Buying a new computer can be almost as stressful as buying a new car.
How do you find the best fit for your needs without blowing your budget? If you sign on for all the bells and whistles, or have your heart set on a top-of-the-line Mac, that new computer could set you back more than a down payment on a Civic. Before you pull out your credit card, let’s review some options so you can pick the right machine.
Desktop: A desktop PC is usually the most appropriate option for a family in which more than one person will regularly use it. The good news is that desktop PCs are relatively inexpensive, endlessly customizable and will likely run just about any software program you throw at them. The bad news is that once you get the desktop home and set up, it’s not going anywhere without you risking a lower back injury.
If price and personalization are more important than portability, I’m a fan of Dell’s “build-to-suit” options. The Dell Inspiron 620MT (US$450) is a great buy. Just keep in mind you’ll still need to budget for a monitor.
Netbook: Often confused with a tablet (think iPad), this is more like a miniature, pared-down laptop. Netbooks are cheap, tiny and, well, cheap. They offer inexpensive, portable access to the Web, with the ability to do some word processing. The price point is alluring — typically $200 to $400 — which is certainly less than a tablet with a keyboard add-on. However, netbooks aren’t very powerful so programs tend to run very slowly, their screens are small (typically around 10 inches), and you won’t get the cool touch screen you would with a tablet. If price and portability trump functionality, consider the ASUS Eee PC ($340).
Laptop: If you need a fully functioning computer that can run a multitude of software programs and still travel with you from home to school or office, a laptop is likely your best bet. You can customize your options much like a desktop, which means that prices can vary greatly. Expect to pay around $500 for a basic, fully functioning laptop.
Screen size is one of your more important decisions: too small, and you’ll notice it every time you use it, too big, and you’ll notice it every time you lug it across town (bigger screen equals heavier machine). Also, consider battery life: The more powerful the laptop, the more juice it will need. Laptops are harder to upgrade than a desktop, so try to anticipate your storage (hard drive) and speed capacity (RAM) over the next few years and choose your specs accordingly. The basic system I like is the HP G4 Notebook ($500).
Apple: The Mac vs. Windows debate rages in many households, even mine. While the Mac user’s “I don’t get viruses” claim is not exactly true, only a handful of infections have attacked Mac systems in the last decade. With prices starting as $1,000, Macs are certainly more expensive than Windows PCs, and they’re typically pre-built -- so don’t plan on much customization. However, Apple commands a higher price because Mac hardware typically is superior to that of an entry-level PC; a similarly equipped Windows machine would cost around the same. And many argue that the Mac’s software better accommodates graphic design and video editing. The 27-inch iMac desktop ($1,900) and the 13-inch Apple Macbook ($1,140) are awesome systems, if your budget allows.
If you’ve narrowed down your choices but still have some questions about upgrades, components or where to get the best deal, send me a note at www.callnerds.com/andrea and I’ll spill all my insider secrets.
Andrea Eldridge is CEO of Nerds on Call, which offers on-site computer and home theater set-up and repair. Based in Redding, Calif., it has locations in five states. Contact Eldridge at www.callnerds.com/andrea