Write Down Your PC Requirements First
Write down what you want to do with the computer. Do you want
to do simple word processing and Internet work? Do you want to
learn how to program? Do you want a computer for the entire
family? Do you want to print beautiful family photos and send
them to everyone? Write down what you want to do.
Configure Your PC on a Piece of Paper
Sorry, you'll need to make a checklist on your own. But
include these issues: Monitor, VRAM, printer, speed of computer,
amount of RAM, modem (no, you'll want DSL or cable), type of software,
type of keyboard, type of mouse (right or left, 2 button, 3 button,
peg, or glidepoint). Those are some things that come to mind.
These days, if you're a total novice find a knowledgeable friend to
help you. Otherwise, you're already experienced and think you
know how to buy another PC.
Monitor
Buy the biggest monitor you can afford. I would recommend
buying a good, big flat screen monitor for a variety of reasons.
Choose at least a 17" monitor. You'll be glad you did.
15" monitors are silly in this day and age. Your eyes will thank
you. Your kids will thank you.
Try to choose a flat screen monitor. Why? It's not just
cool it's logical. Have you ever tried lifting a 17" old
fashioned monitor from the main floor of your house to the top floor?
It's hard on your back. Just ask the UPS guy. He or she
are glad that computer companies are selling flat screen monitors.
Your back will thank you.
Delay or Buy
the Best Printer you can Afford
Strange advice. Here's what I mean.
If you are an intermediate user of computers than you don't need my
advice on printers. You will do what you want to do anyway.
If you are buying your first computer ever you probably don't have
a printer already. Buying a good printer is another area that
requires research. If you are a novice researching a computer
and a printer you might never buy anything.
Unless you know exactly what you need in a printer, I would advise
just buying the inexpensive black printer that will probably come with
the computer. Use the inexpensive printer until you find out
what you really want to do. If the black printer came with the
PC it probably isn't worth more than $150 anyway.
When you do realize that you need a top quality color printer that
can handle wide sheets, brochures, and double-sided prints, then you
can research printers. I went to a couple of local computer
stores and wrote down the model numbers of printers that interested
me. Then I went to
www.epinions.com to research what everyday people thought about
those printers. It worked great. I found a printer that's
been working fine for almost 2 years.
CPU Speed,
RAM, VRAM, Hard Drive
Sorry for the buzz words. If you don't know what they mean
it's time to do some research on the Internet.
But I can give you this piece of advice: "Buy the fastest
computer you can afford." Even though computers are somewhat
upgradeable, the cost of the technician will equal the cost of the
parts. So buy the fastest PC you can afford.
Do you have grade school or high school children? They will
need a fast computer to use some of a computer's most complex
applications: their games. Do you want to mix music for
your part-time rock and roll band. Then you need speed. Do
you want to use email, surf the Internet, and do some graduate school
papers? Then maybe you don't need blazing speed.
When NOT to Buy a PC
Do NOT buy a PC on a weekend or during December? Why?
Because you'll feel rushed and won't get top service.
When the
salesperson tells you it's the last day of the sale, just laugh.
You can always find a PC that's theoretically on sale. Don't
respond to their pressure in this area. (By the way, a good PC
salesperson is terrific. You just need to know how to find one.)
When you are doing your initial research, leave your checkbook and
credit cards at home. This prevents impulse buying.
Should you
buy on-line or from a store? I could go into this for a few
paragraphs but having had horrible experiences with major vendors
buying through the Internet, I recommend going to a store. Yes,
there may be a sales tax. I would rather pay that and have the
convenience of returning to a store with my PC if I need help.
That's All
I know this wasn't the magical checklist you wanted for buying a PC
and printer. But whether you know it or not it was good advice.
Good practical advice.
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