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Buying Your Computer

 

 
 

 

 
 


When you  decide that you want to buy your computer, you also have to decide on the system you need and whether it will satisfy your computing needs.

Some suggestions of what you may want to do with a computer would include:

  • Surfing the Internet

  • Sending and receiving email messages

  • Downloading music

  • Sharing digital images

  • Making telephone calls 

Having decided that you definitely need to buy a computer, you now have to choose between a desktop PC or a notebook or laptop computer

The desktop PC is still a cheap computer when compared to the laptop but the laptop does offer some advantages like being easily portable. 

If the computer is just to be used in the home, then a desktop PC should be the choice but if you travel a lot and need to have access to a computer, you may decide on the laptop

If the laptop is the one of choice, then be prepared to spend more for a good system.

Some laptop choices are given below:

 
 Portege R500-S5001X - Toshiba Laptop

 
LifeBook N Series Notebook - From Fujitsu
 

Compaq Presario C700t Customizable Notebook PC

Compaq Presario C700t Customizable Notebook PC

Buy this configuration now or customize and price your own Compaq Presario C700t Customizable Notebook PC -- direct from Hewlett-Packard.


MacBook Pro 15-inch - 2.16GHz Intel Core 2 Duo

MacBook Pro 15-inch - 2.16GHz Intel Core 2 Duo

15.4-inch MacBook Pro with 1GB RAM, 2.16 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo processor, and built-in iSight and more.


You now have to decide on whether you will be buying a system already built or building your own cheap system.

To really get a cheap complete computer, you may want to focus on getting a basic one.  Refurbished computers are also great bargains and they usually come with a basic warranty.                        

You can buy a complete system and save yourself the headache of trying to build one from scratch.

Remember that if you buy a complete system, you will benefit from the following:

  • Your system can be set up and running in about 20 to 30 minutes;

  • All components will work right out of the box;

  • You will receive a warranty which often covers in home service;

  • Systems usually come with lots of software along with user manuals

Many of the major manufacturers such as Dell and Sony, have guides with colorful pictures that show you step-by-step how to set up their systems.

It has become standard practice for manufacturers to include color coordination on their systems.  These color codes simplify the set up process by showing you specifically where and how to hook up the system.

Much of the software included  with these systems is free.  You will benefit from using software that may include programs that will allow basic video editing, music production, and archiving files along with numerous games for your pleasure.

 

Disadvantages of Buying Your Own System

Some of the disadvantages of purchasing a complete system could range from you not being able to find a system within your price range, and also not being able to have upgrades done at a later date.

These complete systems are usually highly specific in terms of their internal components.  If you try to change or replace any of them, you may have compatibility issues.

You have to be very careful when purchasing a complete system.  What often happens is that individuals end up with a computer that have a lot of features that they never use.

My advice is to think seriously about what you want to accomplish and buy a computer that fit your needs.  I really would not suggest that you buy a computer first and then try and figure out what you want to use it for.

 
 

You may want to do some additional research on just how you may want to go about building your own system. 

I recommend that you look at some published material to assist you in your research.  One such recommendation is very high on the list—Computer Shopper Magazine.

 

 
 

 


I highly recommend this magazine because it is easy to read and it presents a lot of information on various computer configurations and systems that you can buy.

You can order a subscription, purchase individual issues or visit the nearest branch library to have a look.

Click here for more recommendations.

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