Buying computers, what to look for.

United States
June 13, 2010 6:32pm CST
I am fairly new to the computer world. My first two or three computers were Dells for two reasons: I saw their ads and their website allowed me to buy on time. Since then I have found that I don't like their service and am looking for a different brand for my next purchase (which I hope won't be for a few years). Any recommendations? What do you look for in a computer? What to all the scribblings under "specifications" mean and what do I need to look for in RAM and processors and all that jazz??? My sister claims that HP makes lousy computers but she may have just gotten a lemon and all brands have at least one lemon or two go off the assembly lines. Any suggestions???
11 responses
• Philippines
26 Jun 10
As what experts say, the higher the number the better. But im satisfied with my pc now. Its a pentium d 2.8ghz dual core with 80gb hdd, 1gb ram, 256mb video card. i just bought this for only Php9,300 or more than $200.
1 person likes this
• United States
26 Jun 10
Thank you. I just need to figure out how to balance the specs within my budget.
• Philippines
14 Jun 10
When you buy computer it is important that you know something about computer so you will know if that computer is good or not. You can see it in the specifications of the computer. I don't care what brand as long it is branded because for me any brand is good I just look in the specifications. For me a good computer specification is DualCore Processor or higher, 2 Gigabytes of RAM or higher, 300 Gigabytes of Hardisk Drive or higher, 1 Gigabytes Video Card or higher and you also must have a fast internet connection because even if you have a good computer but your connection is slow, its useless. Or have someone that knows something about computer when you buy. That's it, God Bless..
• United States
14 Jun 10
Thank you for your input. Do you have any inexpensive computer websites you can recommend???
• United States
14 Jun 10
thanks, anyway. :)
• Philippines
14 Jun 10
I'm sorry alaskanray, I know many sites that sell inexpensive computer but it is only here in the Philippines. I'm really sorry..
@o0jopak0o (6394)
• Philippines
14 Jun 10
well that depends on what you are looking for, gaming or just casual using ( surf and such) well for me i usually look for a pc that will hold even if it past 5 years meaning that it is still capable even after 5 years. But of course these computers are more expensive than the usual ones. But i think its a good investment if your not planning to buy a new one every a 2 years.
• United States
14 Jun 10
Yes, I agree. I've had my computer for just 2 years now and am trying to make it last another 2-3 years. (It'll take me that long to save up for the next one.) I like to make my stuff last as long as possible. I am very frugal...have to be on disability pay. :)
• United States
14 Jun 10
build your own! you can get all the parts from sites such as tiger direct, ect and without all the bells and whistles that slow your computer down. also if you have you os disk from a older computer you dont need a new operating system. its a money saver, and setting it up is fairly easy. theres a lot less hassle when you know your computer from the inside. ive built all of my previous computers, and if youre looking for an affordable way to get all the bells and whistles this is the way to go!
• United States
15 Jun 10
LOL...I wouldn't know where to start. I'm not a computer tech and doubt I would ever be able to master such an intricate project. but thanks anyway.
@rabajar (134)
• Philippines
14 Jun 10
In buying computer, do not look on how good the computer physically. How attracted it is like color, shape and the like. You should go check directly the computer specification. Before you buy, you should ask yourself what is the purpose on buying computer, is it for business, gaming, or just surfing. If its for business, buy the computer with a very good specs. If its for gaming, buy the one that has an excellent memory and processor. If its for surfing, then you can buy the normal type of computer.
