Purchasing a new computer can be a difficult endeavor. Several hidden variables are involved in the process, and they change based on your level of tech proficiency, the desired usage, and your personal or company’s budget. It is not true that one size fits all purchasing situations.
Conducting thorough product research on the chosen computer model is essential for making an informed purchase decision. If not, you run the risk of being left with a device that is unable to fulfill your computing requirements or you will overpay for a product that has sophisticated hardware features that you are unaware of how to use.
That would be akin to strolling onto a brand-new car lot without any prior preparation. Similarly, you should never blindly choose a new computer by browsing a digital marketplace or going to an electronics display in a big-box retailer. I’ve made that mistake far too often while purchasing TVs and have since come to regret it.
Knowing how you want to utilize a new computer should be the first step in your search. This is crucial for figuring out what kind and what hardware requirements work best for you.
For example, purchasing a computer with a higher-level processor and more random access memory (RAM) is best suited for heavy gaming and creative work. Let’s say, however, that your only interests are responding to emails, viewing YouTube videos, and maintaining private messages with loved ones. A $300–$500 computer would be more than sufficient for your needs; why invest $1,000 or more?
Don’t limit your search to what makes you comfortable; start by thinking about all of your possibilities. With the help of TechNewsWorld’s primer, you can ensure a more productive and fulfilling experience and possibly save money on your new computer purchase.
Selecting the Appropriate Computer Platform
Growing up, I was a part of the early computer revolution. My first PC was a toy, and it ran the disk operating system, or DOS. To load programs and games from a floppy disc, users had to input mysterious commands at a flickering white cursor on a large, black display screen.
Okay, so you can label me a relic for having gone through that, but knowing this history should make my point more clear.
I upgraded to the first Microsoft Windows computer with a graphical user interface, or GUI, for point-and-click navigation a few years later. Later, I discovered how to sharpen my rudimentary computer skills using the Apple I and Apple II, two compact, square all-in-one computers manufactured by the Apple Computer Company.
I moved up to the more sophisticated Microsoft Windows OS series at home and in college. After graduating from college, I learned about Linux, which is another item in the world of computers.
When cell phones became popular years later, I chose Android tablets and smartphones over iPhones and iPads. I made my selections based on things I was familiar with. This caused me to take yet another detour in recent years, this time towards Chromebooks and Google’s ChromeOS.
Investing in technology is similar to inheriting the political and religious views of your family. You choose the path that exposes you to either option through experiences. Then you have an insight and decide to go a different route.
You may find yourself at a technological crossroads when shopping for a new computer, depending on your technological path.
Which Computer Is Best for Me? A Desktop, a Laptop, or a Chromebook?
It’s difficult to switch the kind of computer system you utilize. Sticking to what they know is common. Some, when they can, reach out for better and new possibilities.
You’ve made your second significant buying choice. Choose the kind of computer that will help you achieve your goals after deciding what you want to use the new one for.
I prepared you for these options previously. Windows OS, macOS, a Chromebook, or a PC with a Linux operating system preinstalled are some categories to think about. Think about the benefits and drawbacks of purchasing a desktop or laptop as well.
There are two types of Chromebooks: the conventional clamshell and the convertible. Chromebooks that may be converted into tablets with a detachable or moveable keyboard provide dual functionality. In any case, you get an additional use as a tablet including a detachable or hinged keyboard.
Chromebase is an all-in-one (AIO) desktop design that is compatible with ChromeOS.
Tablets running Apple’s iOS (think iPad) or Android are less common for corporate use, but they are still an option. A different desktop experience may be had with several of these tablets by plugging them into a large desktop monitor.
Professionals in work environments, however, frequently disapprove of this desktop changeover. Tablets’ less powerful hardware and smaller physical and digital keyboards make them less effective for productivity tasks.
Understand What’s in Your New Computer
Before you approach the checkout page or the cash register, review the fundamentals. When comparing computer options, it’s important to be aware of the key components.
As you narrow down your computer selections, it is helpful to develop a spreadsheet or even a handwritten chart of the hardware specifications and pricing possibilities. Concentrate on these crucial elements:
- Central Processing Unit or CPU:Â Commonly referred to as the chip or processor, this component mostly determines how fast the computer runs.
- Random Access Memory or RAM:Â The temporary storage memory is closely aligned with the CPU in terms of how well the computer performs. Buying options often include different memory configurations. The rule of thumb is to get as much as you can afford.
- Graphical Processing Unit or GPU: Commonly called the graphics card, this is a computer chip on a circuit board dedicated to rendering graphics and images by performing rapid mathematical calculations. Some motherboards share this function with memory in what’s called integrated memory. For heavy graphics use, a dedicated graphics card is preferred.
