latest bells and whistles. There are a few fundamental things everyone should look into before buying a computer. Here are some quick tips from our team of experts on what to look for when buying a computer.
Buying a Computer on Budget?
The newest trends and models of computers are usually pretty expensive. So, if you are on a budget and money is a concern, the large sticker prices on new trends can be daunting. But, don’t be fooled into thinking that the only computers worth looking at are those with gigantic sticker prices. There are plenty of seasoned items that are not past their prime. The key to finding an older computer model that will work best for you and in your budget is to do plenty of research on the models you are looking at. Buying a computer that’s a few months or even a year old will still get you a great tool and save you money.
Research Everything Before Buying a Computer
Do the research before walking into a store. The salespeoples’ jobs are to help you find what you are looking for but they also want to try and sell you on all the bells and whistles. So, go prepared before stepping into an electronics store or calling a salesperson online. Find the make and model you want, know the add-on options that you want and do not want. Manufacturing websites have all this info readily available. So, pop online, dig around and make sure you know exactly what you are looking for.
CPU & RAM
CPU and RAM are the two most important components of a computer.
The computer’s processor unit (CPU) is how fast the computer will run. This is essentially the brain of your computer. The higher the CPU, the faster your computer will be.
The random access memory (RAM) is data that is stored instantly regardless of where the memory is stored. RAM is milliseconds fast and is linked to the computer’s CPU.
The latest CPU and the higher the RAM, the more expensive the computer will be. Most manufacturers give you an option with how much or how little RAM you may want, and this will change the price. But in general, looking at an 8gig computer is the minimum that we would recommend. Especially for Windows computers, which will put a lot of items into memory that it needs and stay there. Anything less than 8gigs is okay if you are on a budget, but the experience won’t be as enjoyable.
Other Things to Keep in Mind
Aside from the CPU and RAM on a computer, research the hard drive. Usually, a computer with 120GB is enough, but that depends on what you are going to use your new computer for. If you are going to be saving large files like videos or recordings, then you may need more room on your hard drive. You can also research an external hard drive to help keep the cost of the computer down.
Are you into gaming or do you work as a graphic designer? Then you will want to pay close attention to the graphics card on the computer you are looking at. Most computers that are designed for visuals will have this information front and center. If you are a gamer, make sure you know if the games you play are demanding the latest cutting edge graphics cards, and be ready to upgrade often.
Last, but not least, the screen on the computer. How big do you need your screen to be? The larger the screen the more can fit on it. LCD is the standard right now and 20 inches or greater will give you a wonderful computer experience.
Our experts at Creative Computer Solutions Inc. are here to make your business technology work anywhere, all the time.