• United States
14 Jun 10
That is what I am asking...what do the specs mean????? I use my computer for everything. It is my workplace, my entertainment center, my communications center and my game center all rolled into one. I do literally everything on my computer. I know I need lots of RAM. My sis suggested 3gig and at the very least 1gig. I am sold on laptops as I'm disabled and unable to sit at a desk but even among laptops I find it hard to sort through all the symbols they list in specs. They don't use plain English but some sort of computerese shorthand. Is there a translation book out there somewhere? You know, like "Reading computer specs for dummies"? LOL
@breisa (165)
• New Zealand
14 Jun 10
RAM-- sort of determines how quick your PC is at responding to your actions. The higher the RAM, the better, the more programs it could run all at the same time. Video Card-- I recommend you choose a brand that is mostly requirement for your gaming needs, like NVidia. Laptops as I have herd from my friends have a very short life span. Probably 5 years until they become really slow and sucky, and laptops are very hard to repair since they're internal pieces cannot be found in the market. Desktop computers are much resilient and they last longer. If you need an upgrade, you can just simply replace one part, no need to replace the whole thing.
• United States
14 Jun 10
Thanks for the info but I'm sticking with my laptop. As a disabled person I cannot sit at a desk and need a computer I can work from bed. Also, I like the small space my laptop takes up. Thanks again.
@mturacom (632)
• India
14 Jun 10
I think Dell actually have good service. In other countries whenever there is some mistake in you pc then you have to take it to them. While in Dell you can just call them and they just sends a technician to your home. I just got my dvd writer replaced by them within two days at home itself without being asked even a single question. On the other hand when we take our pc of some other manufacturer then they take so many days in repairing and are not that good in service. At least this is the case where I live. Considering HP, I will suggest not to go for Compaq series. As Compaq series computers are built by a company compaq and not HP itself. While the Pavilion series is a little expensive but definitely worth the money. Now coming to the specifications, the average specifications which you should also have in your pc is 2GB RAM, at least 2.5 Ghz processor for desktop and 2.0Ghz for laptop. 320 GB hard disk will be enough and is also budget friendly. And at last 15" screen is just the best suited for me and you should buy one according it to your own taste. Happy myLotting!
• United States
14 Jun 10
I was meaning Dell's financial service. They charge some of the highest interest rates around and are totally unreasonable in their terms. Plus their prices are way too high. They will show you one price and by the time they are done with all their hidden fees, the price is doubled or more. I prefer to be able to just do my own maintenance and updates. I recently learned how to reformat my own hard drive and with XP I have the option of automatic updates so I really don't need their tech support anymore. If something comes up that I can't handle, I go to the local computer doctor. I just didn't like Dell's attitude when I was having financial troubles and my balance kept jumping up by leaps and bounds. They do not work with you when you are struggling. They are definitely not the poor person's friend.
@maean_19 (4655)
• Philippines
14 Jun 10
When you are planning to buy a computer, consider many things. What do you need? Meaning, do you need it for gaming, research, business, movie, etc. Then, check on your budget, consider the specification, then the quality. Do not be fooled much with brands because there are cheap ones having the same quality with branded. If you are a gamer savvy or more on movie downloads, go for a higher memory and harddisc. Check on the computer's specification. Research on the internet about the product and read on reviews. Those things may help you in choosing what to buy.
• Philippines
14 Jun 10
When i bought my computer, I checked first the processor because according to my friend this will give me a faster PC. Then I checked for the hard drive. I chose a bigger hard drive because it also affects the computer's performance..You should not focus on the outer looks of the computers but in the internal components of it..hope it helps..:)
@slovenc1 (2089)
• Slovenia
14 Jun 10
I think a good cpu is the most important part of your pc. A good one allows you for several programs to run without problems so depends on what you do but 4 cores would be great. Also the way it's cooled is important. But if you're just buying a pc/laptop from shop try to at least read some reviews about it first.
14 Jun 10
well it is a gud question, because lot many thing matters, 1) pocket 2) need (gaming, heavy work like multimedia, office use etc..) 3) company (which ever best available in your country) costly is not always best (think this twice).
@arnooba (75)
• Egypt
14 Jun 10
i liked toshiba it is more expe. but more hardwar estable. all what you need to do is listed you requirment, and your usage for this pc, i.e. if you have alote of data -- big hard disk if you play games -- good viga card and so on search under your specs to your budged