What to look for in a computer?

Question

I am going to get a new computer and I was wondering if anyone could tell me what to look for as far as RAM or memory or gigs or whatever, because I have no idea about any of that stuff.
I use the computer mainly for surfing the net, music (burning/ripping cds & using Ipod), photo stuff (digital camera & photoshop) and using Word.
What would you suggest in a computer for me, because the guys at Best Buy are very unhelpful.

Answer 1

First I would recommend the higher end 20 " iMac. They really leave PC's in the dust and they can run Windows (when Mac OS X Leopard is released in October).

If you're looking for a PC, however, you can get a decent one from Dell or HP (I'd recommend getting an HP since Dells are pretty crappy). Here's what you need:

-Intel Core 2 Duo with 2.0 GHZ or higher/AMD Athlon X2 with 1.6 GHZ or higher for a processor
- 1 GB RAM
- 150 GB or more hard drive
- 14-20" LCD screen
- 128 MB VRAM (sometimes known as the GPU or graphics card; I recommend 256 MB VRAM)
- DVD±RW/CD±RW Disc Drive
- Firewire 400 and USB 2.0 ports
- Windows Vista Home Premium/Windows XP Home Edition pre-installed
- Wireless ready (Bluetooth and Wifi pre installed)
- A decent printer (something from Dell, Cannon, HP, Epson, or Lexmark will do)
==OPTIONAL:
Extended warranty (Windows is a CRAZY operating system; you have to babysit that operating system all the time. With an extended warranty, however, you can call in to Dell/HP tech support for little to no cost for an extended amount of time)
- Anti Virus/Anti Spyware program suite (I recommend products from Norton, McAffee, and/or PC Tools)
- Webcam
- Wireless (Bluetooth) keyboard and laser mouse (which is also wireless)

Good luck on your next computer purchase!

Answer 2

When searching for a new computer you have to take into account what you want to do with the system. In your case, music, photos, etc. So you need a computer with at least 1GB of RAM memory, a 2GHz processor, a larg hard-drive for storage, and a good video card for photo editing. A CD/DVD burner combo is best, one for your cd burning and using the DVD burner for backups.

Don't buy anything from Best Buy. Goto dell, or other company and custom build one.

Answer 3

Dual core 2 processor, 2 GB RAM, 128 MB or 256 MB graphics card if you play games and use PC for photo or video editing with some latest softwares, 120 GB hard disk so that you can store good amount of songs.

Answer 4

ok go to tiger direct.com you want a dvd/cd burner combo 512or higher memory 120gig hd just so you have plenty of space prosser id go with a 3.2ghz or higher this will speed up burning time on dvd's amd based prossers have a faster front buss speed but a good deal would be one with a cereron D 3.2 or higher they will be less expensive pc and will work greast for what you want to do just make sure they have enough usb ports but most come with 4 in back and 2 in the front to run all the extras

Answer 5

I won't communicate approximately diverse manufacturers because of fact each and each has that's very own aim industry or following. even regardless of the undeniable fact that, while it comprises the diversities between computers, Laptops and All-In-Ones, i might could say that a computer is a thank you to pass. all the climate are (in many cases) waiting to be upgraded and with a computer unit the ability, inclusive of the heating and cooling is on a thoroughly diverse point.

Answer 6

Because you use your computer for very small tasks, go for the cheapest new computer you could find. Newer machines aren't sold with less than 512mb of ram and a good processor anymore, which is more than enough for what you're doing and running windows xp.

Just make sure it has a DVD-rw drive ( so you could burn cd/dvd's )

Answer 7

As far as memory 1-2 Gigbytes in memory for running your multimeadia applications...and 150 Gigabyte Hdd will be plenty of storage.

Answer 8

This is what I would recommend
1GB of ram no less than 512mb
3Ghz processor no less than 1.8Ghz
250GB Hard drive no less than 120GB and preferably SATA drive
DVD-RW drive
19" LCD Monitor

and lastly don't buy an Emachine or anything really cheep like that.

Hope I helped

Answer 9

It seems like you looking pretty much average computer.
This should work for you -http://www.dell.com/content/topics/segtopic.aspx/tv?c=us&cs=19&l=en&s=dhs&keycode=6Vc94&DGVCode=TV
Not sure if the Best Buy the best place to buy they usually over charge people but it won't make much difference if you going to get from office depot, directly from dell or whatever.
They all using pretty much the same parts.

Cheers, DS