Thinking About Buying A New Computer?
Computer Hardware "The New Commodity?"by Steve Ensley
President, AFOWhen you have been in the computer business as long as I have (going on 29 years), you get many friends, relatives, acquaintances and business associates asking for advice in purchasing a computer for personal use. I take these requests for advice very seriously, first because I want to be sure I don't give someone bad advice and secondly because I am humbled that they would seek advice from me about a purchase.
Of course I have to be very careful in this article to avoid mentioning products by name, but there are certain things a buyer can do to be sure they acquire the appropriate hardware.
What Do I Want To Do?
The first advice centers on the question regarding what you want to do with the machine. If you cannot answer that question, then it may be necessary to review the reasons for purchasing a computer in the first place. Many people do buy computers just because everyone else is buying a computer and that is fine, but it does make the selection process more difficult. Fortunately computers today are much more general purpose in functionality and less dependent on applications. That helps a great deal, but the question should still be asked.
Many people want to access the Internet and email and that is about all. Others have school age children and wish to take advantage of the prolific educational material. The computer has become a favorite tool for many home schooling families. Still others want a computer for a little word processing, some bookkeeping or even game playing. Today's personal computers are good in all of those areas.
Another strong application for personal computers is in the area of multi-media. This is a catch-all term for doing audio, video and graphics using the personal computer. If this is your primary need, then you will want to look for a computer more suited to multi-media.
This really is fortunate that today you can ask, "What do I want to do?" and then find the right hardware to fit your software. When I built my first computer in 1979 (yes built, they were only sold in kits), I had no such option. There was only hardware and each person had to write all of his or her own software application programs. My poor wife thought I was nuts when I finally got my first computer running. Her first question was "what can you do with it"? It was a good question! I finally wrote a recipe program to store recipes, which she never did use, but I learned a lot in the process.
So the best favor you can do yourself is to try and define how you intend to use the computer and then make your selection by that definition. The sales person will be more grateful as well. It is tough for a "good" sales person to sell you the right machine if you are not sure how you will use it.
Should I Buy the Latest and Fastest?
The second piece of advice I almost always give is do not over buy! In other words, don't buy more computer than you need. Especially in the personal computer market, the technology and performance changes so fast that it really is wasteful to buy a machine for something in the future. You will end up paying premium dollars for the latest technology and you will not really know if you have a need for that technology. I usually
recommend that a person try to buy just enough machine to do what they need in the next 18 months to two years. Purchasing a machine model just before the next model is released is almost always a great bargain and will serve you well.
Now, I know that is sad and I know it may scare some of you readers. Am I saying that a large investment like a computer is only good for two years? I am afraid the answer to that is yes! Don't count on more than two years before your computer is too slow, not big enough or lacks some new technology and in other words has become technically obsolete.
It is not like an automobile. A car usually wears out long before the payments, but a personal computer will probably run for 25 years. It's just that after two years you won't be able to find any of the latest software that will run at peak performance on your two year old hardware.
Other Things to Consider
Besides the two items I already mentioned, there are other questions that will help you avoid some heartache and financial discouragement.
Is the system upgradeable? You may want a system that can be upgraded in order to extend the life of your purchase. Frequently the latest technology is available as an add-on.
What is the warranty and where is warranty service provided? Do you have to send the machine somewhere to get warranty service? Does the warranty include labor and how long is the warranty?
Are there any proprietary items configured in the system? You may want to avoid unique hardware devices that may be hard to service or impossible to replace. Proprietary items can be hard to replace or repair. Look for standards.
Buying on the Internet
Lastly, I often get asked about purchasing hardware or software over the Internet. I myself have made a lot of purchases over the Internet and have gotten some great deals and saved a lot of money. And I have never had a problem. I am probably the exception.
My best advice is to be sure you know what you are buying. Be sure you have compared prices and features with local retailers and never give your bankcard number to an unsecured site. Most sites that have secured purchasing will make that very plain. Secured purchasing means your bankcard won't be intercepted and used illegally.
Internet purchasing is a lot like a catalog purchase and you just have to be ready for the hassles of buying something you cannot touch. But there is no doubt, Internet purchasing has really improved and it is getting better all the time. It is here to stay folks!
I hope that my thoughts and comments will bring you a little comfort in your next computer purchase and if you get on the Internet, please consider using the AFO filter to protect your family. You and your family are worth it!Steve Ensley
AFO