|
|
Thinking of buying a computer?
Consider the following:
Desktop vs. Laptop
 |
No
difference except for portability |
 |
Laptops
are a little more expensive, but price is coming down |
 |
Laptops
are very convenient |
Hard Drive
Size
 |
Industry
standard is usually over 200 GB |
 |
Don't
pay extra for large one unless you are really into saving
videos |
 |
Storage capacity
Approximately
100 GB holds 28,400 photos
or
Approximately
12 hours of HD Videos |
Processor
 |
Purchase
the faster CPU you can afford |
 |
For
example, a fast processor would be a Intel(R) Core(TM)2 Duo CPU
T6600 @ 2.20 GHz |
Memory
 |
2 GB
minimum |
 |
The
more memory the better - a good upgrade investment |
Monitor
 |
Large
enough for easy viewing |
 |
They
need
good ventilation |
Mouse
 |
Take
what comes standard with computer |
 |
Many
styles on market if you want to purchase a different later |
 |
Prices
can range from $10 to $150 |
Service
Agreements/Warranties
 |
Most
computers come with a 1 year warranty |
 |
Purchasing an extended warranty is an option |
Software
 |
Remember,
you get what you pay for
|
 |
Many
people think they are getting a great price, but the computer
doesn't come with software such as word processing, spreadsheet
programs, etc.
|
 |
You don't
have to purchase what is 'standard' with the computer
|
 |
You can
buy software separately and then install it yourself (sometimes
saving hundreds of dollars)
|
Printers
 |
InkJet vs Laser |
 |
InkJet
printers are less expensive to purchase but more expensive to run than a
laser |
 |
Laser
printers are more expensive to purchase but less expensive to
run |
 |
InJet
printers print approximately 100 color pages to a ink jet
cartridge |
 |
Laser
printers print approximately 4000 color pages to a toner
cartridge |
 |
For
most people, an InkJet is more than adequate |
Virus
Protection
 |
An
absolute must
if you plan on going on the Internet |
 |
Do not
have multiple anti-virus programs on your computer - they
compete with each other, slow your computer down because they
think of each other as viruses |
Remember
 |
Do
comparison shopping |
 |
Don't
buy more than you need |
 |
Don't
scrimp |
 |
Ask
for help from someone you trust (we will help you at no
charge) |
|