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Introduction
The computer industry changes constantly, and therefore,
can be confusing. What you buy today will inevitably be outdated tomorrow. It is impossible to stop obsolescence! However, you can buy a computer with the thought of delaying the process, by focusing on expandability as
new programs and hardware are offered. For most small businesses and home users, you want a computer that will meet your needs for about 2 to 3 years, and not much more. Therefore, regardless of whether you are buying a
used or a new computer, this little guide has some useful information.When buying my laptop and desktop, I placed the greatest weight for consideration on customer service and technical support. Since most
of the other options are standard among different laptop companies, this sets one manufacturer above the rest. Just like test driving cars before you purchase, it is also a good idea to go "test drive"
computers at stores BEFORE buying. Test speed, screen types, mice, keyboard layout, and other features. Below are items to consider when purchasing a laptop or desktop. Return to the TopCPU or Processor
Buy Intel CPU's in a laptop
because they handle the heat fluctuations better than AMD or Cyrix, the other main CPU manufacturers. Since each of these companies have different CPU models, buy Intel's Pentium III to stay ahead of the pack. It will cost more, but it has more speed. If the pentium III costs too much right now, buy at minimum Intel's 350 MHz and 400 MHz Pentium II processors, which have the 100 MHz system bus. Be sure the motherboard also has a 100 mhz bus and NOT a 66 mhz bus, which simply means that instead of having 66 lanes to move traffic, you'll have 100 lanes. Some companies offer a CPU capable of handling 100 lanes of traffic (100 mhz bus), but place the CPU in a motherboard that runs only 66 lanes maximum to cut costs. This too will cause a traffic jam, greater heat, and more headaches. So make sure the CPU's abilities match the motherboard capabilites. The bus systems are now to 133 Mhz.
I prefer AMD CPU's in desktops. They typically test faster than Intel chips, and since the fan cools the chip constantly, they are fine in desktops. Make sure the fans
that cool the CPU operate well. Hot CPU's and poor cooling systems freeze computers and cause inconsistant behavior. As of March 2000, Intel has delivered their 1 GHz (gigaherz) CPU to the market. Return to the TopScreens or Monitors
Most new
laptops have XGA or TFT screens, however should you have the option to buy a used laptop, the following information will be helpful. In laptops, I highly recommend XGA active matrix or TFT (currently two types: SVGA
or XGA TFT). A good screen makes the difference in a pleasant or horrible experience with laptops. Active matrix is much brighter, easier to view in lighter areas, and better for viewing at an angle. As far as screen
size is concerned, don't pay extra for a big screen unless you really need it. The main color screens on laptops in order from worst to best are DSTN (dual scan), HPA (high performance), and TFT (active matrix). Prices
vary dramatically just based on the monitor type. Test drive desktop monitors at stores to see which one feels comfortable on your eyes. There are many options now, including flat panel screens (digital and
analog) as well as the standard SVGA monitor that varies in screen size. The bigger the screen; the bigger the bill.
Return to the TopBattery life and power source
Ninety percent of laptop users
spend most of their time using the power cord, so don't spend extra for a battery pack if you're not going to use it regularly. Lithium Ion last longer than NiCad. Make sure that the power supply can operate with 110-240 volts of power for different countries and fluctuations. Most run with different voltage, but it's good to check.
The CPU, monitor, and battery supply are a permanent part of your laptop. Your desktop CPU and monitor can typically be upgraded, but check to make sure with the sales man before purchasing. The items
below offer some flexibility and growth as new programs and better hardware are developed for both the laptop and the desktop.
Return to the TopHard drive
Laptops generally sell with at least 2 GB (gigabytes) of space or more while desktops range
from 3 to 19 GB. Programs tend to require more space and are growing, so I'd recommend at least a 3 GB hard drive in the laptop and a 5 GB in the desktop. It's rare to fill the entire hard drive unless you work with
graphics, multimedia, or large databases. Upgrading to a new or larger hard drive is cheap and common both in laptops and desktops.
