How to Purchase a Computer?

Posted on Jun 06 in Tech Stuffby ApplePrint

I had no idea before I started to know a bit about computer hardware. (p/s, I never studied hardware in detail back during school time, as it was not included in my syllabus.) I was so noob back then when I wanted to purchase a computer.

Talking to the sales person, he shows you a list of hardware specifications in the catalogs or brochures. But you don’t quite understand his alien language, and your knowledge is just “how to use a computer” but not “how to build a computer”. Do you have such experience when you want to purchase a computer?

So today, I want to share with you my experience when you want to purchase a computer (or laptop). Most people thought that a branded computer (Acer, Compaq, etc) is always better than a clone (build up with several branded components) one. So which one to choose?

First of all, you must know what is the purpose of the computer that you are going to purchase. Is it for office use? Personal use? Gaming? Each purpose has different requirements.

Other than that, there are 3 essential components which you want to pay extra attention to:

1. CPU (eg. Intel, AMD) – the higher GHz the faster
2. RAM – the bigger the faster (ie. a Vista box should run on 2G and above)
3. Hard disk – the bigger the larger storage

I always receive questions like “I want my computer to be faster, what should I upgrade?”, “If I get a bigger harddisk will my computer run faster?”….

Your computer speed is determined by the CPU and RAM. Hard disk is not directly related to your computer speed. So when you want to purchase your own computer, make sure you know the purpose (if you want a computer for gaming, you need to have better hardware including graphic card), and get adequate computer memory and other hardware that suit your needs.

4 Comments

• joshuaun says:

  June 6, 2008 at 10:14 pm

  actually, I’m not so suka vista…………..but love vista XD

  joshuaun’s last blog post..Useful blogspot plugin and widget

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• LeeChien says:

  June 7, 2008 at 12:58 am

  wah, you have very nice headset!!

  LeeChien’s last blog post..Turn Red Mini Zoo – Part 2

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• Deimos Tel`Arin says:

  June 8, 2008 at 10:02 am

  I’m lazy, so I buy directly from DELL.

  It has been like 3 years since I last bought a computer though.

  Still using this single core 3.0Ghz, 2.5GB DDR2 533Mhz RAM, GeForce8600GT 256MB DDR3 RAM

  Deimos Tel`Arin’s last blog post..Tactical Assassin 2 – Flash Game – Codes – Walkthrough – Guide

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• BlogMalaysia.com says:

  June 8, 2008 at 2:44 pm

  I started to learn about computer in year 1995 (Windows 95). Built my own PC in year 1997 with the help of a friend, basically went to a computer shop to buy all the necessary parts, then brought home to assemble myself. It was fun and challenging.

  To get a fast PC, CPU is not the essential thing. If you have constrain budget, get just a duocore processor and use extra money to boost your memory to 4GB. You will see very much different in speed when you running several applications at one time.

  For Windows XP, get minimum 2GB memory.

  or Windows Vista, 4GB is better for you to enjoy smooth running of applications.

  For duo core processor, you must get two rows of ram, so it is either 1GB x 2 or 2GB x 2 or 4GB x 2. So, make sure you do the right decision and if you get 1GB x 2 now and want to upgrade in future, you will have to purchase 2GB x 2 and wasted your current memory.

  Those important things in PC that one should not be stingy of are:
  1. Mouse (get a good one, laser mouse is nice, fast and accurate. Wireless mouse is good if you are using on a desktop with power supply all the time. I like Logitech mouse).

  2. LCD monitor. Forget about CRT, get a 19inches at least LCD monitor. Personally I would go to 22inches or 24 inches wide screen type. You stare on the monitor all the time when using your computer, so it is very very important to get a good monitor that do not spoil your vision.

  3. Keyboard. A cheap and lousy keyboard when typed is very very tiring. Get one with softkey type. Try and see what is your liking.

  4. Sound card, video card, speaker…I don’t waste money on these things. I don’t play games, so just normal one will do.

  There are some other things to talk about computer…or mac…but I think I will stop now.

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