Easy Steps To Selecting a Entry Level Computer
11/24/2010 16:19
Easy Steps To Selecting a Entry Level Computer
Shopping for a new laptop computer is enjoyable and because of all the choices for sale in the less than $500 category there is no need to struggle with an out dated system. Today's low cost computers are the high end machine of a couple years ago. If you are discouraged with your current personal computer running slow, crashing or not working with some software or hardware you really need to look into what you can get for inexpensive prices these days. If your budget allows, a great accessory to add is a TV Tuner card.
Striped down computer systems have grown to be a practical alternative these days. Lots of consumers now use more than one laptop or desktop but do not have a need for several high end machines. Even low end processors these days are able to process anything besides the most extreme software applications. Cloud computing is getting more popular putting fewer demands on PC's. Basic personal computers are marvelous for a second system, for the kids room or for simple tasks, like writing documents and casual internet access.
Basic level computers arrive with all the crucial features but the bulk permit some amount of upgrading and customization. If your system has available USB ports, drive bays or cards almost all upgrades can be installed without any problem. Despite the fact that its tempting to get the most economical home computer out there, be certain it will fulfill your demands for a number of years or you will be shopping for a new personal computer or upgrading your current one much quicker than you would want to.
Picking the specifications for a new PC can be perplexing but does not need to be. Reliability and compatibility of computer components has improved making the decision process less difficult. Frequently the best bargains are on computers that are pre-configured. This is a essentially a good thing since these computer systems are well configured and take away the pressure of deciding upon parts. Finally, there are so many possibilities in pre-built personal computers in the lower end of the market nowadays so there are tons of options.
The first factor to consider when getting a personal computer is deciding what you are going to be using it to do. If you plan on doing lots of graphics, hi def video editing or serious gaming you aren't a candidate for a striped down model.
The first factor to consider is the computers CPU because it defines which motherboard you are going to get, which impacts what other components you get. There are really 2 primary CPU manufacturers, Intel and AMD. Get as fast of a CPU as you can afford since this technology changes fast and getting the slowest processor will very likely render your system obsolete sooner.
Getting a mother board with on board video and sound processing is a great way to save money. Unless you choose the slowest processor, it should have plenty of power to handle the graphics and sound saving you hundreds of dollars on sound and video cards. If you want to watch TV on your PC a separate video card is a sensible idea.
Buying the correct amount of RAM is critical to the speed and stability of any computer. Strive to have at least 1 GB of RAM if you can afford it. Don't choose less RAM than your operating system recommends. Spend as much as you can afford on RAM as it will almost certainly have the biggest noticeable impact on your computer's performance. Additionally, it is ideal if your motherboard has room to add more RAM if you determine you need more down the road.
Next it is time to pick your hard drive. There are only a couple of variables to be concerned with when picking a hard drive. Don't pay extra for storage space you will not need. If all you keep on your hard drive is email and documents choose the smallest drive offered. If you need more storage later is very simple and reasonable to add an external hard drive later. They plug into a USB port and don't require setup or software installation.
Get a CD and DVD combination drive that enables you to record as well. Any major brand is totally fine and don't get too concerned with specifications of the drive. Don't purchase a Blu Ray DVD player unless you expect to watch Blu Ray DVD movies on your laptop or desktop.
Refurbished parts and last years models are routinely found on lower end home computers to help keep prices down. As long as the part is not more than 1 year old it should not be an issue and more than likely will not be rendered obsolete during the life of the system. Despite the fact that refurbished parts typically come with a full warranty, unless you are comfortable replacing some components it is wise to avoid computer systems with refurbished parts.
Shopping for a new laptop computer is enjoyable and because of all the choices for sale in the less than $500 category there is no need to struggle with an out dated system. Today's low cost computers are the high end machine of a couple years ago. If you are discouraged with your current personal computer running slow, crashing or not working with some software or hardware you really need to look into what you can get for inexpensive prices these days. If your budget allows, a great accessory to add is a TV Tuner card.
Striped down computer systems have grown to be a practical alternative these days. Lots of consumers now use more than one laptop or desktop but do not have a need for several high end machines. Even low end processors these days are able to process anything besides the most extreme software applications. Cloud computing is getting more popular putting fewer demands on PC's. Basic personal computers are marvelous for a second system, for the kids room or for simple tasks, like writing documents and casual internet access.
Basic level computers arrive with all the crucial features but the bulk permit some amount of upgrading and customization. If your system has available USB ports, drive bays or cards almost all upgrades can be installed without any problem. Despite the fact that its tempting to get the most economical home computer out there, be certain it will fulfill your demands for a number of years or you will be shopping for a new personal computer or upgrading your current one much quicker than you would want to.
Picking the specifications for a new PC can be perplexing but does not need to be. Reliability and compatibility of computer components has improved making the decision process less difficult. Frequently the best bargains are on computers that are pre-configured. This is a essentially a good thing since these computer systems are well configured and take away the pressure of deciding upon parts. Finally, there are so many possibilities in pre-built personal computers in the lower end of the market nowadays so there are tons of options.
The first factor to consider when getting a personal computer is deciding what you are going to be using it to do. If you plan on doing lots of graphics, hi def video editing or serious gaming you aren't a candidate for a striped down model.
The first factor to consider is the computers CPU because it defines which motherboard you are going to get, which impacts what other components you get. There are really 2 primary CPU manufacturers, Intel and AMD. Get as fast of a CPU as you can afford since this technology changes fast and getting the slowest processor will very likely render your system obsolete sooner.
Getting a mother board with on board video and sound processing is a great way to save money. Unless you choose the slowest processor, it should have plenty of power to handle the graphics and sound saving you hundreds of dollars on sound and video cards. If you want to watch TV on your PC a separate video card is a sensible idea.
Buying the correct amount of RAM is critical to the speed and stability of any computer. Strive to have at least 1 GB of RAM if you can afford it. Don't choose less RAM than your operating system recommends. Spend as much as you can afford on RAM as it will almost certainly have the biggest noticeable impact on your computer's performance. Additionally, it is ideal if your motherboard has room to add more RAM if you determine you need more down the road.
Next it is time to pick your hard drive. There are only a couple of variables to be concerned with when picking a hard drive. Don't pay extra for storage space you will not need. If all you keep on your hard drive is email and documents choose the smallest drive offered. If you need more storage later is very simple and reasonable to add an external hard drive later. They plug into a USB port and don't require setup or software installation.
Get a CD and DVD combination drive that enables you to record as well. Any major brand is totally fine and don't get too concerned with specifications of the drive. Don't purchase a Blu Ray DVD player unless you expect to watch Blu Ray DVD movies on your laptop or desktop.
Refurbished parts and last years models are routinely found on lower end home computers to help keep prices down. As long as the part is not more than 1 year old it should not be an issue and more than likely will not be rendered obsolete during the life of the system. Despite the fact that refurbished parts typically come with a full warranty, unless you are comfortable replacing some components it is wise to avoid computer systems with refurbished parts.