You don't buy a computer every six months, so when it comes time to change your PC or Mac that is a few years old, you might fall back into a somewhat stressful situation: there are so many models and specs that it is difficult to navigate.
Here are some tips to help when you go to the computer shop for your next computer:
1- Identify your basic needs: laptop or desktop?
You may have always had a desktop computer, but often regretted not having had a laptop to carry on a trip or simply to sit in the living room watching TV, in the evening ...
Note that there are now also ultraportables, more expensive, but much lighter and thinner (convenient for travel).
2- establish a preliminary budget
Don't kid yourself that shopping around for a computer based on price alone will get you nowhere except perhaps frustration when you realize you're missing out on some options. However, if you have a rough idea of how much you are willing to put into buying a computer, then you can better decide between the options available.
3- Find out
It is important to know the current offer before rushing to the store or to your favorite site. For example, will you need an i3, i5 or i7 processor? Is it better to install an SSD, hybrid or conventional hard drive? If these terms are unfamiliar to you, check with a friend or clerk to avoid paying for a performance you may not need.
4- Read the descriptions
Is the operating system (Windows, Mac or other) installed and included in the price? If this is a desktop computer, is a monitor (screen) included in the total price?
5- Do you need the performance?
Processors, graphics cards, hard drives and RAM give you different levels of performance, and it will differ If you want a Gaming pc.
In the case of processors, Intel's Core range (i3, i5 or i7) is the most popular. The higher the number, the more performance you will get, but the higher the price will be.
When it comes to graphics cards, some computers have one built into the motherboard itself, but these cards rarely perform well enough to let you play games - other than Solitaire perhaps.
When it comes to hard drives, SSD technology is blazing fast, but much more expensive. You can opt for a small SSD hard drive as the primary drive to make your computer boot up and run faster, then a conventional drive to save your documents, photos, and music.
6- Do not neglect the components and ports
Remember to determine if you need an optical drive or burner (DVD, Blu-Ray), an HDMI port, a Thunderbolt port, or if the computer offers enough multiple USB ports to plug in. all your accessories.
Moreover, if you already have a computer and want to transfer certain parts to the new computer, make sure with the seller that the latter is compatible and will have the necessary ports or slots to accommodate them.
7- If you opt for a desktop computer ...
You will get more performance for your money by switching to a desktop computer or you can recycle old computers.
You'll also have the flexibility to choose a monitor (or screen) of the size that's right for you - if it's not a specially priced bundle that already includes a monitor.
The same goes for most of the desktop computer components (graphics card, hard drive, RAM, etc.).
8- If you opt for a laptop ...
The size of the models (and therefore the screen) is usually between 10 '' and 19 ''. Note that the smaller the screen, the smaller the keyboard size will be, which can make typing more difficult.
While it is possible to add or change RAM and hard drive in the majority of cases, it is not possible to easily change any other part in a laptop computer - except maybe the battery. It is therefore in your best interest to properly assess your current and future needs before making the purchase.
Battery life can also be a determining factor: some laptops offer as little as 3 or 4 hours of battery life, while others exceed 7 or 8 hours.
9- Take the time to choose your store and your seller
Just like with a car, it's important that your salesperson can answer your questions. There is also the guarantee: in the case of a supermarket or business on the Internet, the chances of closure are rather slim, but the service can be less personalized. In the case of a specialized store, the service is often more direct and accessible, but will the business still be established at least until the expiration of your warranty?
10- Don't forget the accessories!
The purchase of a computer does not stop at the box itself, especially if it is your first computer: you will possibly need software (anti-virus, firewall or other), a router, a printer, a carrying bag - in the case of a laptop, speakers - in the case of a desktop ...
Happy shopping!