Web Life

Tips for Buying a New Computer

Posted on 05 September 2009

Reviews before you choose.
Editors, Users and Manufacturers all have a different perspecive.  Editors are completely unbiased and generally speaking magazine tests are rigorous and results are detailed.  Check zdnet, pcworld.com and cnet.

Users reviews are useful from the point of view of long-term use and can highlight flaws that reveal themslves through longevity.

Manufacturers will of course lean towards promotion, but they will tell you what the machine was designed for whether it be business, gaming or light use like surfing and email.

RAM or Random Access Memory Don’t forget!
This is probably the most important feature and one that should not be passed over just because you don’t quite understand it. When a computer has too little memory, it doesn’t tell you, it just starts using part of the its hard drive space, this is known as swap space or virtual memory and is a poor substitute for RAM causing your machine to slow down and become somewhat “clunky”. With the latest operating systems, particularly Windows Vista, you need all the RAM you can afford.  Don’t settle for less than 2 gigabytes and if your multi-tasking (ie, running several programmes simultaneously) you’ll be much better off with 3 to 4 gigbytes.

Touch and Such
You need to get a feel for the keyboard, mouse and display, something you can’t do if you’re buying online.  I would recommend a visit to your local PC World or Curries to see the range.  If you’re a gamer for example you’re better off with positive robust keyboard that may end up taking a pounding from time to time.  Typing is different especially for a touch typist where less “travel” on the key’s and quietness may be more desireable.

I personally do not like the mouse touchpad so common to laptops and notebooks, but even these vary considerably.  Some are pressure sensitive and a tap on the pad mimics a mouse click. Running two fingers smoothly down the pad mimics scrolling etc etc.  If you don’t like this then you can easily attach a regular mouse via one of the USB ports, but beware of buying a “miniture” mouse, they are not comfortable for long stretches as they can tend to cramp up your hand.

Finally, the display.  Don’t get anything too small.  Think how much you’re going to be using it. A  TFT monitor delivers crisp text, vibrant color and an improved response time for multimedia applications.  LCD displays are commonly used on laptops and have been refined and improved enough to make the jump to flat screen desktop displays.  You can’t go far wrong as the technology in both cases is universal.  Just make sure you get the size that suits you best.  You may also want to consider integrated speakers as a space saver.

Under the hood?
Don’t think that you should buy an IBM (Lenovo) because they make better computers than say Sony.  This is rarely the case these days.  Parts and manufacturing specifications are universal so what’s under the hood is pretty much the same, only the brand name and the look differ.  Of course looks are important too but don’t sacrifice a good spec for it, it’s not worth it in the long run.  What is important is after sales service.  Make sure you have a good warranty, this can sometimes be worth the extra payment for an extended warranty but if you don’t go for this, a telephone call to the manufacturers support number with a test question may give you an idea of what their system is like and how well they deal with your query.

Smooth Operator
As far as Operating Systems go I believe Windows XP is as yet unsurpassed by Microsoft but they are pulling the support plug in 2014 I believe.  At the rate time seems to pass these days that’s not so long away.

A good laptop should last you up to 10 years. I have an IBM Thinkpad A21m I bought in 2000 and it’s still going strong under Windows 2000 Professional.

Windows Vista is prettier but the various screen effects and 3D display eat into the memory and definitely slow down performance.  In the end I simply switched it all off and optimised my machine for best performance.   Security is tighter in Windows Vista and you feel less in control of your own machine, but that may help keep intrusion at bay.

I have no knowledge of Windows 7 yet but I’ll keep you posted when I know more about it.  Good hunting and good luck.