top tips for buying a computer

[john98]

Hello,
This type of question has probably been asked a thousand times, but anyway.
I would like to buy a new computer and would be interested in peoples’ opinion. My budget would be up to about 800 pounds for a keyboard, hard drive and flat screen monitor and my intention is to use the computer for internet, word processing and perhaps also video editing.
What would you consider to be your ‘Top Tips’ for things to look out for, things to avoid and best/worst manufacturers.
Your opinion is appreciated.

Thanks,
John.

[pcdoc4christ]

John:

That depends on how you are going to use the computer (e.g., to play games, create high-end graphics, or just to run office software).  

Also, if you know little about computers, it helps to go with a manufacturer that offers good phone support in your area.

Three manufacturers come to mind: HP, Gateway and Dell.  The three are in heated competition to provide the best computers at the lowest prices.  HP owns Compaq and Gateway owns eMachines.  So a good system from any of those five manufacturers would likely meet your needs.  

Of course, there are other computers that others may recommend that are just as good, and i'd prefer to spend a little more and make my own.

Hope that helps,
Doc  

[2k_dummy]

i'd prefer to spend a little more and make my own.

Definitely the best route. All of those machines mentioned above are proprietary. If you can't build your own, go to a local shop and have one built. It will conform to industry standards and parts will be easily replaced.

If you decide to go this route, be sure to specify to the shop that you want ALL disks (MB, OS, drivers, etc.) for the machine.

[Fed]

I choose all the components I want then order them from my local guy and slip him $50 to build it.
The extra $50 is well spent if there are ever any problems.
Of course I oversee the whole process to make sure he does thing correctly.

[Mac]

Hello,
This type of question has probably been asked a thousand times, but anyway.

I would like to buy a new computer and would be interested in peoples’ opinion. My budget would be up to about GB£ 800 for a keyboard, hard drive and flat screen monitor and my intention is to use the computer for internet, word processing and perhaps also video editing.

What would you consider to be your ‘Top Tips’ for things to look out for, things to avoid and best/worst manufacturers.
Your opinion is appreciated.

Thanks,
John.

1. Have enough RAM. 1024 MB is common these days and probably a minimum for video editing. Check with the maker of the video editing program as to how much RAM you should have. XP can use up to 4 GB of RAM. Don't buy a computer where the video RAM is shared with the system RAM. It should have a separate video card.

2. Make sure that the processor is designed for the most up to date operating system.

3. Take a good look at dual processors and what you can do with them. XP Professional can use dual processors.

4. Make sure that the hard drive(s) have sufficient capacity, run at a good speed and have the biggest drive-buffer you can get.

5. Partition your drive(s) so that operating system(s) and data are separated.

5. Use an UPS (Uninterruptable Power Supply) in case of mains failure.

6. Add a lightning suppressor for obvious reasons.

7. Consider using a 20 GB drive for the operating system and a second, slave drive, for data. If you later buy a better computer keep the slave drive and sell the 20 GB drive with the machine.

8. Use a hard wired PS-2 keyboard and a PS-2 mouse so as to leave as many USB ports free as possible, and so as not to have to buy batteries for a wireless keyboard or mouse. Make sure you are getting USB2.

9. CRT monitors give better definition without any problem of pixelation, so re-consider the flat panel.

10. Understand everything there is to know about backing up your data before you start partitioning so that you have decided on an intelligent partitioning scheme ready to implement when it comes to installing, and make drive images of your operating system drive to restore the system with. The first drive image should be a complete install of all programs without entering any personal data. This is a base image.

Then you should make another image when everything is updated and all of your personal data has been entered. This is your working image. Update as necessary, but always keep the old images. Use a DVD burner so that you only need to use one data DVD instead of several CDRs.

This saves time, reduces effort and handling (labour), and cuts both cost and waste. It also reduces the amount of space you need for off drive storage.

[Hopester Doofus]

This is another link you should add to your signature, Mac.  

[Dell4700]

john98,

In addition to the excellent advice in previous posts, I would add -

In general (but not all)

-  PC hardware tends to have a short lifespan due to both hardware and software developer's attempts to remain cutting edge at the least cost (maximize profits)

-  software evolves into bigger, memory and processor intensive bloatware, especially the prevalent operating systems, browsers, word processors and utilities

-  these tend to require faster processors and communication, larger memory, greater storage and operating space, etc.

My suggestion:

- if you want to remain cutting edge as long as possible, get the mostest, biggest and fastest hardware you can afford (and recommended by others) - consider upgradeability (expansion slots, motherboard,...)

- if you want reliability, maintainability and practicality, stick to well known and reputable manufacturers and vendors, reasonable hardware specs, and service/repair records.  Avoid becoming a beta tester for new operating systems and bloatware.

Finally,

read the excellent advice and posts on this website (and others).  You will soon narrow your choices based on the real experience of real users.

Dell

[Mac]

This is another link you should add to your signature, Mac.

Done.

[Mac]

In general (but not all)

PC hardware tends to have a short lifespan due to both hardware and software developer's attempts to remain cutting edge at the least cost (maximize profits).

Dell

The real reason is that the planet is being run by 'salesmen' looking for a re-sale, and there is a high degree of built in obsolescence, where failure is built in to the manufacture of the parts, giving them a pre-determined, short, life.

This is dishonest, in my opinion.

As an example, my first car, built in 1954, is still running. My first computer made in 1990 still functions. This is only the second computer I have purchased.

I forget just how many cars I have had since, maybe seven or eight, all of which represents nothing else other than pure mass manufacturing waste.

No Army could operate efficiently with this type of civilian system, a system which has largely been imposed on people against their better judgement.

EDIT: Turns out to be twelve cars in all. What a complete waste of resources.

[Dell4700]

Mac,

Off Topic:

what a coincidence -

- my car is a 1954 Ford Ranchwagon (signal lights optional, automatic optional, seat belts optional, tinted glass optional)

- I still have my Sinclaire PC (with extended 16 kb memory optional!) circa 1975 (I think) - it works great and I still do a little basic programming with it!

On Topic:

- greed is always a problem for the big boys - this drives the obsolescence, profitability and lack of competitiveness where it counts

- of course this is really unfair to the countless folks who truly believe and work towards quality hardware, software and service.  They deserve our recognition!  That is why this forum (and others like it) are important to folks like john98 and others.  Saving them from the mistakes we probably made with our PCs can be a rewarding thing.

Sorry for the long-winded posts.

I'll just pull out my 12 mhz PC and fire up my win 3.1 so I can type out my next reply on Word for Windows 2.0.  Oh yeah, I'll send it in with my 300 baud modem so it might take awhile.

Dell

[Mac]

Also off topic...



Two seater rag-top with column change.

[Dell4700]

Mac,

Also Off Topic...

wow!  Is that a 1951 Jawatt Jupiter? (spelling?)

On Topic - I'm switching to my 14k modem!  300 baud is too slow.

Del