How to buy a new computer

So you're thinking about buying a new computer, but either haven't before, or would for some other reason like to know how to do so (or at least how I think you should do so)? OK, I'll share my thoughts on the matter, which are not authoritative, but it's at least a start.

When to buy

I heard someone say on the radio, that the time to buy a new computer is when you NEED a new computer. Well, since very few of us truly need a new computer, I suppose you could say "When you have substantial reasons to strongly want the use of a new computer." i.e. not a whim. i.e. not because you are frustrated with your old computer. So buy a new computer if you have such reasons, and don't have an old one (yes, the majority of the world, and loads of people in the United States and every other large "developed" nation do not own computers), or your old computer cannot be upgraded to perform as you need it to. (More on upgrading in a later blog.)

What to buy

I've always bought PCs running Windows/MS-DOS, but believe that there are very good reasons to strongly consider a Mac, or a machine to run Linux (which would also be a PC initially). Some reasons for this are better security, more customizable/different user environment, ethical/ideological reasons, etc. But, if you have strong compatibility needs with other Windows PCs (i.e. you need to run MS-Access, like me, or share files lots and have bought the MS software already), read on.

Computer Component Basic

There are 3 major components to a computer which you need to understand before beginning. These are the basis for controlling your computer, and therefore affect everything your computer does.

Processor: This is the "brain" of your computer. It does the thinking for you. Intel Pentium is a line of processors, as is Intel Celeron. AMD Athalon is another. There are all kinds of special bits of expertise one could have about processors, but for the beginner, the most important piece of information is the processor speed, which is measured in Hertz (Hz). This is a measure of how fast your processor can do a series of tasks. Now, processors are fast enough to be measured in Giga-Hertz (GHz), or 1,000,0000,000 Hz. Yes a bunch.

RAM (Memory): RAM is "Random-Access Memory" something that few computer users remember from their days of learning about operating systems and the like. This is the amount of "speedy short-term storage space" that is avaible to your computer when it is thinking about a lot of things at once. I like to think of RAM as a large table capable of holding a lot of items. When you open a program, the program has memory needs that it buts on the table-top. The more table-top space you have, the more stuff your computer can think about at the same time, because it can easily see and reach everything on the table. So, while a faster processor makes your computer faster, more RAM also makes your computer faster, as the alternative to using RAM (the table-top) is to use bits of your hard drive (a filing cabinet) which is a lot slower to use and retrieve. RAM is measured in bytes, or nowadays, millions or billions of bytes, which are Megabytes or Gigabytes (MB or GB). A byte is a series of ones and zeroes that stores the data; the more bytes, the more memory.

Hard Drive: this is the large, permanent storage area for your computer. This is where your digital pictures stay, your programs are saved, your word-processing letters are kept, etc. You can think of this as a filing cabinet, which is deep and has many folders, but is a bit harder to get at (slower) than the table-top. But it holds a heck of a lot of data. Hard drives, like RAM, are also measured in Bytes, generally Gigabytes (GB) these days. The more hard drive space you have, the more space you have to store a lot of pictures, videos, software programs, data files, etc.

Note: I prefer not to use the term Memory unless I have to. The reason is that most computer geeks use the word Memory to refer to RAM, while the average person thinks of Memory as hard-drive space. Confusing, so I use either the word RAM or hard-drive depending on what I'm talking about.

Monitors: While this is not a "core" component for a computer, as it connects to your computer most of the time (not in laptops or most Macs), I have to delve into it a bit. Monitors can make or break your computer purchase. There are 2 types of monitors currently that are widespread. The conventional CRT (Cathode-Ray-Tube, same as your TV, unless you have an LCD or plasma TV) is a cube-shaped device you will probably recognize. Some have perfectly flat screens (which is good), while others have some curavature to the glass screen (which isn't good- it distorts the images). Then there's the LCD screens, which are basically a laptop screen, encased in a stand for people who want something that takes up less space. These do take up a great deal less space, but they take up several inches of depth, a bit more than some people expect. They are also much more expensive than the CRTs, and sometimes (strangely) have lower resolution.

Resolution is the number of dots (or pixels) that your screen can display. Older machines can only display 800x600 pixels, or even less. Modern screens can be widescreens (giving dimensions in a different shape than 800x600). The more pixels, the clearer images can be. It also means most of the stuff on your screen will be smaller. You can adjust resolution on your computer to display at less resolution (bigger). You pay more for monitors that have higher resolution, especially in laptops and LCD screens. Screens are also measured for size, which is the diagonal measure from upper right to lower left corners. Flat panels usually measure the entire visible image, whereas CRTs include a bit of space that isn't really part of the screen. My 15" laptop Flat Panel is barely smaller than my 17" CRT monitor.

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On to the store!

No, not quite. I think it's very useful first to ask yourself and write down on a piece of paper the needs you have for a computer (see above). Do you want to write emails and surf the web? Do you have certain programs you'll be running? Do you have access to another computer (at a friend's, the library, your workplace, an internet café) that does these tasks adequately? Then look up the specs (Processory, RAM, and hard-drive) for those computers and WRITE THEM DOWN. It's easy to remember, but even easier to forget! This will serve as a guideline for what type of computer you might need.