Return to the TopRAM
The amount of Ram you have and the type will speed a computer dramatically. You will notice the difference
typically when starting programs and sometimes surfing. I recommend that you buy 64 MB (megabytes) or more of RAM and that your laptop is capable of expanding to at least 128 MB of RAM should you decide in a couple of
years that you need more. SDRAM operates much faster than EDO, Fast Page Mode, or simms. The SDRAM type RAM certainly out speeds the other types. Return to the TopCD rom and floppy drives
On laptops, having the floppy
drive and CD drive built-in offers a noticeable amount of convenience. This was a requirement for me. It they are not both built in, you will be switching the two, often having to shut off the laptop, and sometimes you
will need them both at the same time. Side loading CD's (the door opens to the side of the laptop) are easier than front loading. DVD has gone down in price along with CD-RW (CD rewritable drives). The CD-RW drive makes
a terrific back up system, and much better than the Zip and tape drives in both ease and price per Mb. Return to the Top
Modems
On a laptop, built in modem or not? This did not play much of a priority for me, since it is just as easy to buy a PCMCIA
(explained later) modem. Built-in is convenient, but the price of a built-in model versus a PCMCIA may not be worth the convenience. The baud rate should be a minimum 56k in both the laptop and desktop, which
is standard now. ISDN requires a special phone line so be sure to check with the phone company first. Return to the Top
Sound Cards
A standard feature in laptops and desktops, but just to be sure, check and see if there are speakers and 3 little
jacks that look like they are for walkman headphones. I do not recommend buying a laptop or desktop without sound since the WWW and many CD Roms include sound features. Return to the TopIrda or Infrared port
Typically standard in newer laptops.
Printers and some other extras can now operate via the infrared port. Why lug a printer cable if you have infrared? This area of laptops is still developing and so the speed of data transfer may vary.
Return to the TopPCMCIA slots
Another standard feature in laptops
that has not changed much compared to other features. Typically, a laptop should handle 2 type II or 1 type III PCMCIA card at a time. You can add many other items to the laptop via cards that use these slots. Items can include but are not limited to scanners, extra drives (ZIP, CD, hard drives, floppy, DVD, Magneto Optical, etc.), network card, modem (if the speed increases - this is good), and more. It is extremely rare to have more cards needed at one time than the slots can handle.
For desktops, check to see how many open bays are available, and how many slots are available (especially ISA and PCI types) AFTER all your features are installed. This will make a difference should you choose
to expand later. Return to the Top
Universal Serial Bus (USB)
Relatively standard in laptops and still expanding. USB allow for "daisy chaining," or linking many extra items to your computer that can include but are not limited to
scanners, printers, extra drives (ZIP, CD, hard drives, floppy, DVD, Magneto Optical, etc.), digital cameras, and more. The USB provides for much needed flexibility while laptops are expanding. USB offers a higher-speed
digital connection than the printer port, and promises a plug-and-play upgrade experience. Return to the TopSCSI
Similar to the USB in its ability to daisy chain, but much more expensive. Most consumers do not need scsi ports. They are needed when
working with hi-end graphics and other technical industrial areas. Return to the TopVideo Capture In/Out
A nice feature when making presentations via projectors, or recording onto or from a VCR or any camera. You can also
capture the t.v., vcr, or any other ntsc/pal format onto your computer for use later. Video capture does not come in all laptops and can be bought as an extra for desktops. Return to the TopSoftware
Bundles: Many PCs come pre installed with
additional software that would cost hundreds of dollars if bought separately. The applications run the gamut from financial planners to games, encyclopedias, and educational entertainment titles, but try to get an
office suite or an integrated package such as Microsoft Works for basic needs such as word processing or spreadsheets. Windows 95 or 98 at minimum should come with the computer. This is your operating system, so it is
very important to get the CD as well. Some vendors install the program on the computer but do not give you the CD. Return to the Top
Tech support and Guarantees
Do not settle for less than a 30-day return policy, and be sure to check the vendor's policy on
bundled software. Some will not let you return the software once it has opened. Warranties normally run 1 year parts and labor for laptops and desktops, but it is possible to find three years for parts and labor. And be
sure to investigate the tech support options and hours. Is having international tech support important? If so, it will limit the laptop companies. I find a toll-free number signifies customer service oriented companies
as well. Return to the TopOther Items
For laptops: weight, dock ability refers to how easy it is to pull the notebook out and plug it back into its bay (or dock). Not a big issue, if you only do it five times a year or so. If you are doing it on a
weekly basis you will want a notebook that -- boom -- you plug in and the monitor, keyboard, etc. are ready to go. Parallel, serial, mouse, keyboard, and game ports (for joysticks and other game input devices) should be
standard on laptops and desktops. It is not worth it if you impulse buy and get stuck with something you really did not want. I speak from firsthand experience. Buying a computer is a big decision
that should be made with fore thought. Happy hunting!! Return to the Top |
