| There are many factors to consider when deciding on | | | | (RAM) Memory: |
| which computer equipment to buy. The massive | | | | Memory is very important because optimum running of |
| amount of choices can seem overwhelming. This guide | | | | your computer equipment is dependent on enough |
| can help you compare computer equipment features, | | | | RAM. The minimum amount should be 256MB, for |
| and help you to examine and sift through the basic | | | | better performance you should get 512MB. If you can |
| items before you buy a new computer. | | | | afford to buy a new computer with more, you should. |
| If it is a desktop PC, laptop, discount/surplus computer, | | | | It's worth it because you can keep more applications |
| a refurbished computer or a computer accessory, this | | | | open and it will easily handle memory hogs like |
| quick guide will help you to get the most for your | | | | Photoshop and music applications! |
| money. | | | | Monitors: |
| With computer equipment today almost any of them | | | | When buying computer equipment look for a monitor |
| will adequately handle what most people need to buy | | | | that is at least 17" with a resolution of 1280 by 1024 |
| a new computer for; word processing, basic office, | | | | pixels. A Desktop PC with a 19-inch monitor gives you |
| internet surfing and email. Which you can buy for about | | | | 20 % more screen area. If you can spend $300-$450 |
| $1000. or less! But if you are into digital videos, photo | | | | on a monitor when you buy a new computer you |
| editing, music, or manage a large database you will | | | | might want to get a 15" LCD because it has the same |
| need more than the basic Desktop PC or Laptop. This | | | | viewable area as the 17" CRT and takes up much less |
| higher end computer will cost you around $1500-$2000. | | | | space. |
| (CPU) Processors: | | | | Hard Drives (storage): |
| There is always a lot of change in the computer | | | | Most hard drives sold today will provide more than |
| market, but no matter what the upgrades there is | | | | enough storage. The basic computer equipment |
| always two basic choices to be made when | | | | comes with 40GB or larger, which is plenty for most |
| purchasing computer equipment: | | | | tasks. But for working with graphics, video, music, or |
| 1) brand 2) speed. To buy a new computer that | | | | large databases 80GB should be the minimum you |
| handles standard office and Internet tasks any | | | | settle for. 7200-rpm drives give better performance. |
| processor will work. | | | | But for the best performance get a computer with |
| Need more 'power' in your computer equipment? Then | | | | 8MB of cache. |
| the Intel Pentium4 or the AMD Athlon XP (great for | | | | Warranty and Tech Support: |
| graphics and photos which use a lot of memory | | | | A one-year warranty on most computer equipment is |
| space) are for you. | | | | enough, because most problems seem to happen in |
| If you buy a new computer one or two levels from the | | | | the first year. If you want you can get an extended |
| top you will only lose about five percent per tier | | | | two to three year warranty for around $150. to $200. |
| performance but you can save a couple hundred | | | | If you buy a Dell you can get priority call routing to tech |
| dollars! | | | | support for a year for only $39. |