Investing in a new PC isn’t something to take lightly. Doing your research ahead of time and consulting with a trusted friend or IT shop often helps. Digging deep keeps you from paying for major mistakes that could come back to haunt you later.
Here are the biggest priorities to consider before handing over hard-earned money on a new computer.
The Amount of Memory (RAM)
One of the costliest mistakes customers make when deciding on a new computer is to ignore the RAM. Random access memory may either be called RAM on the specification or labeled as “memory.” If your system has low memory, you run face first into all sorts of problems.
These issues can include:
- Browser freezing up if too many tabs remain open
- Issues watching videos
- Demanding software not working properly
- Sluggish behavior when trying to work
- Inability to open multiple applications simultaneously
- Constant freezes
Memory is the “thought processing power” of the PC. If there isn’t enough, it can’t take on another task until it completes the current processing tasks on its list. This can cause frustration and ruin your productivity. There’s nothing quite like a slow computer for creating high blood pressure.
People often notice those low-priced computer deals when they’re looking for a new device. But these low budget options often include only 4GB of RAM. That’s not much processing capacity if you do much more than staying in a single application or just a few browser tabs.
The higher the RAM, the more responsive the system performance. So, always look for PCs with at least 8GB of RAM. Aim much higher if you do any graphics/video or other processing-intensive activities such as CAD/CAM work.
User Reviews for Longevity
Buying a new computer is an investment, and often a large one. It’s sensible to want that investment to last as long as possible. Nobody wants to spend $700 on a new computer, only to begin experiencing problems when it’s just two years old.
Take the time to research user reviews on the specific models you’re considering. You’ll quickly begin to see patterns emerging. Steer clear of models that show consistent complaints about breakdowns sooner than expected.
You’ll probably have to pay a little more for a system that has a better track record of performance. Doing so saves you in the long run when you have more years of usable life before that device needs replacement.
Whether the PC is for Personal or Business Use
If you have a small business, are a freelancer, or a solopreneur, you may try to save money by buying a consumer PC. Since they’re not meant for business use, this could end up costing you more in the long run.
Consumer PCs were never designed for continuous “9-to-5” use. These home computers also often lack certain types of firmware security present in business-use models. Fortunately, the price gap has also shortened between good consumer computers and business versions. If you’re not looking at the cheapest home systems, you’ll find that it’s not that much more to get a business-grade device.
The Processor Used
Processor specifications on a computer get real confusing real fast. How do you know if you need Intel Core i7 or i3? Is there a performance difference between AMD and Intel processors?
If you don’t want to do the research yourself, you should probably consult your local IT shop. They’ll be happy to steer you in the right direction, explaining the differences in layman’s terms. They can help you decide which processor makes the most sense for your intended use.
For Laptops: The Case Type
If you’re in the market for a laptop computer, durability is paramount. Laptops possess some unique characteristics that differ from desktops. For instance, the screen is often folded down one or more times per day. In addition, the keyboard is part of the case instead of a separate piece of equipment that’s easy to replace.
If you get a laptop with a cheap plastic case, it will break during normal use. Keys could also easily pop off the keyboard, requiring a trip to a computer repair shop. These are pretty inevitable for cheap plastic.
You want to consider the materials used for the case. Paying an extra $20-$30 upcharge for a better casing is definitely worth it, helping you avoid unneeded headaches.
Storage Capacity
Storage capacity often shows as a pain point that you experience far too late. If you buy a computer without paying attention to hard drive space, you will regret it. You may not even be able to transfer over all your “stuff” from the old system, much less add to it.
But storage capacity also offers an area where you can save some money. If you habitually store most of your files in the cloud, then you may not need a lot of hard drive space. The less space you need to use, the lower the price.
Hard Drive Type
If you can get a computer with a solid-state drive (SSD) rather than a traditional hard disk drive (HDD) you should. They’re more expensive than HDD, but absolutely worth it. SSDs are faster and less likely to have read/write issues. They have no moving parts; thus they are quieter as well. Because they have no moving parts to wear out, they last exponentially longer.
Solid-state drives have dropped in price quite a bit recently. There are many affordable options on the market today, and you’ll also find some PCs with both HDD and SSD storage.
Why Is This Published By A Business Phone Company?
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