Logo Cover Page Personal Finance Wellness and beauty food and household Green Living Education and technology Leisure
     
Ad
 
 
 
Personal Computer Buyer’s Guide Go Back
 
 
If you’re in the market to buy a new personal computer, there‘s new industry information you need to know before whipping out that debit card. Constantly declining prices coupled with always-improving technology means now is a great time to buy that first computer or if you’re like most of us, upgrade to your second or even third system for more speed, more functions, or more desk space.


There are a lot of feature decisions that you can delve into including graphics, networking, expansion, speakers and audio, weight and size that can make buying a new personal computer for non-techies more of a pill than ever.   But whether you opt to purchase an all-in-the box model to simplify matters, or decide to build your own system by selecting components, you need insight into the latest and greatest features so your system isn’t technically obsolete before you exit the store.  Here’s new information on the basics (operating system, processor, monitor) that you’ll want to know to find one that’s just right for you and your finances. 
 
Operating System
There’s a version of Microsoft’s dominant operating system to match the specific needs and budgets of most buyers.  If you’re in the market for a mainstream desktop or laptop, Windows Vista has a system for most buyer’s budgets and computing needs.  Vista Home Basic, Vista Business, Vista Home Premium, and Vista Ultimate are each slightly different. 

Home Basic is the least expensive but offers little beyond the basics including Windows Movie Maker and Windows Photo Gallery.  Vista Business adds remote access and support of system imaging; Vista Home Premium comes equipped with the Windows Media Center and Windows DVD Maker.  Vista Ultimate offers all these features as well as encryption for stronger security.
For most home users, the Home Premium version offers the best balance of price and features for everyday tasks.  If you want Vista Business, prepare to add about $100 to the Home Premium price.  For Vista Ultimate, you’ll need to add about $130.

If you want a super-small and super-cheap laptop, check out the Dell Inspiron Mini or a similar tiny deskbound “netTop” that have attractive prices usually less than $300, laptop mobility, and features that people who like to play games really enjoy.

Processor
The big processor news for 2009 is in desktops.  Intel introduced Core i7 with features such as a new 32-bit nanometer manufacturing process; an integrated memory controller and graphics processor.  It will take a while for the Core i7’s advantages to find their way into every PC makers’ desktop lines and laptops will take even longer to integrate the Core i7, but there’s no lack of choices for CPUs out there.
If you want a desktop with respectable power at a reason price, Intel’s Core 2 Duo or AMD’s Athion X2 processors fit the bill.  Most two-core CPUs cost under $200 but if paired with the right amount of memory and graphics card, you’ll get all the processing oomph you need. 

If you have more than $200 to spend, a four-core chip will give your processing capabilities an even bigger boost.  CPU’s with Intel’s Core 2 Extreme are the fastest quad-core chips available but you’ll pay big-time for all that speed.  You’ll only want to consider a four-core if you’re seriously into playing games on your computer.
 
 
KWIK TIP:
Pay attention to the number of external expansion options such as USB ports for connecting mice, keyboards, iPods and other devices.
 
 

On the mid range laptop side, look for systems that support Intel’s Centrino 2 platform, which offers the highest bus speeds and new features for enhanced HD playback and wireless support.  Laptop gamers should consider notebooks equipped with Intel’s Core 2 Extreme series of CPUs for four cores of processing power.

Displays
Whether you have your sights on a laptop or desktop, you’ll have to decide how much screen space you want.  Get a slightly larger monitor screen that you think you’ll need – once you discover how handy a big display can be, it’s hard to go back.  A good starting point for a desktop PC is a 19-inch widescreen display, which provides ample room for comparing documents side by side or displaying both your web browser and your email program onscreen at the same time.
If you’re into movies, remember these numbers:  1920x1200.  That display resolution, whether on a desktop monitor or laptop screen, will let you watch high-definition video and Blu-ray movies in their full glory.  For desktops, that resolution tends to be available with a 24-inch monitor; on laptops you’ll need at least a 17-inch screen.

Warranty, Service and Support
Any computer regardless of size is an investment. Make sure you get the most for your money by paying attention to the warranty and service coverage for your new PC. Most systems come with a one-year warranty but offer the ability to upgrade to a longer coverage with better service. Service plans vary in price but expect to pay around $200 for an additional two years of protection. Some programs include online backup. It can be a real lifesaver if a catastrophe hits whether a power surge, electrical storm, or an overly curious two-year old. Your data will be safely stored and hence recoverable.
Today’s Internet and the WI$ER User >>
Personal Computer Buyer’s Guide >>
Learning 2 Count >>
MO’ BETTER, Student Loans >>
Web Design Career >>
   
 
 
 
Side Banner