The problem with buying a new computer is that there are many options out there and we need to choose one. There are many types of computers, personal computers (PC) which are also called desktop computers. There are laptop computers and of course server computers – mostly being bought by companies to service their organization’s needs.

Well, the basics of choosing the proper computer for you are simple, just follow these simple steps, and you will know what type of computer you need and how to choose it.

1. What type of a computer: The questions to ask no matter if you choose a PC, a laptop or a server are:

a. Do you need to travel with it? which means do you need it to be portable, do you need to take it outside your home, with you? to the meeting, to work anywhere in the world? etc… If the answer is “YES” then you need a laptop.

b. If you answered “NO” on the question (a), then you need to ask yourself, if you need the computer to do a specific thing? Is it designated to serve others? do others from within a network or from an external network, needs access to it?! if the answer is “YES” then you will probably need a server computer.

c. If you answered “NO” on both (a) and (b) questions, then you probably need a personal computer (PC), and so check for any suitable desktop computer for your need.

2. What type of hardware do we need: Well any computer is actually built from parts, those parts are defining its abilities, it’s performance capabilities and in a way, it defines what you can do with that computer. When you need a powerful computer for games, you will need a modern motherboard that supports faster and larger parts, which will contain a large amount of fast memory cards capacity of at least 4GB (as of today), a large hard-disk for large amount of storage (games take much space) at least 1TB in size, a very good graphic card with at least 1GB of memory (RAM) on it, and a fast processor. That was an example, but you get the idea.

3. What is our price range: The cost is usually the heaviest part of finding and buying a computer. We should always inspire to get the most for the least price. That is a good marketing slogan, which defines how and why this market is so challenging. After we defined what we need out of our computer, it is time to see how much do we need to spend on buying it.

3.1 Usually with the server, you might want to buy a “BRAND” computer (HP, DELL, etc…), those suppliers will give you the best service and best parts for your money, and you will get at least 3 years warranty in case something bad happens to your valuable server.

3.2 Desktops, well… you can decide to buy a “BRAND” computer, but it will probably cost you much more than the usually composed computer. If you are working with a good supplier, you will also get their warranty, in case a problem occurs with your computer that relates to hardware issues.

3.3 Laptops – well laptops are usually “BRAND”s, and as such, you just need to decide which one you prefer by comparing its hardware configuration, the warranty, service provider and how reliable those laptops are (by reading some reviews on the internet).

These procedures will help you define and decide what type of computer you should buy, the rest is about configuration and your choices, in terms of how much do you want to invest on a new computer (the cost), and what you need to get for that price, which will still serve your needs.

Comparing computers

1. Compare computer prices

I don’t know if you have ever stepped into a computer store, or just checked the internet to seek for a new computer, and you have seen so many options out there to choose from, you got overwhelmed. So how can we know which computer do we need? Which computer do we want?
Well, there are some simple questions that need to be answered in order to get you focused on the computer most suitable for you.

One more thing: Purchasing a computer is an expense that not everyone can afford. The choice of if to buy a computer now is very simple.
If you need a computer right now, buy it, otherwise wait for it, since there will always be a newer more powerful computer coming out as they get improved every day. If you will always wait for the best computer, you will never buy a computer:).

# First question is “Why do you want a computer? What is the purpose?”

• Think of what do you need the computer for? Do you need it to be portable (Laptop) or will a desktop computer suffices? Will you be playing games with it? Write a book? Browse the Internet? Use it for college work? (Documents etc…), Maybe just for watching movies and presentations? Maybe you want all of these functions to be running on the same computer?
• When you answered all of these questions, you can move to the next question.

# Second question is “Which software you will need on your computer”?

• When you know the purpose of your computer, you can find out which kind of software will be the best suit your needs. Think about which operating system will suit you best, if it is the open-source free Linux operating system or Microsoft Windows OS, or the Macintosh OS. Some examples: A student will need the Microsoft Office suite (Documents, Excel, PowerPoint etc…), A Video designer,
  will need Video editing programs like the CyberLink PowerDirector 8 Deluxe etc…

# Third question is “What type of hardware do we need?”

• This will help us choose the package we need. The hardware part includes the Hard-Disk, amount of memory, the graphic card, screen size etc… This question when answered will assist you in choosing the suitable computer configuration and additional hardware as needed.

Let’s go into choosing a computer. A basic issue I have always believed in, (when you’re not really tight with money) is to buy the best or at least the most advanced computer model since a computer purchase should last between 3-5 years, you will need it to be able to cope with new developments along the way, s
o it will be able to run new and updated features.

