Before You Buy A New Computer... What To Look For In A New PC

Rely On The Experts

First of all, the 2 websites I turn to the most for expert computer advice are:

• CNet (under "reviews" click on Desktops or Laptops)
• PCWorld (simply click on Laptops or Desktops)

They have all of the latest research, reviews, opinions, and prices for practically every make & model of computer available.

So I'd start by reading through some of their "basic tips" on the subject of buying a new computer. Then, when you've got some general idea about a few specific computers you'd like to explore, check out their detailed reviews on various brands, makes & models.

If You Want My Personal Opinion...

There are two big differences in the types of users and therefore the types of computers that will suffice for one person and not the next person.

They are:

(a) "those who want a solid, reliable machine that is also upgradable over time and loaded with shortcuts & power tools, the ability to have a lot of programs open at once, and a place to store & manipulate lots of digital photos."

-vs-

(b) "those who just want to check e-mail and get on the internet once in awhile."

If you're (a), then I can't recommend anything other than a Dell. We've purchased 4 of 'em (a desktop and a laptop for Jim; and a desktop and a laptop for me). Our Dell machines are far better than any other computers we purchased before (HP, Pionex).

Plus, Dell's tech support is really good. (Others might disagree, but we've always had good luck It might have something to do with the fact that we bought our Dells through their "business department", so we go through a different route to get different tech support people).

And, to top it all off, at the Dell website, they've always got specials going on -- good sales that seem to make sense.

If you're (b), then I'd probably get an HP at Walmart or something. That's what my mom did, and she's been relatively happy with her HP. Plus, the HP we had before our Dell computers always treated us well.

Just know that you don't get any bells & whistles from most of the computers available at department stores. Plus, they tend to dummy-down things a bit for novices and junk up the computer with lots of unnecessary programs and 'safety features' that you really don't need.

Customer support is basically non-existent (or really bad) on these types of computers, and you usually don't get any software to "reinstall" things if your system should crash or something like that.

For what it's worth, here's what one "computer repair expert" says about computer brands:

From a repair tech point of view, stay away from HP, Compaq, Emachine, and any manufacturers that won't give you the ORIGINAL CDs for all the installed programs and OS. The above names are also hard to upgrade/expand because of their PROPRIETARY hardware/software. I'm not a fan of Dell or Gateway either, but more for their poor customer service. I like Toshiba in the laptop department, and Acer in the desktop department for actual hardware." Source

What Are The Minimum Requirements?

In general, the biggest thing is this:

• Get the most RAM you can afford (...at least 512 MB, unless you're running Vista then 1GB is the minimum)

and...

• Get the biggest hard drive you can afford (...at least 100 gig, but 200 GB is better)

Digital pictures take up a lot of space. As do games and other programs you might want to download just for the heck of it.

Here are a few more tips for buying a computer from Kim Komando (aka "the digital godess").

Which Windows Operating System?

I can't offer a shred of information about Windows' newest operating system (Vista), because we haven't tried it yet. Our machines are all running Windows XP at this time.

All I know is "old" programs are sometimes not compatible with the new Vista operating system. So if you have some old favorites, you may want to think about that. Meaning... you may need to purchase the upgrades for those programs in order to use them on a computer running Windows Vista.

For the most part, the majority of new computers are coming preloaded with Windows Vista these days. And I think most people are quite happy with it.

File this under "good to know"...

Microsoft now says security support for XP Home and XP Media Center Edition will end 2 years after Vista's release. Support for XP Professional will continue for 7 years after Vista's release." Source

Desktop or Laptop?

I would also encourage you to think long & hard as to whether you might want a laptop instead of a desktop. Most people's inclination is to get a desktop model to use as their primary workstation, but as people and technology are becoming more and more "mobile", people are switching to laptops as their primary computers these days.

As I mentioned above, Jim and I have one of each, but then again, we're on the computer 24/7 and our careers are computer-based.

When It's All Said & Done And You Have Your New Computer...

Here are lots of important programs and computer shortcuts you'll want to look into right away!

Wondering what to do with your old computer? Here are some creative uses for old computers -- including tips before you donate your old computer to someone else.

UPDATE 8/29/07:
For what it's worth, the top 3 laptops recommended by Good Housekeeping (July 2007) are:
1. Star tech: Acer Aspire 5630-6672 for $999.
2. Best value: Toshiba Satellite A135-S4427 for $900
3. Great entertainer: HP Pavilion dv200z for $1,035