Upgrade Guidance
Question: My present computer is six years old with
Windows 98. It keeps crashing on me and I know it's just a matter of time
before it gives up completely. I use my computer basically for email and
surfing the Internet. I'm not really into digital photography or downloading
music. I know that prices are pretty low right now. Should I buy now or wait
for Vista? If I do buy a new computer now, what are the basics that I should
be looking for to meet my needs? Speed? How much memory? Hard drive size?
Intel or AMD? CRT or LCD monitor? CD or DVD?
My advice is almost always the same. Buy a new computer when the frustration factor on your old one gets too high. Today's computers are relatively inexpensive and there is no need to put up with a major pain in the butt. As far as waiting for Vista or anything else for that matter, see the RELATED LINKS below. The agree that waiting is probably a bad idea.
As far as what to buy - or what to look for in a computer, I almost universally recommend Sony Viao or Dell computers. That being said, I assume you are talking about the Windows platform. Apple/Mac is by far a more stable system, but it is pricey and then you have the learning curve associated with changing operating systems.
Back to Sony and Dell computers. I recommend Sony if you tend to be a high end user. For normal household use, you will save money and still get a very good computer if you buy Dell. If you need to save every dollar you can, then go for the cheapest Dell with a Celeron processor and make sure that it has at least 512 Meg of RAM. If you can afford a little more, get the faster pentium processor (processors and prices change almost daily) and again, make sure you are getting at least 512 Meg of RAM.
The CPU and RAM are the two most important considerations (after ensuring that you are getting a decent main board by buying from an established manufacturer). Hard drive size is basically irrelevant unless you will be storing large amounts of music and/or photos and they are better off stored elsewhere. CD/DVD drives, Burners depend on what you want to do with your computer. Often, you can get a burner upgrade for free. Monitors are a personal preference. Keep in mind that the Flat Screen monitors are fairly new technology and if you get one of them, you probably should spring for the extended warranty. With the old tried and true CRT monitors, you will get more display for your money and unless you have a space problem, you probably be happier.
RELATED LINK: Gartner: Ignore Vista until 2008
RELATED LINK: From About.Com.
RELATED LINK: Ask Leo.
RELATED LINK: Froom Digital Inspiration.
My advice is almost always the same. Buy a new computer when the frustration factor on your old one gets too high. Today's computers are relatively inexpensive and there is no need to put up with a major pain in the butt. As far as waiting for Vista or anything else for that matter, see the RELATED LINKS below. The agree that waiting is probably a bad idea.
As far as what to buy - or what to look for in a computer, I almost universally recommend Sony Viao or Dell computers. That being said, I assume you are talking about the Windows platform. Apple/Mac is by far a more stable system, but it is pricey and then you have the learning curve associated with changing operating systems.
Back to Sony and Dell computers. I recommend Sony if you tend to be a high end user. For normal household use, you will save money and still get a very good computer if you buy Dell. If you need to save every dollar you can, then go for the cheapest Dell with a Celeron processor and make sure that it has at least 512 Meg of RAM. If you can afford a little more, get the faster pentium processor (processors and prices change almost daily) and again, make sure you are getting at least 512 Meg of RAM.
The CPU and RAM are the two most important considerations (after ensuring that you are getting a decent main board by buying from an established manufacturer). Hard drive size is basically irrelevant unless you will be storing large amounts of music and/or photos and they are better off stored elsewhere. CD/DVD drives, Burners depend on what you want to do with your computer. Often, you can get a burner upgrade for free. Monitors are a personal preference. Keep in mind that the Flat Screen monitors are fairly new technology and if you get one of them, you probably should spring for the extended warranty. With the old tried and true CRT monitors, you will get more display for your money and unless you have a space problem, you probably be happier.
RELATED LINK: Gartner: Ignore Vista until 2008
RELATED LINK: From About.Com.
RELATED LINK: Ask Leo.
RELATED LINK: Froom Digital Inspiration.