When it comes to getting a good computer, be it brand new or an already used one, there are certain things that you will need to consider because getting a bad computer is one thing that you don’t want to happen to you. Of course, the first thing that comes to mind when looking for a computer, whether laptop or desktop, is the price. However, beyond that, there are many other things you may want to look out for.
Tips to Find A Good Computer
1. What for you need it for?
At the top of the tips to find a good computer is what you need it for. This is very important because getting a good computer for the wrong thing may be as bad as getting a bad computer. If you are a gamer, you will need to get a gaming computer and not a computer for writers or for any other thing. Why this is important is because each computer has its own components that are designed to help it in handling specific tasks.
2. Desktop or Laptop
Even though it is an easy one to choose, it is also very important. You need to get it right. If you need something that will be in one place for work, what will be good for you is to get a desktop or if you need something very crazy for gaming. However, if you need something you can be carrying about, getting a laptop is the wise and easy choice for you. The good thing is that there are also gaming laptops if you are a gamer, although many of them would not be as good as a gaming computer.
If you are going for a laptop, there are a lot of things you need to consider such as the battery life and most especially, the components because it is harder for you to change or upgrade a laptop than a desktop.
3. Screen size and weight
Laptop screens typically range in size from 9- to 17-inch (about 23- to 43-centimeter) displays. The bigger the display, the heavier your laptop will be. Balance the amount of portability you need against performance to find the right size for you.
If you are going for a desktop, these are also things you will need to consider most especially because of your space. For the screen sizes, you can get anything from a very small size monitor to an ultrawide one.
4. CPU
The CPU is your computer’s brain. The two main CPU providers are Intel and AMD. Intel corners the market in terms of advanced technology, but AMD offers competitive models at lower prices. Dual-core CPUs are more powerful with better support for gaming and graphics, while single-core CPUs are much more cost-effective for people who simply use their computer for basic office and web-browsing functions.
Beyond just the make of the processors, the main thing that you should concern yourself is the speed and the core of the processors. The higher the core, the better for you. However, there is a point that you can get, if you get one that is too much for your need that it will just end up a waste since it is not put to use to meet its actual potential. The importance of the processor is that it determines the speed of your system.
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5. RAM
Business travelers and home users should look for between 2 GB and 4 GB of RAM. Gamers, graphic artists and other people who work with high-definition videos will benefit from 4 GB to 8GB of RAM. The average student looking for a cost-effective machine for doing homework, e-mailing and web browsing can settle for 1 GB of RAM.
6. Storage
Now, the thing is that the storage of a computer may not necessarily be the first thing on the list that you should go for, since you can easily upgrade it. However, it is also important most especially the type of drive it has; a HDD or SSD. While a Hard Disk Drive is mostly cheaper and more durable, the Solid State Drive is faster. Hence, you will need to consider which you want to go with.
Another thing is that there are some computers, desktop that will offer you additional space for an extra drive, so you may also consider going for that if it will meet your needs, most especially if you are a gamer.
More so, it is important for you to consider is the size of the drive that you should get. As you get that, also consider other components of the computer.
7. Keyboard quality
The quality of the keyboard may not be as important as many other things when you are looking for a desktop since it is easy for you to get another that will meet your needs. However, when you are looking to get a laptop, a good keyboard is something that is very important for you to consider, no matter what you want to use the computer for.
8. Mac OS, Windows, and Linux
Finally, let’s talk about the type of computer that you need. Generally, getting a Mac OS is a much better system in terms of security and reliability. Nonetheless, it is more expensive than the other two.
Another thing that will decide the type that you want is the need you want to put it to. For example, if it is gaming that you want to get the system for, you will prefer to go for windows, while Mac OS will be better for professional work. As regard software, there are more programs available for Windows than there are for MacOS.
9. Use an online laptop finder
Many shopping sites have tools and search engines to help you choose the right laptop. Microsoft has an innovative program called PC Scout, which walks beginners through the process of choosing a computer, and then presents some choices at the end.
Online shopping sites often have advanced search features to help you search for laptops with the exact specifications you want.