Whether you choose a Laptop or a Desktop computer it is pretty clear, the main question to be asked is “Do you need the computer to be mobile? Do you need to move it around with you?” If the answer is yes, then buy a Laptop, if not you can buy a Desktop computer.

So now that we have found a way to narrow down the choices of the computer we need and want, now we can start thinking about how to choose the right computer. I will divide it into Desktop & laptop since they are slightly different.

Laptops:

I am not going to start recommending specific types, I just want to give you some idea on what to focus on when going to buy a new laptop, according to the requirements that you have defined before (on the previous stages).

• Comment: Don’t rush your purchase, check and test the laptops you see, get a feel of it, a
  nd make sure you’re comfortable with it.
• What comes with the laptop: Check what else comes with your laptop, like warranty (how long – search for 3 years at least), where can you service your computer in case it needs a tech lab? Etc… any additional devices.
• Hard-Disk capacity: Make sure the hard-disk that comes with the laptop is enough for your needs, since not like on desktops, mostly you will not be able to do serious upgrades on the laptop, other than adding memory.
• Graphic Card Resolution: Check the resolution capacity – Good laptops have larger resolutions, which for the futuristic applications is more suitable, there are onboard graphic cards, and separate more advanced graphic cards. A larger resolution means sharper imagery.
• Laptop Screen: I would recommend a Wide Screen laptop, but it will be your call of course.
• Laptop Features: Make sure it has all of the features a laptop needs, like WIFI (Wireless connection), Blue-Tooth, Enough USB sockets, DVD/RW, Maybe Fire-wire connection (faster data connection), External Screen socket (VGA or DVI or HDMI), etc…
• Memory Capacity: Check memory capacity – better to start with at least 2GB RAM.
• CPU – The processor is one of the core parts that are in charge of the computer’s performance. You might want to look at new CPU models like the i7, which is new and strong.

Desktop Computers:

Again, I can’t recommend specific desktop computers on this article, but I will give some points on what to look for when you go and buy/configure your new desktop computer.

• • • Desktop Computer Covers: Desktop computer comes in a Case– the Cover of those desktop computers is just as important since it is the cover that holds all of those expensive devices you insert into it. So that box needs to be able to keep those electronic devices cool. Make sure there is a good flow of air/cooling systems, so the electronics will survive for a long time. Also, there are computer covers which are lightweight made of aluminum, so you won’t break your back.
    • CPU: The CPU is in charge of the performance among other things. The faster the processing procedure is being done the faster your computer will perform. CPUs on desktop computers come in Duo (2 CPUs) and Quad (4 CPUs) on the same CPU chip. If you need a Gamer’s computer or a strong graphic machine, you might want to consider investing in a Quad CPU.

   

  • Hard-Disk capacity: Today with the broad bandwidth, and the internet where you can download an enormous amount of files, programs, games, etc… to your computer, you will need a proper Hard-disk with suitable capacity. Make sure that if you are a gamer, movie watcher or need a lot of files to store, that you have the proper hard-disk. Their prices are not that high, so just start with a 1TB Hard-disk and see how to go from there, you can always add another one on the new computers :).
  • Graphics Card:

The graphic card is responsible for the graphics on the computer. If your planning to use a Windows/Mac operating system, you will need a good graphic card, with large memory on board. If you’re a gamer you will need a really good graphic card, a professional one with large amount of memory and advance rendering to be able to run all of those amazing new games with great graphics and motions.

• DVD Player: A DVD player is required, first to be able to play a DVD that you get. Choose a DVD/RW so you will be able to burn DVDs as well. There are Blu-Ray DVDs, which are a bit expensive still, but if you’re buying a new computer, you might want to consider buying a Blu-ray DVD/RW, so when the Blu-ray media will get cheaper, you will be able to use them more commonly.
• Power Supply: The power supply doesn’t usually get the proper attention, but it is the sole power of your computer system. You might want to invest in a really strong and reliable one for a strong computer.
• Connection Sockets: Make sure you have enough connection sockets, on your computer’s motherboard and the computer cover (that connects to the motherboard) like the commonly used USB2 sockets, FireWire, HDMI, DVI, etc…
• Computer Screen: LCD screen today needs to be at least 22 Inch (they are not as expensive as they used to be), preferred WIDE. Make sure their refresh rate is high enough to endure your computer performance, so you will still get the best performance out of your computer and see it.

These are the basic things you need to look for, just be patient, make the proper survey, and find the most suitable computer that will answer all of your needs.