TECH TAB - http://techtab.matthewferrara.com
How To Buy A Desktop
http://techtab.matthewferrara.com/articles/6/1/How-To-Buy-A-Desktop/Page1.html
By Matthew Ferrara
Published on May 27, 2005
 

When purchasing desktop computers, there are a few important ideas to keep in mind. First, look for desktop computers with small profiles, so they take up less space on your desk or on the floor nearby, as well as a flat-screen monitor which is more affordable than ever. Second, try to purchase enough power to last about 2 years – the average lifespan of a desktop – rather than “upgrading” it later; it’s often less expensive to get more features at the beginning than adding them later. Here are some other tips:

  • Plan to spend about $25-50 for each month you wish to keep the computer; so a two-year investment should cost $600-$1200 for business class equipment.
  • Look for “on-site” warranties for about 2 years duration. You won’t need a longer warranty if you plan to replace your desktop regularly, so don’t purchase longer warranty periods; instead, spend the extra money on the “on-site” repair version, rather than carry-in or ship-back service.
  • Stick to vendors you know and trust; Fortune 100 computer-specific companies build better equipment and offer better service than “no-name” or general electronics companies.
  • Order online: You can configure the machine you want, have it built specially for you and avoid sales taxes in many instances.

Note: All specifications and recommendations provided for educational purposes only. Your specific needs may be different than the suggested models. The TECH HOTLINE does not receive compensation or consideration for its recommendations or suggested vendors. All information provided “as is” without warranty or guarantee of suitability for your particular purposes.

Desktop Specifications

When purchasing desktop computers, there are a few important ideas to keep in mind. First, look for desktop computers with small profiles, so they take up less space on your desk or on the floor nearby, as well as a flat-screen monitor which is more affordable than ever. Second, try to purchase enough power to last about 2 years – the average lifespan of a desktop – rather than “upgrading” it later; it’s often less expensive to get more features at the beginning than adding them later. Here are some other tips:

  • Plan to spend about $25-50 for each month you wish to keep the computer; so a two-year investment should cost $600-$1200 for business class equipment.
  • Look for “on-site” warranties for about 2 years duration. You won’t need a longer warranty if you plan to replace your desktop regularly, so don’t purchase longer warranty periods; instead, spend the extra money on the “on-site” repair version, rather than carry-in or ship-back service.
  • Stick to vendors you know and trust; Fortune 100 computer-specific companies build better equipment and offer better service than “no-name” or general electronics companies.
  • Order online: You can configure the machine you want, have it built specially for you and avoid sales taxes in many instances.

Print this page and use the following table to compare the standard desktop features and "what to look for" specifications with the "what you've found" specifications while shopping for your new desktop.

FEATURE

“What to Look For” SPECIFICATIONS

 

FEATURE

“What You’ve Found” SPECIFICATIONS

Processor

Intel® Core 2 Duo Processor  E6320

 

Processor

 

Memory

512MB-Minimum

1 to 2GB-Average

 

Memory

 

Hard Drive

80GB-Minimum

100-160GB-Average

 

Hard Drive

 

CD/DVD Recorder(s)

CD-RW/DVD-RW

 

CD/DVD Recorder(s)

 

Graphics Card

128MB Memory-Minimum

256MB-Average

 

Graphics Card

 

Best Monitor

20"-24" Flat Panel LCD

 

Best Monitor

 

Standard Monitor

20" Flat Screen LCD

 

Standard Monitor

 

Modem

56k internal

 

Modem

 

Network Card

Integrated 10/100 Gigabit Ethernet

 

Network Card

 

Warranty

Two Years Onsite Service and 24x7 Phone Support

 

Warranty