Has the time come for you to buy a new computer or laptop? We have complied a helpful list of some things you might want to consider before making a purchase.
1. On the Go or No?
Does your device need to be mobile?
Desktops tend to be less costly and are actually more powerful than laptops. Desktops can be more easily upgraded with new parts.
If you are constantly on the go, a laptop would be better suited. A laptop’s ability to run multiple programs depends on how powerful your laptop is. You may need to purchase a higher end laptop.
2. Steady Pace or Sprint
Computers have two components that determine its speed:
- CPU (Central Processing Unit): that carries out instructions of a program.
- RAM (Random Access Memory): is how your computer multitask fast or slow which is available to programs.
The more CPU power and RAM equates to virtually no lag time in powering on our laptop or pc’, or with the click of the mouse a program OR an application instantly loads.
The CPU’s that are out there on the market are Core i7s, Core i5 and Core i3. The higher the number, the faster the processor. The numbers simply indicate power and speed. This determines how much data can be processed at any given time. The cores are single, duel, or quad. Remember the price will increase as well. For home and student use, a Core i3 processor is sufficient. Don’t forget you RAM (Random Access Memory)! This is the memory used to store information while you are computing. 4GB of RAM seems to be what most Laptops/PC’s have typically built into them. 4GB of RAM is fine for home and student use. The more memory a computer has, the higher the cost will be.
3. Video Requirements
The average PC user really won’t need the high end processing nor the video card. But a decent video is a good thing. This is a part of the computer that allows you to see what you are doing on the computer monitor. PCs come with a VGA (Video Graphics Array).
These are some of the basics when considering buying a new computer/laptop. There are many vendors that sell ‘out of the box’ computers PC or Laptop, such as HP, Dell, or Acer. It’s all about what your budget will allow. Most PC’s or laptops on the market for the average user are designed for the home and student use.