Computer Tips

What to Look For in a Computer?

Which Computer to Buy?

In 2017 when asked what to look for in a computer we have so many different choices at much lower prices than ever before.  So let us start by looking at what is now the typical computer in the home?

Types of Computers 2017

PCs, Laptops and All-In-One Computers

Over the years the computer market has undergone major changes and now PC Desktops, All-In-Ones are not as popular as they were and laptops/notebooks have become more popular,  This really occurred too once they dropped below the magical $1000 price in 2005.

There are now 3 main groups of computers:

  • Desktop PC – standard and slimline (also called low profile).
  • All-In-One computer such as the iMac of offerings from HP and Dell.
  • Laptops (notebooks) and Netbooks (lower powered less weight) units.

What to Look For in a Laptop – What to Look For in a Computer or All-In-One

Here are some tips on what to look for in a laptop or what to look for in a PC – some considerations to weigh up when you are deciding want to purchase a new computer:

  1. Portability: every computer is a compromise between power and portability.  The gaming laptops or desktops tend to be bigger, heavier and more powerful than the standard fare.  If portability is required then the obvious choice is a laptop or netbook.  Apple MacBooks sell well in portability/weight area as they are light, made of aluminium so therefore very sturdy and thin. Desktops and All-In-ones, on the other hand, are completely immobile.  They need a dedicated area to be set up in.
  2. Power and Price: More power and usually therefor more price means that more room is required inside the computer to avoid overheating.  This is a big killer of computers of any design. If you want power then a desktop would be the way to go.  Power consumption in a laptop is generally less than an equivalent desktop.  This may not necessarily be the case in some NUC (Next Unit Computing) units which are small cubes often 4x4x2” (100x100x50mm).  However, the monitor needed or used would take more power than a laptop’s monitor.
  3. Screen size: Most laptops are in the 11” to 15.6” range.  Some do get to 17” but that’s when they stop.  A laptop can usually have an external monitor attached so that could help in some cases for people who like the now standard 19” and up monitors.  If that is what you require then check that availability before you buy the laptop.
  4. Flexibility: If flexibility is on your list of what to look for in a computer then a PC is probably best.  With a laptop you “get what you purchase”.  Other than small changes such as adding more memory (RAM) that would be about it.  With desktops you have a vast choice of processors, the amount of memory, several internal Hard Disk Drives or SSDs, more than one DVD/Blueray player, choice of video cards and expansion cards.  All these latter items are generally unavailable with laptops.  If it isn’t built in when you buy it then most likely it’s not available.
  5. Posture: Experts recommend that the computer screen is at eye level and then the keyboard and mouse be at a different level.  All this is impossible to attain with a laptop at the same time, other than adding external monitors, external keyboards and mice, which then makes the laptop not as portable as it once was.
  6. Money: Dollar for dollar, a desktop generally beats a laptop in most cases when comparing such items as:
  • Processor power
  • Memory (RAM)
  • Local hard disk or SSD storage
  • Graphics power
  • Expansion ports
  • Screen size
  • USB, video, etc – generally more connections
  • DVD/Blueray inclusion/availability
  • Expandability (can add things which you now discover you need)
  • Choice of components

Buying a computer does depend on “horses for courses” in that deciding what and where you want to do your computing will eventually depend on what you purchase. The most popular makes for 2016 are listed below.

The top 6 personal computer vendors for 2016

  1. Lenovo with 20.7% market share
  2. HP with 19.4% market share
  3. Dell with 14.6% market share
  4. ASUS with 7.6% market share
  5. Apple with 6.9% market share
  6. Acer with 6.8% market share

Affordable Computer Repairs and Service

We trust that this article provided by a Brisbane computer repair business helps you to look for in a computer helps you in deciding which computer you should buy.  It may also interest you to know that we custom build computers which offers you a great deal more choice and can be tailored exactly to your needs.

what to look for in a computer