Looking into a new computer...?

Question

I plan to use it for Internet, writing, digital photography, and music. What options do I need to look for ? How much memory? How much should I expect to spend? It's been a really long time since I've purchased a new computer so all the new terms are confusing me and I don't know what I need. Help!

Answer 1

OK, you're pretty much doing the same things I do, so here is what I would do. Clock speed is important. I would get a computer with at least a 2.6 ghz or faster clock speed. Next is RAM (random access memory) - I would go with at least 1 gig of RAM (more doesn't hurt). The hard drive, I would recommend at least 100 gig - more is better here too. Look for one with a DVD burner and a built in digital camera card reader. Make sure that it has at least 4 USB ports (more is good here too). The graphics card should be at least 128MB video. I would opt for a flat panel monitor (this is more luxury than anything). I would recommend staying with a name brand like Dell, E-Machines, HP, Compaq, etc.. Get one with a recovery disk - there are some out there with no recovery disks - if you crash a hard drive, you will end up with no software. Good luck on choosing one.

Answer 2

For the above things you mentioned... Internet, writing, digital photography and music... you do not need the top of the line computer. The person at the store will trick you into thinking you need to spend 3000$. Well you don't. I would say 512mb ram should be enough. You can always upgrade ram yourself as well as harddrive space. Anywhere from 50gb to 200gb harddrive should be enough. Monitor size is your preferences. CPU also your preference. If I were you, I would purchase a decent valued computer and invest more in a really nice monitor. The top of the line computers nowadays are really only needed for gaming. Although the top of the line specs are nice they can put a dent in your wallet. The slightly older computer will be more than adequate and will be much more cost effective in my opinion. Good luck and happy computing!

Answer 3

I feel your pain - computers have so many new, obscure terms... but the basics will help you...

The more RAM the better (get 2Gig). MS Vista is coming out and will need that to run nice and smooth.

Processor Intel v. AMD (they both work - buy the highest speed you can afford)

Note: FSB (front side bus) it's the path between the CPU and RAM - get the highest number.

Video card (make sure you get a separate card - many low-end machines have their integrated card) but what happens if you need to upgrade??

Sound card (again separate card- for the same reasons)

Check out the number of USB ports that are in the front. With Digital photography, music, etc, you'll want to 'plug in' with convenience.

A nice starting point is to go to Dell and look at the machines that are about $1000 (not 'selling' dell, but just see what they have)

good luck

Answer 4

1) first deciede what you processor you want to buy , AMD processors are a very good choice and they can stand up the intel but for sheer processing power I dont think anything can beat the intel core dual processors
2) Since your computer is for mostly basic applications you can have a 256 DDR RAM at the least but it would be advisable to have 512 RAM so that if you install a lot of applications your system wont be sluggish
3) Go in for atleast a 80 GB harddisk
4) For speakers you can go in for creative speakers

hope it helps

Answer 5

1 GHz 32-bit (x86) or 64-bit (x64) processor1.
2 GB of system memory.
Support for DirectX 9 graphics with a WDDM driver, 128 MB of graphics memory (minimum)2, Pixel Shader 2.0 and 32 bits per pixel.
300 GB of hard drive capacity with 15 GB free space.
DVD-ROM Drive3.
Audio output capability.
Internet access capability