It’s a tool for our minds; a lever and fulcrum, if you will. In today’s world, it’s difficult to live without a computer. Many of us use computers to pay our bills, keep our finances on track, and enjoy a streamed movie or two on Netflix.
Over time, computers break down. Not only the hardware, but occasionally the software needs some updating as well. Whether you are a user of Windows, Mac, Linux, or some other foreign operating environment I’m unaware of, here are a few things to keep in mind when you’re hunting for that new computer.
Consider The TCO
Your hard drive fails. You get the blue screen of death. It’s time for a new computer. What do most people do? Well, they head on over to Best Buy (or some retail location of the sort) and grab the cheapest computer they can find that will get the job done.
Buying a computer, to me, is an art. You want to choose something that will last a long time and come with software you will actually use. If you buy a cheap net-book, it’ll probably fail apart within a few years or be slow enough to warrant a replacement.
Here’s a tip for buying a computer with the best value: consider the TCO (Total Cost of Ownership). Sure, you can buy a computer for $600, but if it requires $400 in software that you need and dies in two years, what good is that? Instead, go for something with a little more quality that has premium applications that come preinstalled or for a low cost. Future-proof your purchase.
Many computer companies recommend that you upgrade your OS (Operating System) when a new version arrives. This improves your computer’s security and usually enhances the usability and efficiency of the system. I recommend that you upgrade to the latest operating system for these reasons, but it is important to consider the cost of upgrading your OS before you buy a computer.
What Do You Need A Computer For In The First Place?
Everyone has different needs. Maybe you’re not a savvy web-designer and don’t need that fancy dual-core, RAM-blasting, solid-state piece of perfection lab technicians are often seen with in the movies. Perhaps all you need is to browse the web, shoot off a couple of emails, and play the occasional game of solitaire.
Tablet computers are becoming ever-more popular. From Apple’s iPad to the German-made WeTab (formerly WePad), there are lot of lower-cost options out there to choose from. If you’re not a power user (using graphically-intense applications or building software), tablet computers will become an increasingly attractive option.
Another thing to consider is whether you need your computer to be mobile. Many people assume they require a laptop. But if you’re doing all your work at home anyway, why not save a few bucks and get a desktop? They come at a fraction of the cost of a laptop and are typically more reliable. Desktop computers have less room for error, as the components are spread farther apart – resulting in less heat on your parts.
Don’t Skimp, Buy Quality
Remember, it is not wise to merely grab the first computer you see on the shelf. Do your research and you’ll come out ahead of the game. Think long-term when you are buying a computer. It is well worth to get something that will stand the test of time so that you don’t have to buy new technology every few years.
It’s a great idea to try and project where computing will be in the next 5 to 10 years. If you see a trend in a certain direction, buy something down that path. With patience, you’ll find a machine that will last you year after year. Now go shopping!
Photo from http://www.flickr.com/photos/lselibrary/4401344940/
! John wrote two articles for the book: "Budgeting for Groceries" and "How Grocery Stores Work."
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Here is a tip from a Mac and PC certified person… Me.
Want a $300 laptop? Cool. go for it. Remember, you get what you pay for. Don’t expect it to last for years and years without problems.
If you want to constantly have to tweak and troubleshoot to keep it working, get a windows PC. If you want the thing to work with little work on your part, get a Mac. Macs allow you to get real work done without getting in the way…
I couldn’t agree more.
I love my iMac.