May 13, 2009

Computer Buying Advice

Filed under: Main — Tags: , — admin @ 12:01 am

When people discover that I’m into computers, inevitably the question arises, “Which computer should I buy?”

There are two answers to the question, “Which computer should I buy?”

First, if I know the person and I like them, I recommend that they get a Macintosh. Some people balk at that; the Mac has a reputation of being expensive, which isn’t true but it’s the reputation. Still, using a Mac is easy and fun and relatively problem-free.

The only exception for buying a Mac is when playing computer games is on the slate. That’s because the good games come out first and often only on the PC. So if you’re a gamer, you want a PC.

Second, if I don’t know the person, then I go into my computer buying riff. It works like this:

  1. Discover what it is you want the computer to do.
  2. Find the software that does that job.
  3. FIgure out how much hardware you need to run that software.
  4. Shop for service and support.
  5. Buy the computer.

These are the same five steps I’ve used for years to buy a computer. The key point is that it’s software that’s important, not the hardware. Yeah, that goes against my Macintosh recommendation, except that I say “Buy a PC when you play games,” which is actually obeying item 2 above.

For example, if you want to run Photoshop, you’ll need a PC that can handle the hardware demands of Photoshop. The hardware requirements are listed right on the side of the software box.

Another important Step is number 4, though that isn’t as crucial as it was in the past. Support is sadly no longer an issue because no one really offers the kind of quality support you’d find a dozen years ago. Sure, there are some local places that might offer good support, but mostly support is provided by third-party places like Geek Squad or PC Live.

Service is important because it deals with the issue of getting the PC fixed when it breaks. For those computers you buy in the big box stores that often means that you have to ship the system elsewhere to get it fixed. But local stores that sell computers often fix them right in the shop. I consider that a plus.

One more point: When buying a laptop, always get the extended warranty. You need that extra coverage because getting laptops fixed is mucho expensive.

2 Comments

  1. Dan, I have to agree with you three hundred percent on the laptop extended warranty thing. Especially good (if you ask me) is shelling out for Next Business Day Onsite Warranty (sometimes they abbreviate it to NBD Onsite).

    I’ve been looking at buying myself a laptop, and I was originally looking at only one years extra warranty (I thought it was all I could probably afford), but the 3 year Onsite NBD is only $170 more… so I think I’ll get that.

    It’s one of those things you have to weigh up, I suppose: do you spend $300 now for that piece of mind that if something does go wrong, it gets fixed? Or do you want to pay a small fortune to get Mr(s). Laptop fixed, or replaced completely? It’s also like insurance: if you don’t get it, things will go wrong, if you do, nothing will.

    Comment by Douglas — May 13, 2009 @ 2:33 am

  2. Excellent points, Douglas!

    I, fortunately, didn’t learn the lesson by myself. A friend had her laptop break and it was an outrageous expense to get it fixed. After she explained the ordeal, I started buying the extended warranties on my own equipment. I’ve been lucky and haven’t had to use them, but I’m glad I have those warrantees.

    Also (for everyone), there is a difference between the extended warranty and a retailers “service plan.” The service plan is a joke; you do not need it. The manufacturer’s warranty is enough.

    Comment by admin — May 13, 2009 @ 7:41 am

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