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Happygrrls' How-To:

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Buy a computer...


Checklist:

1. Know what you need. There are essentially three types of computers out there:
   • A personal organizer is a small computer with limited functionality that stores less data than a notebook or desktop. Think Palm Pilot or the Psion Organizer. Most organizers will have a smaller version of Windows, which will allow you to swap files with a notebook or desktop.
   • The portable notebook/laptop is like a desktop but is no bigger than a briefcase. It usually has a processor, hard disk, RAM, CD player/burner built in and allows for externals such as modems, network cards, etc. Its power and small size make it higher priced than its equivalent desktop model. Its small size also means that it will not have as much memory as a desktop.
   • Desktops are the world's best selling models of computers right now, and are the machines designed to sit on top of your desk.
2. Set aside a budget for your computer, and then an additional 15 to 20% of that budget. Most people end up buying more than they plan to.

3. If you plan to go with a portable, know what you will use it for. This will determine how important weight is and how much battery power you will need. Most portables range in weight from three pounds to nine pounds, and some have a built-in AC adapter while others have an external one (which is sometimes quite big and heavy). Also think about the things that you will need. Some portables only have one slot to share a floppy drive and a CD-ROM, and some do not come with a built-in modem.

4. Know what programs you need and how many you will to use at the same time. This will determine the processor speed that you need. Obviously, running multimedia programs such as PowerPoint will need a high quality display, while word processing or spreadsheets will not require this as a priority.

5. Look for additional slots to attach peripheral devices. This may become important in the long run, should you want to buy something that your computer did not come with.

6. Make sure the computer can be upgraded later. The expandability of a PC depends on the number of expansion slots, bays and ports it has. Look for additional memory slots an ability to upgrade motherboard.

7. When choosing a monitor, the quality depends on the adapter (video card, graphics adapter, etc.) The higher the screen resolution, the better. Higher refresh rates (the number of times a frame can be displayed on a monitor in a second, essentially the "flickering" effect of the screen) are also easy on the eyes. This is expressed in megahertz (MHz), and usually range from 60 MHz to 86 MHz. SVGA models are 800 x 600 pixels, while XGA models are 1024 x 768 pixels. If you plan to go with a digital flat panel screen, make sure it has a DFP connector.

8. When choosing a digital camera, determine what you will use it for. The basic PC camera is the type that sits on top of the monitor and has limited versatility. A digital still camera is best for taking pictures to go on the Internet. Finally, digital home video cameras can take stills as well as record. Most of these already come with an adapter and software for transferring data to your PC, but check just in case.

9. When choosing a printer, determine what you will use it for. If you're only printing word processing documents or spreadsheets, a monochrome inkjet should be fine. If you're planning to print a lot of documents (i.e. more than 20 pages a day) a laser printer is a better deal, and more economical in the long run. Colour printers are also inkjet or lasers. Keep in mind that even if they may cost the same, expenses for the ink will make these more expensive to maintain.

10. A flashy new computer with a faster processor may seem like a good choice, but keep in mind that an increase in speed might not increase the overall performance, and may not be worth spending your money on. For example, a 75 MHz computer with 16 MB of memory is a better choice than a 133 MHz computer with 8 MB of memory. Also check the storage space on the hard drive. Some applications take up a lot of space, so know what programs you want and if you'll have room for them (a program like Windows 98 takes up about 70 MB of space alone).

11. Make sure the modem is fax compatible and voice capable. Even if you don't think you'll need them now, they might come in handy later.

12. Finally, shop around and make sure there is a warranty on the computer. If you want to buy a desktop, most of the time you will find that buying separate parts will be cheaper than buying a packaged deal. Smaller stores are usually cheaper than those large franchises or outlets, but make sure it's a reputable store. Also think about leasing - you can return your computer when the lease is over and get a newer model.

Hopefully this will help you on your computer venture, or at least get you out from under that bed. Happy computer shopping! ¤ C.Ho.

[ Know the vocabulary and impress all your friends...Part I of the article. ]