TechBuzz: Computer Buying Tips

Are you thinking about buying a new computer for the upcoming semester. Here are some things that you may want to look for when making your selection.

The first thing that you need to take into consideration is what you will be using your computer for. If you are planning on using it strictly for word processing and email with a little bit of web browsing, then you can get by with an older possibly used system that does not have the processor speed or RAM that the newer computers have. If you are a person who loves to download video and MP3s (legally, of course) then you may want something that has more RAM, a high quality video card and a lot of hard drive space.

Computers from the not so far past, for instance the early to mid 1990s featured 16 megabytes of ram and 250 megabyte hard drives. Now basic new computers have 20 gigabyte hard drives and 256 megabytes of RAM. In theory, this would work great if you were just looking to type papers, do some spreadsheets and do basic multimedia tasks.

Since many people share their computers with others, the following are some of the minimum features that you should look for when shopping for your new system, whether you are buying online, or in the store.

2.4 GHz Processor (Intel or AMD)
20 Gigabyte Hard Drive
256 Megabytes RAM
64 Megabyte Video RAM (Shared or Dedicated)
Built-In 10-BaseT Ethernet Card (for cable modem or DSL)
Minimum of four USB 2.0 ports (USB 2.0 is the new industry standard)
48X CD-R/RW Drive
Basic Sound Card

2.4 GHz Processor (Intel or AMD)
80 Gigabyte Hard Drive
512+ Megabytes RAM
128 Megabyte Video RAM (Dedicated)
Built-In 10-BaseT Ethernet Card
Minimum of six USB 2.0 ports
48X CD-R/RW Drive
Dolby Digital 5.1 Sound Card w/ multimedia speakers & subwoofer.

For maximum bang for your buck, stay away from laptop computers unless absolutely necessary. You can do more with a desktop computer and they are easier to upgrade. If you are shopping for a monitor and want to stay cost conscience stay with a regular type flat screen monitor. (Flat screen NOT flat panel LCD.) If you have space considerations to think about then you can purchase a relatively inexpensive LCD display.

As with any major purchase, shop around for the best bargain. As an IU student or staff member you may be able to get a really nice system.

If you are in the market for a laptop, you can get a basic one from Dell [ www.dell.com ] through the Indiana University program starting at about $700.00 or a basic desktop, without monitor for about $350.00.

For more information on the Indiana University computer purchase program, click on the Computer Purchasing guide link on the main TechBuzz page.


Computer Buying Tips
Story Author: Mike Maroulis, mmarouli@iun.edu Publish Date: June 2004 Source Publication: TechBuzz Report
Are you thinking about buying a new computer for the upcoming semester. Here are some things that you may want to look for when making your selection. The first thing that you need to take into consideration is what you will be using your computer for. If you are planning on using it strictly for word processing and email with a little bit of web browsing, then you can get by with an older possibly used system that does not have the processor speed or RAM that the newer computers have. If you are a person who loves to download video and MP3s (legally, of course) then you may want something that has more RAM, a high quality video card and a lot of hard drive space. Computers from the not so far past, for instance the early to mid 1990s featured 16 megabytes of ram and 250 megabyte hard drives. Now basic new computers have 20 gigabyte hard drives and 256 megabytes of RAM. In theory, this would work great if you were just looking to type papers, do some spreadsheets and do basic multimedia tasks. Since many people share their computers with others, the following are some of the minimum features that you should look for when shopping for your new system, whether you are buying online, or in the store. BASIC CONFIGURATION: 2.4 GHz Processor (Intel or AMD) 20 Gigabyte Hard Drive 256 Megabytes RAM 64 Megabyte Video RAM (Shared or Dedicated) Built-In 10-BaseT Ethernet Card (for cable modem or DSL) Minimum of four USB 2.0 ports (USB 2.0 is the new industry standard) 48X CD-R/RW Drive Basic Sound Card MULTIMEDIA / GAMING CONFIGURATION: 2.4 GHz Processor (Intel or AMD) 80 Gigabyte Hard Drive 512+ Megabytes RAM 128 Megabyte Video RAM (Dedicated) Built-In 10-BaseT Ethernet Card Minimum of six USB 2.0 ports 48X CD-R/RW Drive Dolby Digital 5.1 Sound Card w/ multimedia speakers & subwoofer. For maximum bang for your buck, stay away from laptop computers unless absolutely necessary. You can do more with a desktop computer and they are easier to upgrade. If you are shopping for a monitor and want to stay cost conscience stay with a regular type flat screen monitor. (Flat screen NOT flat panel LCD.) If you have space considerations to think about then you can purchase a relatively inexpensive LCD display. As with any major purchase, shop around for the best bargain. As an IU student or staff member you may be able to get a really nice system. If you are in the market for a laptop, you can get a basic one from Dell [ www.dell.com ] through the Indiana University program starting at about $700.00 or a basic desktop, without monitor for about $350.00. For more information on the Indiana University computer purchase program, click on the Computer Purchasing guide link on the main TechBuzz page.
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