Computer Buying Guide
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When you go to buy a new computer, chances are you want to make a well planned decision so that you don't end up with a dud. Following these 4 simple tips will help you gather information so that you can find the computer that is right for you.
1. Gather your information. You might already have a few different models of computer that you are interested in. When you look into those models, be sure to read about them from at least 2 different sources. Stores like Circuit City and Amazon.com allow you to read reviews about the product from others that have bought it. Reading more than one review will allow for feedback to be taken into account. What works for some does not always work for others, so it is important to know what will work for you before you buy it.
2. RAM is #1. RAM (random access memory) is the thing that makes computers fast. The more RAM a computer has the faster and smoother it will run. 1 GB of RAM is standard on most computers anymore. With programs and operating systems such as Windows requiring more RAM, you will defenitely not want to be a computer with any less than 1GB of RAM. You will be better off buying a computer with 2 GB of RAM or more.
3. Hard Drives. The hard drive is where all of the information on the computer is stored like documents, pictures, and videos. If you are looking for a computer for pure funcionality, then a large hard drive is not essential for you. If you like to take digital pictures, write, and download videos and music, then you will need a larger hard drive. Standard hard drive size as of right now is 150GB to 250GB with some computers having as much as 400GB of disk space. If you like pictures, videos and music you might want to consider getting a hard drive over 350GB. If you do manage to fill up your hard drive, you can always buy an external one.
4. Shop Around. In order to get the computer you want for the best possible price, shop around. Check out different online stores such as Newegg.com, Amazon.com, MacMall.com, and eBay.com and cross-reference their prices with the "brick-and-mortar" stores like Best Buy, Circuit City, and the Apple Store. Take advantage of seasonal promotions as well. Often times many laptops will go on sale around the time that college students are getting ready to go back to college. However, you don't have to be a college student to enjoy the deals!
Enjoy shopping for your new computer!
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Crucial 2GB Set(2x1GB) 200-Pin PC2 5300 667Mhz SODIMM DDR2 RAM
Price: $48.95
List Price: $66.99 |
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Crucial 2GB 667 Mhz CT25664AC667 DDR2 200-Pin SODIMM Laptop Memory
Price: $42.99
List Price: $64.99 |
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Kingston Apple 4GB Kit (2x2GB Modules) 667MHz DDR2 SoDimm iMac and Macbook Memory (KTA-MB667K2/4GR)
Price: $109.99
List Price: $123.99 |
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Corsair XMS2 4 GB (2 X 2 GB) PC2-6400 800 MHz 240-PIN DDR2 Dual-Channel Memory Kit - TWIN2X4096-6400C5
Price: $84.99
List Price: $112.99 |
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Comments
Well, prices are alwyas going to fall as engineers keep learning how to cram more memory into atoms. But, I would just advise going for one big one. It reduces the hassle of trying to remember what is on which hard drive.
you're still going to need to partition your big drive into several smaller drives to make it faster. Think of it like a library without book sections... hard to find a specific book, right? Same thing with a drive. Another still is, if your one big drive breaks down, you don't have any left as opposed to several smaller dives.
This is very true Jerky. Thanks for the input and advice!
I'd say the CPU was #1 to be honest, but the great thing about RAM is it's so easy to add more if you're finding your PC sluggish. Just make sure you check which type your motherboard takes. I made that mistake many moons ago! :)
That is true Junkster. Thanks for the RAM advice.
Also thank you for bringing up the CPU. This also helps determine how fast your computer is and how much info it can handle. CPU speed is measured in Hz.
Informative hub rethan!
Vista eats up a lot of ram just to run. When I was operating with just 1 gig my computer froze up on me a lot. Then once I added 1 more gig. the problem was solved!
multimastery - that is one of the major complaints that people have about Vista. It has persuaded a good amount of people to jump into Linux. Hopefully Windows Seven will be a bit less of a memory hog...
ProCW says:
17 months ago
Great information! :) Great first hub! :)
I wonder though... I've seen 500GB external hard drives pretty cheap lately and 1 TB prices coming down. Do you think it'd be better to go ahead and get the larger drives or a few smaller ones?
ProCW
PS - Thumbs up & you've got a new fan!