How To Choose a Computer: Basic Guide

Kevin Smith
Dec 21, 2019
6 min read

Introduction:

The market now offers computers and hi-tech devices for every price range and very different needs.

Although this burgeoning increasingly unstoppable market guarantees very strong competition with consequent lowering of prices, it also brings some problems that involve both the more experienced user and the beginner, who often finds himself often lost or uncertain about the choice to make in front of so many different models.

Let's see together to draw up a list of general precautions to be taken into consideration at the time of purchase.

Having clear ideas before going to the shop:

The first thing to do is, in our opinion, having fairly clear ideas about 4 fundamental factors:

1) The use to be made of the computer:

if you use the computer only for office and internet applications, a low-end computer is sufficient.

No ultra-performing video cards will be needed and the one integrated into the motherboard is even sufficient. By now the presence of at least 4 processors on each CPU sold makes this type of use possible without spending astronomical figures and on the other hand it would be useless to spend a lot of money for a low-profile use as the purchased equipment would never be exploited ... in short it would be how to buy a Ferrari to go shopping!

If, on the other hand, we wanted to do video games or video editing (video editing), we need to know that in order to make some video games run well, you need powerful CPUs, autonomous and performing video cards, a lot of RAM memory; all the more expensive components on board a PC which, however, will not guarantee carefree gaming sessions for more than 2-3 years. It will therefore be necessary to orientate yourself on high-end and FIXED type PCs because laptops, by their very nature, cannot accommodate too high-performance video cards.

2) Need for a fixed or portable computer:

this is a fundamental and often underestimated choice. In my experience I have known many people who bought laptops just because "they are more beautiful"... they saw them more practical, lighter ... and then discovered that they were always used on the same desk.

Given that the hardware equipment of a laptop is significantly lower than that which can be obtained on a fixed PC for the same amount and given the greater fragility of the components of the portable PCs compared to the fixed ones (think also only of the monitor that if it takes a knock is to be thrown away ...) and finally considering that not all the parts can be replaced individually, our advice is to buy a laptop only if we really need it ...

The laptop is made to be transported and work in places always different ... if we don't have this much better need to buy a PC.

3) The maximum available budget:

setting a maximum ceiling for our purchase will make us discard many of the models that we will find for sale, thus making us concentrate on a few others that will be evaluated in a simpler way. After all, it is better to choose between 3-4 models than 20, not ?? !!

4) How much we would like to be able to use the computer without suffering from obsolete technology (cost / duration ratio):

when buying a computer we must also ask ourselves how much we think we can use it before it is necessary to buy a new one.

This timing is dictated both by the technological advancement that makes the computers obsolete after a certain period of time and by the use made of them ... to understand each other better, a gaming PC, however performing, is valid for about 2- 3 years ... after which the new games will be usable perhaps ... but with a not exciting experience, made of slowdowns, shots ... graphic artifacts ...

An office pc will probably allow us to work until it bursts without big problems ... therefore, both factors must be taken into consideration.

To consider very well also in this case is that with the purchase of a fixed PC it will be possible to increase the overall power by individually replacing one or more components in the not too distant future where the hardware that yesterday cost a fortune today costs 5 times less. With a laptop this is not possible because it would be more convenient to buy a new one.

Specifications for laptops and desktops:

With the concepts outlined above in mind, let's now see what to consider with particular attention in the most general cases of purchasing desktop or laptop computers.

Laptops (or notebooks):

The screen: in portable computers one of the fundamental factors is certainly the size and quality of the monitor.

The laptop monitor is very delicate but it is also one of the most important components for the health of our eyes.

Therefore, we strongly recommend not to buy notebooks with monitors under 14 inches if it is not strictly necessary for our business. A 15.6 inch is the most popular choice today but if you happen to have to choose between a 17 inch and a 15.6 choose the 17 ... our eyes will thank us!

Obviously the quality of the monitor also matters a lot, but since many of the details are not perceptible to the naked eye, we keep this factor as a secondary in the choice ... unless you have to make graphics or 3D drawings for professional purposes, in which case this factor changes in relevance.

The video card:even if you are not hard gamers and we are not interested in video games at all, buying a notebook that has a dedicated video card is certainly preferable, both to be able to replace it individually in case of failure, and to have performance free from the processor.

Battery: A critical factor in laptops known to all is battery life.

I insist that a laptop should only be purchased to require the use of the PC on the move and not in place of a desktop PC ... in any case, remember to use the battery in the right way ... that is ... when using the computer with the power supply, always disconnect the battery that should be used when the main power source is missing. Also, remember that the battery must be subject to punctual charge and discharge cycles, even if there is no need to use it for a long time. Before putting the battery to rest for long periods of time, make sure it is fully charged and occasionally discharge it, even with normal use.

I make no mention of processors, RAM memory, USB sockets etc etc as it is obvious that the more powerful they are, the better ... but all this must be considered in the spending budget as we have already had occasion to say ...

Desktop computer (or fixed):

Monitor: the desktop computer does not have an integrated monitor.

In purchasing this fundamental device, I remember that it is an important purchase for the health of our eyes so it is not good to save on a component that, among other things, could last even 10 years if treated properly.

How To Choose a Computer: Basic Guide

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