Computer Buying Guide

By: Chris Beasley, Published: 2005-07-13, Parent Category: Buying Guides

Gamer

A gamer is going to want a big monitor (19inch CRT), a fast processor (probably Intel Pentium or an AMD 64bit processor), fast RAM, and above all a top of the line graphics card. They may also want a wireless optical mouse. Having an easily accessible headphone jack and nice headphones will also be desirable if you have a small house or thin walls.

Digital Video Editor

If you plan on editing a lot of digital video you'll need a massive hard drive, whatever is the largest available, and you may even want to buy two (uncompressed digital video takes up gigabytes). You'll also probably want a DVD burner and a graphics card with a TV-OUT port (also consider getting one if you have a DVD players on your PC). A faster processor and more ram (1gb) is also recommended because you'll be loading large files into editing programs and converting your massive digital video files into different formats can take forever with a slow processor.

Music Nut

MP3s are considerably smaller than digital videos so a 60 or 80gb hard drive should be enough, but you'll probably want better speakers and a better sound card if you're really into music. Some sound cards can even be hooked up to stereo speakers, which is something you might want. You can even go further and get a remote control so you can control your computer like a stereo from across the room.

Gadget Guy

If someone in your family has a lot of gadgets, such as a PDA, Digital Camera, or MP3 player. Try finding a computer with a USB port on the front of the case, preferably at the top, this makes it much easier to swap out those gadgets that occasionally need to be connected with your PC. USB 2.0 is also a nice feature, but if your computer doesn't come with it Amazon.com sells a cheap add-on card.

Recommended Merchants

Amazon.com

We recommend Amazon.com for general consumer electronics, computers, computer parts or add-ons, and most things in general.
Links: Computers at Amazon.com, Computer Peripherals at Amazon.com, Amazon.com Coupons

Crucial.com

Crucial is great for buying RAM because if you do not know what type you need they have a database of computer models and specifications and they can help you find what is in your computer.
Links: Buy Memory at Crucial.com, Crucial Coupons

Dell.com

Dell is the number one computer maker in the US. Their computers are so cheap that they're almost as cheap as building it yourself. They used to be neck and neck with Gateway but Gateway isn't even in the top 5 anymore, Dell is clearly the winner. They also frequently run sales and you should wait for one of these sales before buying. Dell also sells consumer electronics and will often have deals on peripherals you need. They also sell high quality, warrantied, refurbish systems at bargain basement prices.
Links: Dell Home Computers, Dell Coupons

PC Hardware Buying Tips

This article was written by Chris Beasley.