My sister called and
said, "Hey I'm looking for a new computer...What should I look for these
days?"
If you are overwhelmed
by all the options available, and you are stressed by the big question,
"What should I look for...?"
and.
If you’re like my sister and me, you have a limited budget for buying a computer, but you want to get as
much computer for your money as possible:
...then this article is
for you!
Here are a few things to
consider:
1) Should I buy from the
first stop, online or instore...Duh, no!
Shop around...
Sounds simple, I know...but many people don’t realize they don’t need the fastest, most expensive computer with the “most” on the other hand, watch out for cheapest computer the one with 64GB storage and 4GB RAM...or 12GB RAM...you know I ask a salesperson just last year when I was looking for a new computer--
"what's up with the 12 gig RAM, I mean what kind of slots are
in these laptops today?” He said, I'm not sure… and I said, “well are
they upgradable?” Then he said, the RAM is soldered, yes soldered RAM is a
thing these days, I literally gasped "what"...anyway I'm ranting but
here's the takeaway:
If you don’t know a lot
about computers, you can learn a lot by shopping around and asking questions
(like the one about the RAM), comparing prices and comparing features.
Shop, shop, shop
around!...and this does not have to be a "shop of horrors"
2) What features to look for?
Well, how much storage
do “you” need? Just so you know, there are two types of storage
devices a primary storage device, such as RAM, and a secondary storage device,
such as a hard drive (HDD) or SSD (a little more expensive).
You’ll sound like you know what you’re talking about when you ask…and even if you “barely” understand…just take good notes and have your phone handy to take pictures of the Specifications…don't forget to ask about type of processor AMD Ryzen 5, 7 or 9, Intel core i3, i5 or i9...
How fast do
"you" need to get around on the internet, basically the
speed? This could be determined by whether you work from home.
3) What software to look
for?
Heavy sigh! Yes, I must stop and take a deep breath
here…because the extra software that comes on these computers is cause for
“exasperation.” Don’t get me wrong, it is convenient to have
installed software you did not know you needed, “who
knew?” Some are needed, though, like a word processor and a pdf
reader. Whatever the case, make sure you know what software “you”
need (especially if working from home) and know if the computer is compatible
by asking about RAM, storage, and speed.
4) Always, always check
the “Return Policy”
All I can say on this topic is it may look good as gold, but like my
grandmother, Madea (seriously we all called her this even her children) …anyway
“everything that shine ain’t gold.” You may need to take that brand-new computer or laptop back to the store.
Unfortunately, you may
have a friend like me to help you set up your new computer and tell you it is a
piece of blank! I’m very tactful usually but when it
comes to spending money on computers not so much. So yeah, you may need
to return to the store. By the way, ask
someone who knows a little more than you for help before you purchase.
Technology changes these days very quickly so stay informed dear consumers. Get what you
need and try not to get robbed in the process.
Hope you find these tips useful, and happy computer shopping!
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