How do I find out the specs on a computer. Good question! The processor information is sometimes hard to find. On Windows computers, go to the desktop (close or minimize all windows or press the Windows Key (left of the spacebar a bit) and M to minimize all windows). Right click on "My Computer" (not there? then go to the start menu, look for my computer and right click on it there) and select properties. It may list the processor and speed under the general tab, and should list the RAM (which may seem a bit lower than you thought it was). To find out how big a hard drive is, double-click "My Computer" and it should show a listing of hard drives, with their total size.

To check your monitor resolution, go to start menu -> control-panel -> display. Under the settings tab, it should show you your current screen resolution, and the different options available to you if you want to change it. Get out a ruler and measure the diagonal screen size to see what size screen it is, approx.

Now, on to the store!

Well, sort of. It's a good idea to check things out online, if you can. Several reasons to do so. #1 most manufacturers sell directly online, so you can avoid the middle man. #2 pesky sales agents don't pester you. #3 you can customize your system in lots of ways, something not usually offered at stores. #4 you can compare a lot of options more quickly.

So, I'd try a few sites first, like Dell and HP/Compaq and maybe even IBM. Mac users can go to Apple's website to shop there. Then I'd make a chart that lists the various computers, with the various components (more than just the first 3), and see what starts to make sense, like this:

Computer Brand	Model	Processor	Speed	Hard Drive	RAM	CD	floppy	monitor	speakers	modem	price	rebates	tax	shipping	TOTAL net cost
Dell	Dim B110	Cel	2.53GHz	40GB	512	CDRW	no	17"CRT	no	y	419	50	25.9	99	493.9
Dell	Dim E310	P4	2.8Ghz	80GB	512	CDRW/DVD	no	17" FlatPanel	yes	y	649	0	33	24	706
Compaq	SR1020T	P4	2.93GHz	80GB	512	CDRW	no	17"CRT	no	y	690	100	34.5	65	689.5
HP	a1110y	P4	2.2.93GHz	80GB	512	CDRW	no	17"CRT	no	y	589	100	33	99	621
Dell-small bus	Dim 1100	Cel	2.53	40GB	512	CDRW	no	17"CRT	no	y	369	0	20	24	413
Dell-small bus	Dim 1100	P4	2.8	80GB	512	CDRW	no	17"CRT	no	y	590	0	31	24	645
Dell-small bus	Dim 3100	P4	2.8	80GB	512	CDRW	no	17" FlatPanel	no	y	640	0	33	24	697

Note about CD/DVD players:
Type of CD/DVD player/recorder (ie CD only, CD writer (CDRW), DVD & CD Reader (DVD ROM), or DVD/CD reader/writer (DVDRW))
If you want to watch DVD movies on your computer, you should get a DVD ROM, at least. If you want to backup data onto a CD (a good idea!) you should get a CD-RW (reader & writer). All DVD players will also play CDs, there's no need for a separate drive.

Tricks of the traders:
They love to advertise a computer with a "perfectly flat monitor" and show you a picture of a plat panel monitor. Don't be fooled. Look for "flat panel" words if you want one. Also, rebates are still taxed, and you need to fill out the forms and send them off- many people don't do this, which is why they still have rebates and don't just give an instant discount.

Go through the whole process online if you find a good deal, until you can see what this shipping is (DON'T ENTER CREDIT CARD INFO YET, as you can't buy the thing until you do).

It may become pretty obvious where the best deal is. Or, as in the above example, 2 types of computers emerge. Above, there is a more top-of-the-line computer for at least $600, then there are entry level computers in the $400s.

Final tips and thoughts

Note that "an extra hundred bucks" is 25% of the cheaper models above and 16% of the more expensive ones. It's a serious percent of the price, so careful not to load up on too many "extras" as your computer will suddenly be much more expensive.

Customizing computers online is great, because you can see how much each option costs. An extra $20 for more hard drive is probably worth it. An extra $200 to double the RAM is probably not, if the current amount will work for you. You can always upgrade RAM and hard drive later. You can also take components like CD-ROM, Modem, Mouse, Keyboard, Monitor, floppy drive, even hard drive, from another computer.

Computers have generally cost about $1000 for decent entry level computers since as long ago as I can remember looking at prices. That's changed recently as hardware has plateaued. My 4 year-old computer is still about the same as the cutting edge. But my 9 year old computer was already a dinosaur 5 years ago. Things are slowing down a bit with hardware, which is good, it means you don't have to keep buying new computers. The manufacturers have adjusted by cutting prices to entice users to buy. They no longer have as many users for whom their old computers are obsolete.

Laptops are great if you NEED to take your computer somewhere else to work. Most of the time, that place needs to be indoors and with an AC-plug if you want to do anything for any length of time. Add WiFi (internet) if you need to be online, and your options continue to shrink. Laptop disadvantages are: 1) they are not as robust, tending to break more easily, partly because 2) taking them more places means there is a greater chance for theft, droppage, coffee-spillage, etc. 3) if something does break, like a screen or keyboard, replacing it is much harder than on a desktop, 4) cost- they cost a good bit more for the same oomph as a desktop, 5) even more cost because you probably want an extended warranty, whereas you don't need one with desktop, 6) ergonomics- laptops aren't designed for long term use, as the screen and keyboard can't both be positioned well for long term use (even though I do it).

I'll blog more about this hardware plateau and the potential future direction of computing in a later blog.

That's it, happy computer buying, or not buying, which is also an option! I'll get into computer setup and keeping it secure in another blog entry.