Ever bought a new computer and had buyer’s remorse later? Maybe you didn’t pay attention to the storage capacity and ran out of space. Or you may have glossed over memory and experienced constant freeze-ups.
It’s important to take your time when investing in a new computer. Doing your research well in advance of purchase and consulting a trusted friend or IT shop can help. It will keep you from making big mistakes that may cause you to regret your purchase later on.
Here are several things to consider before you put down your hard-earned money on a new computer.
The Amount of Memory (RAM)
Some people make the mistake of ignoring the memory when deciding on which computer to buy. If your system has doesn’t have sufficient memory for the work you’ll be doing and the apps you’ll install, you’re likely to see problems such as:
- Web browser freezing up when you have many tabs or windows open
- “Choppy” video/streaming playback
- Some software not working properly
- Sluggish performance in general
- Inability to open multiple applications
- Regular system freezes
Memory is the “thought process” of the computer If there isn’t enough “free” memory, the computer can’t take on another task until it completes those tasks currently queued up. This can cause frustration and decrease your productivity.
People often go for low-priced computer deals when looking for a new device. But these can cut-price computer often include only 4GB of RAM. That’s not a lot if you need to do more than just stay in a single app or open more than a handful of browser tabs.
The higher the amount of available memory, the better the system performance. So look for computers with at least 8GB or better yet: 16GB of memory. Go higher if you do any graphics/video or other resource-intensive activities.
Check Out Reviews By Other Purchasers
Buying a new computer is an investment, so you naturally want that investment to last as long as possible. You don’t want to spend $700 on a new computer, only to begin experiencing problems when it’s just two years old.
Take your time to research user reviews on the specific models you’re considering. You’ll begin to see patterns emerging. Steer clear of models that have consistent complaints about breakdowns sooner than expected.
You may have to pay a little more for a system that has a better track record of performance. But it will save you in the long run when you have more years of usable life before that device needs replacement.
Is Your Computer For Personal or Business Use?
If you have a small business or are a freelancer, you may try to save money by buying a consumer PC. But this could end up costing you more in the long run.
Consumer PCs aren’t designed for continuous “9-to-5” use. They also often lack certain types of firmware security present in business-use models. The price gap has also shortened between good consumer computers and business versions. If you’re not looking at the cheap systems, you’ll find that it’s not that much more to get a business-grade device.
The Processor
It can be confusing to read through the processor specifications on a computer. How do you know if Intel Core i9, i7 or i3 is best for your usage needs? What’s the performance difference between AMD and Intel processors?
If you don’t want to do the research yourself, you could call up someone in the know – like us! We’ll be happy to steer you in the right direction. We’ll explain in layman’s terms the differences. As well as which processor makes the most sense for your intended use.
For Laptops: The Case Type
If you’re looking for a laptop computer, it’s important that it is durable. Laptops have some unique characteristics that differ from desktops. For example, the screen is often folded down one or more times per day. Additionally, the keyboard is part of the case and is not easily replaced by the user.
If you get a laptop with a cheap plastic case, it’s bound to break during normal use. Keys could also easily pop off the keyboard, requiring a trip to a computer repair shop.
You should consider the materials used for the case. Paying an extra $20-$30 for a sturdier case is definitely worth it.
Storage Capacity
Storage capacity can be a pain point that you experience after you’ve purchased. Don’t buy a computer without paying close attention to how much hard drive space it contains. You may not have enough room to transfer over all your data – files, photos, videos etc – from your old computer.
But storage capacity can also be an area where you can save some money. If you store most of your files in the cloud, such as on OneDrive, then you may not need a lot of hard drive space. The smaller the storage space, the less you pay.
Hard Drive Type
If you can get a computer with a solid-state drive (SSD) rather than a traditional hard disk drive (HDD) you should. SSDs are faster and less likely to have read/write issues. They have no moving parts so they’re quieter too.
Solid-state drives have come down in price quite a bit recently. There are many affordable options, and you’ll also find some PCs with both a hard drive and SSD.
Warranty
You get a basic warranty with new computer purchases in Australia and this may be sufficient. But keep in mind that these types of warranties typically require you to return your computer to the manufacturer or their affiliate warranty/repair shop. Think about the time it will take to pack your computer, ship it off for repair and then see it returned. This could take several weeks.
If that’s not going to work for you, consider purchasing a business-grade model with an onsite repair option. For a small additional cost, a technician will come to you to repair your computer should it fail within the warranty period which can be 3, 4, or 5 years in duration depending on the manufacturer.
Come to Us Before You Invest in a New Computer
Don’t spend your money on a new computer without getting a little expert guidance. Contact us today for a free consultation and save yourself the possibility of buyer’s remorse.
Article used with permission from The Technology Press.