Don't throw your money away .....
Before making that all important computer or Laptop purchase consider these important point s first.
Walking into any computer retail store, seeing row after row of computers, it can be a bit overwhelming trying to decide which computer you want to take home with you. However, despite their complexity, it can be quite easy to choose the right computer that suits your needs. All you have to do is ask yourself one question:
What type of computer user are you?
It is such a natural question to ask, yet so many do not seem to. Understanding what you will be using the computer for will help save you countless headaches and annoying questions from the salespeople trying to sell you what they think you need.
I am a gamer
If you are a gamer, then you are going to be looking for a computer that has a high processor speed, most likely a dual processor in the 3.0-gigahertz range. Naturally, just having a fast processor is not going to mean fast performance.
For those gamers out there, you are going to have to look at getting a great deal of RAM (Random Access Memory), at least 1 GB, as well as a supped-up video card. The video card should be at least 256 MB, but if you have the money then push yourself towards 512 MB. As well, while the debate has passed by in recent years, always go with a PCI (Peripheral Component Interface) video card over an AGP (Advanced Graphics Port) video card. Now, if your computer has a port for it, go for the PCI-Express, which is a newer version of PCI and 8x faster than AGP.
For space, go with 100 GB to 160 GB. Games these days take up a lot of space and you want to have the space to not only install them but to store your saved games.
I just need a family computer/or I am operate a small business
If this is you, then buying a home computer becomes a lot easier, and cheaper. You will not have to spend big bucks on top-notch video cards or extra hard drive space. In this case, a desktop or laptop, in the 2.0 to 3.0 gigahertz range will work well for you. In fact, you could get by with a 1.5 gigahertz and above processor. It does not take a lot of processing power to operate a word document or spreadsheet.
Naturally, as a home computer for the family, you will need the computer to work well enough to operate some games for the kids. Go for a 128 MB video card and remember to choose PCI. As for space, 60 GB to 80 GB should suffice fine. Naturally, as with a gamer computer, make sure to have high-speed internet at your home. The days of dial-up left with Tetris.
It may be an over-generalization to summarize everyone into two categories but usually computer users fall into them quite easily.
Of course, if you are looking to work in graphic design, then there is only one piece of advice I have for you; buy a MAC.
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