Choosing between buying a Mac or a regular Windows PC has sparked heated debates. It also depends on your job requirements. Explore the pros and cons of each type of machine and base your decision on your specific needs and budget.
3. Criteria
Buying a computer is about finding the solution to how you want your computer and what specifications it should have. Here is a list of different factors to consider when buying a new computer:
- Computer Case: The case should match your workspace and be upgradeable when necessary.
- Modem: Consider this based on your network connection.
- Connection Ports: Most computers today come with connection ports or options on the motherboard.
- Processor: Besides memory, the processor is crucial and requires careful consideration before making a decision.
- Sound Card: Most users can use the built-in sound card. However, if your work is focused on audio, carefully consider the features of the sound card before deciding.
- Video Card: If you regularly play games on your computer, consider the GPU and video memory.
4. Computer Brands
Choosing the right computer brand can be a challenging task as there is no one-size-fits-all solution. Therefore, it's difficult to say one brand is better than another. Consider the following factors:
- Additional features: All computer brands allow you to purchase accompanying accessories when buying a new computer.
- Reference documentation: Many manufacturers have reduced the amount of physical reference material and shifted to online documentation. Ensure there is sufficient instructional material available for download when needed.
- Hardware: Ensure the hardware meets the requirements of your tasks.
- Refund policy: If you buy a computer from a retail store, can you return it there, or do you need to send it back to the manufacturer? If purchased online, is a refund possible if you're dissatisfied?
- Service: Does the brand offer on-site technical support? If so, what is the response time? If not, how are issues resolved?
- Software: Does the brand provide support for Microsoft Office or Corel Suite? Will you receive a full version or just a trial/shared version?
- Support: Is there 24/7 customer support? How can you seek assistance: phone, email, web, or text?
- Upgrades: Ensure that RAM, GPU, SSD can be upgraded as needed.
- Warranty: Does the computer come with a warranty? Is it for hardware or software? It's advisable to buy a computer with at least a 1-year warranty.
5. Guarding Against Fraud
- Ensure you are paying the actual value of the computer. For instance, you pay for a 733 MHz processor but receive a 500 MHz one. To avoid this, you can overclock the processor, memory, or other components. To determine the processor speed, open the computer and check inside, rather than relying on software or BIOS as the specifications may be altered or misrepresented.
- Legal Software: When purchasing a computer, ensure that the software it comes with is acquired legally. Many small computer companies may not provide you with legitimate software, leading to inconvenience during usage and hindering long-term update and upgrade capabilities.
If you're considering buying a computer, carefully weigh the information provided by Mytour here to get the best product for your work without unjustly losing money! Additionally, for those looking to buy a gaming laptop, check out the article on how to choose a gaming laptop [link].