Five Things to Consider Before Buying a Computer

by Terrence O'Brien on October 1, 2008 at 06:20 PM

So you're buying a new computer? Well, you're in luck, because there's never been a better time -- they're faster, smaller, and more powerful than ever before, and they don't necessarily have to cost you an arm and a leg (in fact, plenty of decent desktops and laptops can be had for less than $500). But should you get a Mac or a PC? Laptop or desktop ? Specs-wise, what difference does having an AMD or Intel processor make? And if you're planning on getting a laptop, how do you make sense of the alphabet soup that is Wi-Fi (802.11a, b, g, n)? Well, dear reader, and potential buyer, Switched is here to help you wade through the spec lists you see on those Sunday circulars and help you make the best of your computer money. Take a look at our crib sheet of five things to consider when picking out your new computer, which starts on the next page, so click below....

Next >>

Tags: 5 things to consider, 5thingscomputer, 5ThingsToConsider, buying guides, BuyingGuides, features, hggfeatures, top

Comments

AndreOct 2nd 2008 2:41AM

Neutral

The outline of Mac OS seems like it comes from a person who hasn't used a Mac in years. If you're going to write a guide like this, at least make sure to explain the ups and downs of OS X Leopard and not OS 9 ... please?

Dislike

Report

BlakeOct 14th 2008 3:14PM

Neutral

i saw on http://www.cityskoop.com that Circuit City and Best Buy have some good deals on computers

Dislike

Report

george hanzOct 14th 2008 3:39PM

Neutral

very nice.

Dislike

Report

MikeOct 14th 2008 6:05PM

Neutral

Yeah, I read where Circuit City is going bankrupt. I'm not buying anything there. I can't tell if the store is going to be there if I have any problems. Invest your hard earned dollars with a stable store you can trust. I prefer Best Buy, Target, Wal-Mart, Frye's.

Dislike

Report

MaxOct 14th 2008 7:17PM

Neutral

You should truly be ashamed of yourself.
Your true fear is that he will lead this country back to where it was before Bush messed it all up. That he is exactly what he states he is. A man of the people for the people. Who is not afraid to speak with our enemies as well as our allies. Whose domestic plans make sense. Your the type of American that isn't American at all. No respect. No dignity. Uneducated. Who truly makes us Americans look plain stupid. If you can not comprehend the message in which he delivers then you shouldn't even be able to vote in the first place. Wake up and for those who say the lesser of two evils: McCain is one and Palin is the second if he is elected since hes but a heartbeat away. This election shouldn't even be close. Take the blindfold off and open your eyes. Think before you decide to write something that is so far from being close to the truth.

Dislike

Report

CliftonNov 4th 2008 12:17AM

Neutral

MAX
You MORON have you not heard of a tax and spend liberal? That's what Obama is. A bleeding heart for the masses. If he thinks he is going to take my hard earned money in the form of new or higher taxes and give it to some baby making ho bag, like the ones you run with, then he is a bigger moron than you.

Dislike

Report

RahlDec 15th 2008 12:22PM

Neutral

@Clifton

I thought that's what you're supposed to do with taxes? You spend them. Taxes pay for everything from roads, power plants, sewage system, dams, levees, schools and especially the military. It's an investment for the future of this country.

Of course, that's assuming that they spend them wisely. One example of unwise spending: the completely unnecessary war in Iraq, and to an extent, the financial industry $700B bailout.

What we need is better screening so people who deserve welfare receive it and those who don't will be kicked out. I mean it's not like the government is powerless when it comes to saying "No more welfare for you" to those who abuse it.

Dislike

Report

JaredOct 14th 2008 7:41PM

Neutral

I find that Best Buy offers great deals on many different computer offerings. I just bought a Gateway sturdy laptop there for a great price.

I shop online to save money on gas, use less gas and save money period. I shop at all my favorite stores through an online website that gives me the unpublished codes at about 300 stores (including Target, The Gap, Best Buy, Old Navy,
Drugstore.com, etc) as well as giving me between 5 and 50% back in cash on my purchases. The site is http://www.fatcrumbs.com I am being good to the environment and great to my wallet.

Dislike

Report

MattOct 25th 2008 11:02AM

Neutral

I have been looking around/researching to buy a laptop....still not sure whether should I go for a Windows based or Mac.
Waiting for ThanksGiving sale/deals and found this site http://blackfridaylaptop.com

Dislike

Report

Jacob MorrissonNov 12th 2008 1:55PM

Neutral

Hey, i have a dell. i think dell's r the best!! just giving some advice for u people out there I have a xp 2000.

Dislike

Report

eddywtrNov 12th 2008 2:11PM

Neutral

The biggest question in regard to buying a new computer is: "Do I really need a new computer, or do I just 'want' a new computer?" The truth is that most of us have all the crap we need. Few of us actually really need more of anything. It's not need, it's want. Food, gas, toilet paper, imagine living a year just buying those items. CASH! Piles of cold hard cash is the best way to weather the current economic situation. I discovered one of the best books you'll ever find about finance, "How to Become Filthy Rich on Your Current Income" at www.how-to-become-rich.com. If people read books like this one we would not have the current situation we do.

Dislike

Report

JuneNov 12th 2008 9:00PM

Neutral

I will never go to Circuit City. They people are rude and they don't know their merchandise. Also they have little to offer. They are not even set up on computers...all their records are still on books at least in my part of town.

Dislike