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Tips On Buying A New PC The information here is correct as of November 2011 This guide is really for the average user that wants a good PC that will allow them to browse the internet, type letters, send emails, store photos, play music if you are wanting to buy a PC for games or edit videos then this probably isn't for you. Things to look out for: Key RED = should avoid GREEN = recommended
An explanation of the above: Processor: The processor is the computers brain the faster the computers brain (processor) can run the faster your computer will run. Generally anything with the name Celeron is lower powered most machines I see with a Celeron processor run noticeably slower. Go for at least at Dual Core processor (2.5ghz or more), if money allows then go for a Quad Core (2.5ghz or more) or better still a Core i3 or even better still a Core i5 processor (at the time of writing a computer with a Core i5 processor can cost substantially more than a core i3, but if you do see a machine with core i5 processor that is only a few pounds more then I would go for the core i5). I have only referred to Intel Processors to simplify things also generally I find that Intel processors seem to run faster. RAM: This is the area that your programs load into when they are running, generally the more RAM you have the faster the computer will run. It is surprising how many programs load in the background when you start your computer, if you get a computer with too little RAM your Antivirus/Internet Security could take all of your ram leaving little or nothing for other programs use, this will mean that the other programs will have to use the virtual memory which will mean your programs will run slowly, as a guide make sure you have at least 4gb of RAM. Hard Drive: This is where your Documents, Photos, Music, Videos, Emails, etc are generally stored, if you have a lot of Pictures, Videos and Music then you will need a larger hard drive (i.e 500gb or more). Emails and Documents do not take up much space compared to Photos, Music and Videos. Its difficult to say for sure how much hard drive space you will need as each Photo, Video or piece of music will vary in size. If you currently have a computer you can check how many GB's you have used on your current hard drive and gage how much you need from what you are currently using. Makes: I have found that generally the lesser known computer make (i.e. Advent, Ei System, Emachines) tend to have a much shorter life than Dells, Compaq, HP, Medion, and Acer Laptops. I often see Dells, Compaqs, HP's, Medion and Acer's outlive their useful life. Many of these machines end up on the scrap heap not because they have developed a fault but more because they are unable to keep up with the current software as their operating systems become outdated. There is no firm evidence that a lesser known make will not out live the other, its just based purely on experience.
Below are a few good deals that I have seen recently: Please note: Availability correct at time of writing. Desktop PC's HP G5350UK (Intel Core i3-550 3.2ghz, 4GB Ram, 750GB HDD, DVD, Windows 7 Home Premium 64bit) Laptop Acer Core i7 15.6 inch Laptop (Intel Core i7-2630QM Processor 2.7ghz, 4gb RAM, 500GB HDD, DVD, Webcam, Wireless, Windows 7 Home Premium) - Very Special Offer currently selling for £499.99 which is very good for a Core i7 processor Toshiba Satellite C660-1ZM (Intel Core i3-T2310M 2.1ghz Processor 6GB RAM 640GB HDD, DVD, Webcam, Wireless, Windows 7 Home Premium 64 bit)15.6 Inch Laptop (Please note this laptop like most Toshiba's only has 2 USB ports, whereas most other makes have at least 3 USB ports)
PLEASE NOTE: No guarantee can be given with these recommendations, the recommendations and tips are given purely for guidance based on my personal experience. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
