{mosSender [email protected]}I am frequently asked for advice on buying a ‘good’ computer. So I thought I would try to consolidate my thoughts on this for anyone looking to buy a...
{mosSender [email protected]}
{mosReply [email protected]} {mosComment} {mosForward} {mosDelete} {mosBookmark}
I am frequently asked for advice on buying a ‘good’ computer. So I thought I
would try to consolidate my thoughts on this for anyone looking to buy a new
or used computer.
Firstly, between buying a laptop or desktop. If you do not absolutely NEED a
laptop don’t buy one. They cost more, break down more often and are more
expensive and / or impossible to upgrade.
Processors:
The biggest mistake people currently make is looking at processor speed to
determine if the computer will be fast:, eg
1) Celeron 3.6Ghz
2) Pentium 4 3.2 Ghz
3) DualCore 2.6 Ghz
4) Core2Duo 1.7Ghz
In most cases the fastest SYSTEM is likely to be the last one, based on a
Core2Duo processor. Even though this has a slower clock speed. This is due
also to the internal design of the processor as well as the overall system
design. For example, a Celeron processor is basically a slightly redesigned
Pentium 3, the processor speed might be higher but the speed and the way it
passes data internally and to the motherboard is much less efficient.
The dualcore (sometimes called CoreDuo) and core2duo are designed much more
efficiently both internally and externally. Also, the motherboards that
support them run faster and more efficiently.
The original DualCore processors are very good value at the moment and newer
motherboards will take either the older DualCore chips or the Core2Duo. If
looking at a core2duo based system, check the speed of the L2 cache, the
more the better.
If you really need computing power, there are now systems based on QuadCore
processors (4 processing cores on a single chip!!) With 8core processors on
the way soon!!
Motherboards:
When it comes to motherboards, there is not a great deal to compare between
the different options. However, a system with an on-board (îùåìá) graphics
card will in most cases run slower than one with a separate graphics card.
If buying a ‘cheap’ system with on board graphics now, at least ensure that
there is an option for adding a separate card later (using a PCIex-16
interface NOT AGP).
Memory:
The more the better, the faster the better. Windows XP and VISTA will run
substantially better with more memory. 1GB (for a desktop) is good amount to
be using.
Hard Disc:
Unless you are storing numerous songs, movies etc you are unlikely to need
more than 120GB for most computing needs. Make sure it uses a SATA interface
and not the older ATA.
DVD:
Get a DVD writer. They both read and write to both DVDs and CDRWs. The cost
saving of getting only a CDRW drive or DVD drive is negligible.
Windows:
(apologies to those who think that Linux is the best thing since sliced
bread!)
Firstly, please make sure that if you buy a computer with Windows
pre-installed, that you get the licence key. Unfortunately, I have dealt
with several customers who PAID for windows but then received an unlicenced
copy of windows!! Without the licence key the software is ILLEGAL and
according to many halachic opinions GNEIVA.
Windows XP is what everyone knows, Vista is what ‘everyone’ will be using
within a few years. I have been using Vista happily for about a year (I was
part of the testing program for it). It is many enhancements in terms of
Hebrew support, efficiency, search tools etc. Unless you need to use
specific applications which are not yet available for Vista, I would
recommend seriously considering using Vista for your new PC.
Keyboard, Mouse:
Don’t forget that the way you interact with the computer is through the
Keyboard, mouse and screen (see below). Don’t save pennies by getting a
cheap keyboard or mouse. The mouse should be optical or laser based.
Screen:
There are too many details to list here. However, LCDs are much more cost
effective even for basic use (internet, email, word etc). For basic use a
cheap screen is likely to be good enough (though check the warranty). For
higher end use, ensure the speed is faster (the lower the millisecond (ms)
the better) and the contrast ratio should be higher. 19” screens are really
coming down in price. A wide screen gives you a lot more space to play with
for most tasks (email, word etc) and movies look better!!
Laptops:
If you really need a laptop, buy a good make: I recommend Dell, HP, Lenovo.
You can get some excellent deals from other manufacturers, however you may
end up regretting it. The rules above also apply to laptops in terms of
processor memory, hard disc etc. Note, that you cannot add a graphics card
later to a laptop, so it is recommended to get one with a separate card
(using separate memory) from the get go. You can usually tell if the laptop
has separate graphics as it will be more expensive, and it will specify
using and NVidia or ATI graphics instead of an IBM graphics. If you use your
laptop for picture editing, movies or a likely to want to put Windows Vista
on it, than a separate graphics is almost essential.
Who to buy from:
The guy next door may be able to knock something together on the cheap for
you, but will he be around next month/year to honour the warranty?
Does the store take credit cards (for tashlumim)? Do they charge extra for
tashlumim? How long will it take for delivery? Is the warrant on-site or are
you going to have to take half a day off work to get it to and from the
store? Is the person/store a registered company and give an official VAT
invoice? Make sure you ask these questions before buying.
Whether or not you decide to but from us, I hope this has been helpful and
that you will get many years of computing enjoyment from your new purchase.
===========================================
Francis Shrago
Mabtech (Israel)
02 940 0570
0525 400 952
PC and laptop sales, Servicing and Support since 1998
===========================================
{tag info}
{mosReply [email protected]} {mosComment} {mosForward} {mosDelete} {mosBookmark}
