There are lots of options on computers, and comparing them online or in a store can be time consuming and frustrating. It’s always best to know essentially what you want before shopping. This will help you define what will work best for you.
Questions to Help You Define What You’re Shopping For
Now that you know some of the lingo you’ll be seeing during computer shopping: Here are the questions you’ll want to answer, and they will help you more narrowly define your choices.
Questions to Help You Define What You’re Shopping For
Now that you know some of the lingo you’ll be seeing during computer shopping: Here are the questions you’ll want to answer, and they will help you more narrowly define your choices.
- Portability:
Do you want a Desktop or a Laptop? There used to be the assumption that if you wanted real power, you’d choose a Desktop, and if you wanted to be able to do some of your things on the run, a laptop. That is no longer true. With improving technology able to perform more functions in smaller spaces, you can find Desktops (often called Small Form Factor) the size of a regular box of granola bars, or All in Ones that are basically a computer built into a monitor. If you aren’t picky, typically the same specs in both a laptop and a desktop would render the desktop the better price bargain. If you are looking at a Laptop, you’ll want to consider Screen Size (typically 12”, 15”, 17” or 19”), and whether or not you want a Touch Screen. These are also called laptop 2-in-1s, and most often allow you to rotate the screen to use as a tablet, or to stand up in a tent-like position for presenting. - Peripherals:
Finding units with DVDs may take a little more searching, so it’s important to know if you need one before purchasing a new computer and looking for the DVD slot.
For things like Printers, many older ones have the 13-pin screw-in type connectors. If your computer has one like this, you probably won’t have much luck finding a Laptop with a VGA (video) connection, and may need to focus on a Desktop. If you’d prefer a laptop, you can purchase a little connecter that will receive the VGA plug, and have a USB output so it works on a laptop. Do you need a speaker plug? An SD memory card slot? Several USB ports? Take a look at your current machine’s back side and see how many things you’ve got plugged in there. You’ll want at least that many in your new computer.
A note about USBs: you will see information about USB 3.0. That is the same USB that you’re familiar with, with greater bandwidth for data. It’s faster than USB 2.0, which was faster than USB 1.0. USB 2.0 has been the standard for about 15 years, and most machines now will have both. I recommend using USB 3.0, because that is the new standard that will last several years. - What kinds of things do you use your computer for today?
If you use Microsoft Office, for example, you’ll want to consider whether to purchase a computer with Office pre-loaded, or purchase Office separately (this would be a download). You could also opt for the monthly subscription with Office 365, which comes installed with a free trial on most new computers. If you don’t need Office, there are other options like Open Office or Google Docs that can do most of the main Office functions. - What kinds of things can you see yourself doing on your computer in the future?
Some of these things might be: doing more online homework, streaming more videos, HD videos, watching digital tv, maybe some video editing. Your new computer will need to grow into the things you might do in the next 5 years. - Where do you want to shop?
Once you have your computer needs identified, you have purchasing options. My preference is to look online, (try Amazon, Best Buy, Apple, NewEgg, Dell, Asus, etc). If you find something that you like online at one location, do a search for that model number to see its prices at other stores - they may try to price-match. Retailers like Amazon and Best Buy usually provide the same warranty, guarantee, repair and return policies as the computer manufacturer, so your shopping options extend beyond just the manufacturers' websites. – so sometimes (often) they are more economic that way. If you have a membership to bulk stores like Costco or Sam's Club, you can find members-only special pricing. Wherever you decide to shop, ordering a computer online usually will come with free express shipping. - What kind of Optics do you want in a Monitor?
Whether a new monitor, or for a laptop screen: HD / 1080p used to be a pricy extra; now it is standard. If you want a sharper, crisper image, you can choose Full HD (a bit more pixel density) or 4K (Ultra HD or UHD). The greater the pixel density, the better the image, but higher the price, and shorter the battery life (if a laptop).