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Wednesday, 02 December 2009 11:24 |
I have been asked by a lot of people what kind of computer to get. Here are my recommendations for a everyday computer that the basic family would probably need. I have already written a quick laptop recommendation check our past articles for that. This page is a bit more in depth. Also check out the recent study we found showing laptop and netbook warranty claims. Toshiba came out best but they all were pretty bad. 1 in 3 laptops break within the first 3 years.
Laptops and desktops used to be worlds apart but for a basic everyday computing I really give the same recommendation on both. So this page will give you an explanation on every component and hopefully help you shop during the holiday season.
Take a deep breath it seems like a lot, it isn't. Look at the bold items and read on for an in depth look at each part
Laptop vs desktop
If your laptop is going to get chocolate milk spilled on it and get knocked around get a desktop, you'll thank yourself later. They do offer liquid proof keyboards, so a desktop is virtually indestructible while a laptop is more fragile. Laptops are mobile pcs, that means compromises, they have more difficult time with heat and ventilation and aren't meant to be used 24 hours a day. While they can be used and abused don't expect them to last as long as desktops. Desktops are also easier to upgrade then laptops. Laptops are usually more expensive as well for the same type of quality.
Desktop - more durable, cheaper price.
Laptop - mobile, more versatile.
Netbook - great little devices for just internet browsing, poor quality expect to have a lot of tech issues. I would wait until next year for a netbook or mini computer.
What Company to get? Base your decision on Tech Support. Google your model number for known issues
I'm going to let you on a little secret here, no company makes the parts that are inside the PC. All they do is put it together, put there name on it, and give you tech support. Nvidia and ATI make graphic cards, Intel and AMD make processors, seagate, maxtor make the hard drives, etc, etc. There are a few like toshiba that do make hard drives but for the most part there simply distributors. So therefore i never purchase products based on the parts or warranty claims alone. I base my decision on tech support and value. Usually in the past Dell has had the best value between all categories. Really its just up to personal preference. I will say one thing though is that dell usually doesn't have the nicest cases and hp and toshiba have the nicest fit and finish, but there still intel processors and seagate hard drives inside. I would do a quick Google search on any laptop model to see if there has been any known issues though. Specifics models of almost any computer equipment have been known to have consistent problems. I've had laptops with bad ventilation, desktops with bad network cards and printers with bad usb connections. So do a quick Google search "HP inspiron e1505 common problems."
Online or In store: Both
Take my recommendations, go online and find your perfect PC. Pick out all the options and find the right price and the right company. Its a big purchase do your research. I usually find that the online sales are usually longer and not as crazy as the in-store ones. So once you find your ultimate PC look at the in store sales and if you see a similar PC for cheaper then buy it. The online stores are much easier for picking your PC and finding out about all the options you can have. The in-store models don't really show you options and are pre-configured. Since I'm so picky i usually can't find something i like in the stores so i always buy online, but someone who isn't so picky may find a great deal at a store. If you buy it at a store it still has the same manufacturer warranty online, plus the store warranty. Don't let a salesman tell you sell you something that i don't recommend or you don't want. Do your research and bring your online papers.
Components:
Operating system: Windows 7 Home 64 bit
Windows 7 is what vista should have been. Windows 7 doesn't have the same driver issues that vista had and its much more streamlined. Windows 7 will actually run on your windows XP machine or on the new slim netbooks. Personally unless you just have to have it, i just don't recommend apple, i believe they are overpriced and because you have to use apple certified components there expensive to fix. Whatever operating system you get make sure its 64 bit. If its not 64 bit you
can't fit enough memory into it. The max for non 32 bit
operating system is only about 2gb which these days is not enough. For windows they have 3 different flavors home, pro, and ultimate. There is no reason to get the ultimate and the only reason to get a pro is if you need to connect it to a domain at work. If you need this option you'll know what a domain is. So most people Home is just fine.
Processor(CPU): Intel core i5 or similar quad core Intel processor
At this point in time I don't recommend AMD processors, with all of there restructuring last year they have fallen behind as a chip competitor. Although some things they have in the pipe look impressive, so this opinion might change on your next purchase. This is coming from a AMD guy up until recently. The core i5 or i7 series of Intel processors are by the far the best, they control heat and energy better then any other processor. They have plenty of cores so they can do multiple things at once. Don't think that you don't do multiple things at once, you do. 3 websites open, music playing, IM and your folders. Thats 6 things and your not even doing some hardcore work. The core i5 series are for the everyday user while the core i7 series are for more power hungry users. These core i series are relatively new and manufacturers are going to try blowing out there lesser processers, so i wouldn't be suprised if these aren't the major sales items. If the core i series hits the wallet to much, make sure its a quad core processor from intel.
