Tuesday, May 20, 2008

How to buy a new PC

Tips for buyers.

For more advice from PC World Editors, browse the experts Guides online purchase.

With so many factors to consider, deciding which desktop PC to buy can be a real challenge. From components to software to accessories, new PCs offer a multitude of choices. For some people, sifting through the many options can be daunting.
Get what you need

Today, almost all computers on the market can more adequately manage these office tasks as word processing and spreadsheets, as well as basic functions of the Internet as e-mail and navigation. Thus, for $ 1000 or less, you can get a PC that will suit most people's needs.

If you want to edit digital video or manage a huge database, however, you need to May over the base. Typically, you will not have to spend more than $ 1500 or $ 2000 for a system that suits you today and serve you well for the coming years.

The best way to pay only for what you need is to examine carefully what you want to do with your system and try to anticipate what might interest you next year. Call specific applications for certain types of equipment, whether at home or office.

When you're ready to buy a desktop, get what you need. Here are some recommendations for the average user of minimum requirements. You May to print this article and keep it when you shop.

A 2.66-GHz Pentium 4 or Athlon XP 2800 + processor. For everyday work, word processing, spreadsheets and e-mail, you do not need the latest, biggest and most expensive processor. When current transformers the same clock speed were compared to tests of PC World, processors Advanced Micro Devices made certain tasks faster than the supply of Intel.

At least 256 MB of memory. Anything that will slow your work, especially if you plan to use Windows XP. Buy as much as you can afford to 512MB.

The right of Windows. Most desktops and users should find Windows XP Home a perfectly acceptable operating system. You must file additional $ 100 for Windows XP Professional only if you want to take advantage of management features such as Remote Desktop, which enables users to control the computer remotely over the Internet.

Be careful with integrated AGP Graphics. Before buying a computer with integrated graphics card, ask if it has an AGP slot. If it does not, you will not be able to update your graphics chip.

D'Subwoofers improve the sound. Adding a sound system with a subwoofer (a large speaker that produces very little low) can considerably improve the sound quality of a reception system, even if the speaker unit is cheap. At the office, however, a subwoofer booming May trigger an uprising among your co-workers.

A large screen. Less than you're really pinching cents, examine a large screen. A 19-inch CRT monitor lets you see your documents with greater definition (or a higher resolution) 17-inch or smaller screens. Better still, you get a new 17-inch LCD monitor. It takes less space on your desk, it is easier on the eyes and it would cost about $ 150 over a 19-inch CRT. LCD and keep prices down, to look for bargains. See "How to buy a monitor for more details.

A CD-RW or DVD Drive. Now that most PC manufacturers have dumped on 1.44 MB floppy drive, a recordable DVD or CD-RW is essential for data storage and transfer. Both let you store important documents (700 MB on a CD, 4.7 GB on a DVD), share files with colleagues, and create audio or video CD or DVD. If you need to save massive amounts of data or hard drives, choose DVD.

A greater or 60GB Hard Drive. A disk of 20 GB is fine for simple word processing or Web browsing tasks, but you'll probably fill the hard disk fairly quickly. In the long term it is better to buy more storage space you think you will need. Today, the largest hard drives reach 300GB. Unless you plan to use your PC as a mini-server for your office or electronic database entertainment, a car with less capacity than May be more profitable.

Connectivity in advance. Many PCs now offer a pair of USB ports on the front bezel, which allows you to connect multiple devices without having to reach behind the case. If you have a lot of gear to plug into the PC, look for systems with up-front FireWire (IEEE 1394) or USB 2.0 ports, or optical audio connectors, depending on your needs.

Video cards for beginners. If you want to do games, and you are keeping an eye on the future, obtain a lower level board GeForce4 MX with 64 megabytes of RAM - but read the fine print to make sure it will support the next generation of games DirectX . See "How to buy a graphics card" for details on maps.
Other Purchase

PC buyers can save money and avoid the hassle by following these tips:

Do not buy additional software. Buy an operating system, productivity suite, and an antivirus package. If you really need more, look for vendors of software packages.

Do not wait for a price reduction. If you need a new PC now, not wait a few months to see if prices will drop and high-end will improve performance. Decide when you will need the system, and go.

Look for above-average specifications. If longevity is a priority (and if you can afford it), get something close, but below, the current premium. It will extend the useful life of your PC.

Check an LCD monitor of the interface. According to the make or model LCD monitor, it could be one of several connectors interface - the part that plugs into the PC. Before buying a monitor, make sure it works with the system you want, or unless you have a money-back guarantee.

Updated at the time of purchase. Often, you can get a better deal on a hard disk larger or better monitor when you order your computer. Doubling the size of a hard drive May add very little cost, and upgrading to a better control May only add $ 80 to $ 100.

Avoid Gimmicky keyboards. Many sellers of fantasy while keyboards with buttons to launch applications. Put a little money by choosing the cheapest option unless you have a specific need for a fancier model.

Do not pay more on your warranty. Because most PC problems tend to arise in the first year, a one-year warranty should be fine.

Buying a sure source. Above all, reduce your chances of getting a lemon: Buy from a manufacturer of PC that you trust. Check out PC World's annual reliability and service survey, which readers report on PC makers who offer the best (and worst) technical support and warranty service.

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