Purchasing a new computer is an exciting event, but with so many varieties on the market it can be a challenge to narrow down your options and pick one quality computer. It might be tempting to focus on the numbers and specifications like RAM or CPU speed, but those should be secondary to answering some other major questions about what exactly you need to get out of your computer. By answering these four questions about what you need and what you expect, you can find the perfect computer to purchase for yourself.
- What Will I Use The Computer For? Perhaps the most important thing to ask before buying a new computer is this question. There is no such thing as the best computer, only the best computer that meets your individual needs. Ask yourself honestly what you need to do with your computer. If it is primarily for checking emails and typing word documents, then you can get away with a basic model or focus more on looks that memory and storage capability. Those who work on their computers, upload videos to the internet or play online games might need faster processing speeds and a wider range of capabilities.
- Will It Need To Be Portable? This is very important, as computer standards and prices change a lot when you change from a desktop to a laptop computer. For those who want an even more portable version, a tablet might be the answer. Remember that even if you can always use your laptop or tablet at home, but you can never take your desktop anywhere else.
- What Is My Budget? Computers can be expensive, and we’re all trying to make our dollars stretch a bit farther. When it comes time to make a computer purchase, it is important to create a budget and financial plan before you start looking at any specific computers. By creating the budget first, there is a higher likelihood that you will actually stick to your plan. Remember that computers are available within a wide range of prices, so you can almost always find one within your price range; don’t let a limited budget make you think you need to forgo this necessity.
- Will I Need Upgrades? Again, this requires you to think long and hard about what your computer will be used for. If you need lots of space to store picture and video files, be sure to include the cost of that extra space in your budget. Or, you may want to upgrade the operating system that comes for free with your computer. Remember that even these seemingly small accessories or additions can cause the overall price to go up significantly.
By answering these four questions carefully, it can be easy to narrow down your choices and find the right computer. Remember to adjust your expectations around your budget and also the mobility of the computer you want, whether that is a laptop, desktop computer or even a tablet PC.