Jan 17, 2003 07:10 PM
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(Updated Jan 17, 2003 07:16 PM)
Buying a personal computer is not as simple as it should ideally be.
If you are familiar with computer hardware, then it’s not difficult, but otherwise, it’s a big task.
Note: - Please don’t expect to read a very technical review.
I am trying to simplify the topic!
1) The first requirement is deciding your budget.(Now, that’s pretty obvious). There are different pricing standards. Sometimes, there are advertisements like ‘free software worth 40000’. Don’t get fooled. That free software can turn out to be some boring thing, which you are never going to use anyway!
Please remember that the moment you buy a PC, a better deal is available in the next store. If you buy it now, it will certainly become cheaper the next day- that’s as eternal as Murphy’s Law . So, be mentally prepared for such shocks!
2)There are two general categories- assembled and branded PCs.
Branded PCs are costlier than assembled ones. Now, this is a very controversial topic. Some people recommend assembled PCs and they have valid justifications for that. But, I have seen my assembled PC owner friends making frantic calls to their ‘vendor’ after facing some problems.Both have their pros and cons. My observation is that brand-crazy people always go for branded products- whether buying computers or clothes.
3) Buy the PC that fulfills your requirements.
Generally, the technical stuff related to the PC confuses people, who are not hardware engineers. It will help you if you will gather some ‘basic’ knowledge. Following are some sentences that you should NOT be saying in a computer store-
“ I want to buy a PC, and I also want to buy Internet.”
“ Mother board? Is there a father board too?”
“I don’t know my hard disk requirement. Just give me whatever you have.”
“Free software worth 20000? Can you give me cash instead?”
“ Joy stick? This doesn’t look like a stick!”
“ I want ‘Windows 98’ computer. “
“Tablet PC? Is it some kind of medicine? “
Your best bet is to list your requirements and base your choice on those.
For example, if you want to use it for office work, then you don’t have to buy the one that ‘plays the DVDs too!’ unless you don’t take your work seriously.
4) Processor is very important part of your PC. You will have to strike a balance between speed and cost. Also, try to buy a PC that leaves the option of future upgrades open.
Don’t be greedy. If you buy Pentium Four, soon Pentium Five or Six will be in the market. Remember the law that I told you before- it becomes obsolete the day you buy it.
5)Make sure you get proper guarantee.If you go for the assembled PC, have your vendor’s number on speed dial in case the PC starts giving problems. Keep calling, and don’t give up. Branded PC owners need not be too happy- you need to call their sophisticated “Support Centers” and listen to the boring “you are in queue “ type music.
And now the last of the facts- No matter which PC you buy, branded or assembled, 486 or P4, whatever type- it can crash or hang for no apparent reason!
This is one similarity the Personal Computer has with human beings- its really very unpredictable and moody!
