What points should I keep in mind while purchasing a computer?? What attributes should I look for????

Answer 1

It all depends on what you're using your computer for. I think RAM is one of the biggest points, 1GB is almost becoming standard, so if you can get 2GB for a decent price then I would go for it. If you're planning on using your PC for music stay away from the integrated audio card if possible. Same thing with gaming and video cards. If you are a gamer I would look at a 3.0Ghz dual core processor or higher. Hope this helps.

Answer 2

Processing Power-Anything over 2 ghz in speed is fine...for every day use, if you plan on playing games more is better!!


Storage Space-Laptop, 40 gig is typical, desktop shoot for 160 gigs

Memory Requirements-Laptop with dedicated video 512mb is fine, shared video jump up to nothing less than 768. Desktop, never settle for anything less than 1 gig..this is the magic

Video Requirements-Laptop, almost always has integrated video, follow the rules above with regards to memory if this is the case. Desktop-This is where you separate the men from the boys!! Buy the best card you can afford !! You can ALWAYS upgrade it later. If you are a gamer a NVIDIA 7800 will make you very happy...don't worry about SLI right now...too many problems still exist, not worth the headaches!

Laptop- Try to budget $1,000 min

Desktop- Try to budget $1,500 min

Software: MS Office will kill you! Don't ever buy it with your computer, purchase the Student and Teachers edition elsewhere or the OEM version and save hundreds!

Make sure you get a good Antivirus (McAfee/Trendmicro) and NEVER GO WITHOUT WEBROOT SPYSWEEPER, this is the best $30.00 you have ever spent and will save you hours of headaches.

DVD Writer..if you can't afford dual drives buy a all in one DVDRW, you can always add a second drive later!

Enjoy!

Answer 3

Wise decision to ask! Most people just go buy anything and wonder why it doesnt do what they wanted it too. First of all, set down and write on paper what you want to use it for. Gamer pcs need hi end video and lots of ram. If you are just wanting internet access the dell you see advertised for 300 bucks is a good way to go. Keep in mind that it may not be upgradeable if you decide you want something more. If you want an upgradeable pc make sure it has enough space to add ram, extra bays, processor socket that will accept futre processors, agp slot, etc.

Answer 4

1) What you are going to use it for

2) Processor Speed (note that higher is usually better but not always)

3) RAM (More is better)

4) Maker (If pre-built, go with Dell. If you want to buy parts, then you probably know who you want. Sidenote: DO NOT go with E-machines, Gateway, HP, or any other computer you can buy in a non-specialized department store like Wal-Mart)

5) Peripherals such as CD/DVD Drives, Floppy drives, sound cards, video cards, etc. Make sure you have the drives that you are going to need to use.

6) Hard Drive size. Bigger is better, but do not go too much overboard. Few people use a Hard Drive bigger than about 80GB for general use, but you can get a 120GB pretty cheap now and it should suffice for ANYTHING that you will need it for.

7) Monitor size and style. Size in inches measured diagonally. If it is a CRT monitor, sheck the viewable screen size. If it is LCD then you do not have to wory about viewable screen size, it is the same size as the screen.

That is most everything I think for a basic computer. I am sure you know to check the keyboard and the mouse (go for an optical mouse if you can) and the speakers (I love my 3 speaker set for mine). Just be sure that it has what you need for your most demanding programs and that it is from a reputable company and you should be just fine.

Answer 5

Look at how much ram it has. Nowadays you would want at least 512mb. You might not need to go any higher on a laptop, but around 1gb for a desktop. Get at least a 40gb hard drive. Processor speed is not quite as important, but a 3ghz processor is good enough, dual core processors would be around 2.0ghz. These are acceptable. I would go to you local, not a bestbuy or other local chain, and ask the salesperson what you need. They are fairly good. Then look around for prices.

Answer 6

I would say first and foremost... What you are going to be using it for? And next would be how much you can spend?

If you aren't doing much past surfing the net, reasearch papers, or things of that nature then the cheapest Dell computer would suffice.

Beyond that comes gaming and multimedia applications which take more planning. Faster processing power (and BUS speed), more ram, and more storage.

Answer 7

What exactly will you be doing on the computer? Will you be creating spreadsheets, PowerPoint presentations, typing up letters, etc. In other words, what will your specific needs be?

Answer 8

Ask the question what exactly you want to do with your computer before you ask the question you've asked.