These 3 words, computer buying guide, are 3 words that should make you think.
I know this sentence sounds amateurish, but if you follow me, you will understand what I am trying to tell you and everything will become clear.
I cannot forget the day I bought my first desktop computer, the joy was overwhelming, I finally had my toy, woohoo!!!.
As I did many of you did or will do the same mistake and will not pay attention to these 3 words. Did a friend came to you and said? "noooo, you should not have bought this computer, it is a bad one" or something like this? "bah, you should have told me, I would have shown you where you could have bought one at lower price."
With the idea to avoid all this, let me explain why these 3 words (computer buying guide) should make you think.
Computer Buying Guide - Introduction
Computer:
I am pretty sure one day many of you came with this idea in mind; "Getting my hands on a computer could be nice, it would help me in my works." Did you? Maybe not, but there is always a reason and it makes us think about, why?Buying:
Why do I need a computer?
What is a good price for a computer? $300, $500, $800, $1200, $2000, $3000? Are we talking about budget here? Or the price range for good computers? This make us think about how much I am ready to spend (budget) and the understanding of the right price to pay.Guide:
Should I buy a brand computer like HP? An used one? A clone? And what about where to buy? I think this calls for a little guidance, is not it? This make us think about a computer buying guide. Lucky for you, you are reading one already.As you can see now, computer buying guide are 3 words that calls for thinking.
It is important to understand what is involved when time come to buy a computer for the first time or a new computer, because whatever the reason or the budget there is a computer for you, and this computer buying guide will help you find out which one it is, in the hope to avoid deceptions and maybe pay less than you think.
Computer Buying Guide - Why Do You Want A Computer?
The first question I always ask to peoples refering to me is, why? Why you want a computer or what do you intend to do with a computer. The reason why you want a computer will make a big difference in your budget. Let see how far it goes by using some reasons.
Computer for general home works or Internet:
Computers for general home works are less expensive because you only need a minimum of power and peripherals like a printer. For that kind of computer you are in the range of $300 to $500. Here some examples.
- School works focus on research on Internet
- Writer for a journal, magazine etc.
- For chatting with friends over Internet via MSN
- Building an E-Business (work at home)
These reasons and many more do not need high price hardware, so even a used computer do just fine.Computer for professional works:
Here starts the spending. Those computers are far more powerful and may need some expensive peripherals like a professional drawing pad, or a pricey graphic card, etc. For that kind of computers you are in the range of $800 to $1200 and some times even to $2000 if not more. Here some examples.
- 3D modeling or for 3D animations
- Professional architect
- Professional audio works
All these reasons and others call for pricey pieces of hardware or peripherals. Speed, memory, and storage capacities are greatly involved.Computer for gamers AKA gaming machine:
Ok this get very interesting now or discouraging for parents. If you want to buy a computer for your kid and he or she is not a gamer then you will save some money by not buying a computer gaming machine ranged from $1000 to $1400 or around. Those computers are fine if your kid is a casual gamer.
But if your kid is what we call a gamer or you are a gamer then watch out. Get ready to spend lots of money because we are talking about the best of the best here. A gamer is the best or wishes to become the best at every game he plays and will do everything to achieve his goal. We are talking about computers ranging from $1600 to a crazy $3000.
To understand what is involved I will give price examples for common pieces of hardware used as gaming machine. So you get the idea.
- Graphic card - $300 is very common, $500 and plus for the best of the best. Usually when it is a brand new card on the market.
- Sound system bundle - We want the best gaming experience here so an audio card and at least 5.1 theater speakers, a pair of headset to interact in real time over Internet. About $150 to $300 or around for a very good bundle.
- Mouse - No way for wireless. It lags and we do not have time to change the batteries. $50 to $100 for the best. I know it is very expensive for just a mouse but we are gamers, remember? So all the little extra buttons on those mice help to become the best.
I think you got the point here, and I am not even talking about the CPU, Memory, CPU fan, computer case etc.Of course, spending $3000 for a computer even for a gaming machine it is totally crazy and surely not needed to have a good gaming experience. But keep in mind, when we talk about gaming experiences, the price goes up pretty fast.
Computer Buying Guide - Brand Names VS Clones
First let me explain what exactly a computer clone is. A clone is not a computer mounted by a manufacturer like HP. They have no names and are sold in stores own by small businessman and not in large surface's stores like Future Shop or Best Buy for example.
Do computer clones are as good as brand names? Yes they are, but you must know what you buy.
What is the point of computer clones then? The price.
Computer clones can be less expensive if you know what you are buying or if you have the desire to buy a computer with specifics hardware. And usually if you find a good store, you will get better services.
The best part about computer clone is the possibility to change the pre made bundle offered by the store. Add more memory, better hard drive and so on. You make the computer the way you wish it to be.
Another good aspect of computer clones is, you will not wait 1 month or more from the manufacturer to get a hardware change from the store if something happen. Clones computer are built from what the store has in stock and can change it in your computer in no time. Some times it takes only few days if not only 1.
Whatever is your decision here, I suggest you go through the entire site to get a good general idea of what hardware is used to mount a computer. Good information and some nice tips are there and may help you make a better buying experience.
Computer Buying Guide - Conclusion
Know your needs, figure what should be the best price range for your budget, and then you will have a good idea what the best computer should be for you.