- Storage Capacity: Be picky about the computer’s storage hardware. How fast data is transferred and retrieved from the hard disk drive (HDD) affects the overall performance speed of the computer. HDDs are older technology but cheaper, so you can get more storage capacity for less money. Solid-state drives (SSD) are smaller, faster, and have no moving parts but cost more.
How Memory and Processor Affect Computer Performance
In my opinion, the two most important factors when choosing a computer are the RAM capacity and the CPU’s age and performance. The number of apps that can run without negatively impacting the computer’s performance and the speed at which files and apps launch are mostly determined by those two factors.
The number of cores and clock speed, expressed in gigahertz (GHz), are important aspects of CPUs to take into account. They function better the higher their number. The amount of simultaneous jobs they can handle depends on the number of cores. Speed is also determined by bandwidth and clock speed.
Dual-core CPUs are the minimum for the lowest rung. Faster performance is achieved by CPUs with four or eight cores. The number of threads on a CPU dictates how many tasks it can handle at once and whether or not it is suitable for multitasking.
RAM has an equal role in performance. Your computer will operate faster the more RAM it has since it can store more information in memory at once. RAM is not all made equal. More recent and faster than DDR3 RAM is DDR4 RAM. Although it costs more, the expense is justified.
Factors that mitigate
Once you purchase and utilize the computer for a while, find out if you can update the RAM. Slower processors perform better overall when they have more RAM.
It frequently boils down to choosing between purchasing a faster CPU and accepting an inferior processor in exchange for additional RAM. Unless the chip is not linked to the motherboard or primary circuit board, which is where the majority of other components are attached, upgrading CPUs is not an option.
Microsoft Windows computers require at least 8GB of RAM, however more is preferable. Low-end configurations frequently have 4GB of RAM, which is insufficient for Windows to function properly. Thus, pay attention to the RAM specs.
Conversely, Chromebooks function rather well with 4GB of RAM, however 8GB is the ideal amount. Most MacOS devices have significantly fewer hardware options available, which simplifies the selection process.
The Linux operating system belongs to a special class. Linux users almost seldom purchase new PCs with Linux pre-installed. Rather, they buy Windows PCs off-the-shelf and install Linux either in addition to or instead of Windows. The amount of RAM required can be considerably more freely adjusted with other Linux options.
Examine the Advantages of Chromebooks and Linux
Windows computers are less expensive than macOS computers if you’re debating between the two. The main distinction between using Linux and Windows in terms of usability is that Linux cannot natively use apps designed for Apple or Windows PCs.
Nonetheless, Linux can execute Windows programs thanks to packages like Wine and Crossover. Thus, moving to Linux can still be a good choice for both home and professional purposes.
Old-fashioned complaints that Linux is less feature-rich or more difficult to use discourage many would-be users. I have been using Linux for a long time with very little problems with compatibility.
Linux applications are optimized to store files in file formats that are cross-platform compatible, allowing for seamless system readability.
In my capacity as a content supplier, I trade files worldwide as a Linux user. For instance, I offer clients and publishers digital files in a variety of forms, including Word documents, Excel spreadsheets, and PowerPoint presentations. I hardly ever have to use my backup Windows machine to convert and resend papers, and I almost never receive documents that Linux is unable to open natively.
The truth is that using and installing contemporary Linux is simple. It does away with the need for terminal instructions thanks to its graphical user interface, or GUI. Actually, a lot of Linux variants are made to resemble Windows and macOS in terms of appearance and feel.
Web-Based Computing
When choosing the perfect computer, Chromebooks are quickly emerging as a competitive alternative to conventional selections. Students are well-suited to use Chromebooks, the newest computing platform, as many schools currently use them.
Leading computer makers are releasing new models with the newest hardware configurations. With a variety of designs and retail prices ranging from $200 to over $800, the Chromebook market provides a broad selection. A new class of laptop known as Chromebook Plus adheres to a minimal set of design and hardware requirements appropriate for high-end consumer and commercial use.
The rising use of web browsers instead of standalone applications to access content on personal computers is reflected in the growing popularity of Chromebooks. This trend involves using a browser to access online entertainment, news, and commerce.
Users of Chromebooks can organize screen information in tabs or different windows, mimicking the browser environment of a PC. Chromebooks work well for most jobs even without the capacity to execute traditional standalone apps, as more and more websites offer computing applications directly through the browser.
Concluding Remarks on Selecting a New Computer
For the highest chance of success while buying the perfect new computer:
- Examine trustworthy product reviews,
- Find user-recommended PCs that fit your demands, and
- Become familiar with the advantages and disadvantages of different hardware manufacturers.
Use this information to determine which set of hardware solutions, at various price points, will provide you with what you need at a reasonable cost. Along the process, you’ll discover the greatest technological solution inside your comfort zone or maybe advance to a new level of computer use by surpassing the constraints of your outdated machine.
