Doesn’t it seem as though the entire world is working through the internet now-a-days? With the increased pressure on businesses to be more efficient and the “go green” effort spreading from home to home, it is almost a necessity for people to own a computer. So, you decide that you’re going to buy a computer and join everyone else in cyber-space. You get in your car to drive to the store to buy a computer, but you then realize you have no idea where to go or what to do! Buying a computer is an expensive and important investment. Let’s dive into what steps you should be taking as you contemplate what to do next…
(If you are a Fixed IT customer, just let us know that you are looking for a new computer and we will do the rest.)
Step 1: You need to decide where you are going to buy your computer.
To many people, this may seem like an obvious answer. Go to the nearest electronics store! However, there are a lot of things to consider when choosing a store to buy the computer from. For example, if you go to a warehouse of some sort, you are most likely going to get a better price on the computer, but you will not get anywhere near the customer support that you will get if you were to buy it from a major retail chain. You have to decide if that extra couple hundred dollars off is going to be beneficial to you in the long term if you ever need help.
Step 2: You need to decide what type of computer to get.
Mac or PC? PC or Mac? Should you get a portable computer (laptop) or a home computer (desktop)? People always seem to get lost when trying to decide between these choices and that is because they are not the most obvious of choices to make. As far as both the debates go, you must evaluate what you’re going to use the computer for. If you’re going to be traveling a lot, roaming around your house, or going to school, a laptop is going to be the way to go. If you’re going to be sitting in an office or other stationary place, a desktop is definitely the way to go.
When it comes to PC vs. Mac, it is very much about personal preference. It used to be that Mac’s could not support much of the software that only Windows could. However, Mac’s can actually run windows, in some cases better than a DELL! Mac’s also offer software that is generally thought as far superior to PC’s when it comes to things like videos and photos. PC’s, however, are made by many different companies and because of this they are much more cost efficient and the features can vary greatly from computer to computer. It would be wise to inquire with the company or people you will be working with about which software they use, as this may make your decision a no-brainer.
Step 3: Set yourself a budget…and stick to it!
Every company that makes computers sells all different models that come with various bells and whistles that may appear necessary, but rarely are. Make sure you go into your search knowing what exactly it is you’re looking for in a computer. You always want to get as much Random Access Memory (RAM) as possible. When you are starting to get low on RAM your computer tends to slow down and be less efficient; something you were trying to avoid when you bought the computer in the first place! Be sure to speak to the consultant who is helping you and be candid about what it is you are looking to do with your computer and the budget you are working with. Many times sales reps will try and get you to buy the more expensive version because it includes so many more enhancements than the others. But if you’re not going to use them, what is the point in spending the extra money!
Step 4: Take your time and make the informed decision!
When making a purchase like this, do not rush it! You should never walk into the first store that sells computers and walk out with one. Once you narrow it down to what you want, shop around! Every store sells almost the exact same models of computers so find the one with the best price or deal. Many stores offer bundle packages with the purchase of your computer that may include things like software, a printer, a briefcase, etc. Find the best deal you can and get many people’s opinions!
Follow these steps and you will be well on your way to owning a computer that will make your life much easier and efficient.
Don’t have time for these steps, give us a call and we will help you out.