RAM or memory: DDR2 3GB
Memory is what fills up with actively used programs. Its like the top of your physical desk at home. While relatively small you can quickly access what your working on and its not crowded with whats in storage. 3GB should be plenty for the average user and because you got 64 bit OS its easy and cheap to upgrade later
Storage or hard drive space: "just click next" - 500GB 7200 rpm SATA 3Gb/s hard drive
Hard drive space is what you store your non-active files and programs in. I compare it to a filing cabinet at home. While its not as quick as your desk to grab and look at stuff its exponentially bigger at storing items. Any computer you buy today is going to enough space for the average user. With 1 TB (1024 gigs) drives coming in at less then $100 it's very easy to upgrade or add on later. If your looking for money to spend a faster hard drive can help speeds things up and if you have a digital SLR camera and video a larger drive may save you from a headache in the future.
Video upgrade: yes, always get a moderate video card update
The standard video cards just don't cut it. You don't have to go crazy but the $50 upgrade to an ATI or NVidia card will go along way with playing youtube videos, netflix streaming and overall speayiness.
DVD drive/optical: 1 DVD RW drive
Bluray drive is not really needed unless you know you need it. A rewritable DVD drive is what you will need. You can play DVDs and also put pictures and movies on a DVD disc and not a CD, a CD these days is just not big enough. Plus these can burn Cds too. Unless your going to be doing a lot of coping of cds or dvds you don't need 2 drives
Wireless: N
If you have a laptop then wireless is a must, I mean that's why your getting a laptop, mobility. I would spring for the wireless N. Its cheaper to get it now then later and the extra distance is a real godsend sometimes.
Floppy: NONE
I would be surprised if this option comes up but delete it. Floppies are so 1990.
Sound: "click next"
Stick with the basics, unless your going to be playing games and plugging this into your new cool stereo you don't need a sound upgrade, the stock sound card is plenty
Periphals and attachments
Mouse: optical
Don't get a ball mouse, i would be surprised if this is even an option but a corded optical mouse is just fine. If you want to spring for wireless then go right ahead its a nice option. Also you don't need multimedia buttons, nobody ever uses them. If there on a laptop though, they are nice. Unless you need some really precise movements, a laser mouse is just added gadgetry.
Printers: make sure its networked or wireless
Printers are usually straight forward. If you print books everyday get a laser printer, if you don't, get an inkjet. If you print pictures, stop! Go to Walmart, your wallet will thank you. The only real option to look for is to get one that is either wireless or has a network jack in it. You can connect multiple computers and in this day and age a family is going to have more then 1 device that wants to print. Plus these printers are usually about the same price as non network ones. The all-in-one printers are a ncie option and are usually a sale items. 2 years ago i got a HP all-in-one photosmart with a network jack for $125 and its still going strong. If you don't need a scanner then don't get it, its just more reason for the thing to break.
Software:
Office Suite: FREE or Office 2007 if you must
With Google docs and Open Office, paying for an office suite is just not a must anymore. Also most companies offer Microsoft office installed on a home PC for free. So checkout Google docs, open office, or your IT office before paying for this pricey part.
Security: FREE
Don't buy any security software, i repeat don't pay for security software. Microsoft now has a free product along with panda and AVG. Paying for virus protection is a thing of the past. Checkout our recommended products section for tips on security software.
Other stuff to think about
Warranty: think about it, if its a laptop
The standard warranty is fine for a desktop. If it's a laptop and is going to be in some horrid environments it may be worth the extra money, this is your choice and its a toss up. I never get a warranty on anything ever, except cars, but that's me.
Cables: Monoprice.com
If you want extra long cables or something don't get them from any other place then monoprice. You can get a high quality 6ft HDMI cable for $5, need i say more.
Backup device: USB thumbdrive
Its not a bad idea to keep those baby pictures on another device so if your hard drive goes bad in 3 years your memories aren't lost forever. Get a USB thumb drive for pretty cheap and use that. You can get gigantic thumb drives today for less then $50. Probably 32Gb for that price. So get one and drag and drop some important files into that every once in awhile. I have put thumb drives through the washer and dryer and have driven over them and they still work. After that abuse there not pretty but they work.
Tech support (hint: your on a tech support site)
I'll give you one guess ...
Use me. Take the link at the top that says tech, and checkout our tech support website. You can even click the call button at the top to get a hold of Mr. Steimel himself to come checkout your PC. I'll beat any store tech support anytime.
If there are any other questions feel free to contact me and i'll do my best to answer you. You can also leave comments on this article by logging in.
Thanks to dell for your xmas shopping picture and checkout them for some great deals
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