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Tech Suggests
Buying a New Desktop or Laptop?

Buying a New Desktop or Laptop?

Few companies are packaging Microsoft Word in new computers anymore. Most computers out of the store only come with 90 day warranties. The majority of computers with prices around $500.00 are running Celeron processors that are often half the speed of Pentium 4 Processors. Many computers don’t ship with recovery CDs unless you specify that you want one.
All of the above, including price, should influence your computer buying decisions.

Consider Size:

A standard laptop will have a 14” to 15” screen and weigh about 5 pounds. For most people, who carry their laptop back and forth from work and occasionally while traveling, this midsize laptop model works well. A 17” screen, however, is noticeably heavier, but much better for watching DVDs. The 12” models are noticeably lighter than the 14” – 15” and a little harder on your eyes and fingers. If you carry your computer as often as you carry your cell phone then the 12” is probably the right computer for you, or you might consider a handheld. The majority of people I talk to who aren’t happy with their laptops complain about weight or size.
(Compare these Dell Latitude Notebooks. View the Product details to compare size and weight.)

It seems to me that LCD or Flat Panel monitors are still a sign of prestige and the common line used to convince your boss to get you one is “I need more space.” Since Dell and others are packaging flat panels in with computers at good prices then they doesn’t seem to be much of an expense and you will save space. However, keep in mind that not all flat panels are equal and some may be harder on your eyes then your CRT monitor. In my opinion, Apple (Mac ) Dell (desktops ) and Toshiba (laptops – Trubrite Technology ) seem to be putting out the best monitors, that are easy on your eyes.

Consider Durability:

Dell’s new X1 notebooks for Small Business, though less expensive than their Latitude line have a plastic chassis compared with the metal chassis of the Latitude. If you buy Dell’s full mobility 3 year warranty then dropping the X1 off the 10th floor won’t matter. The latitude parts are more standardized and therefore easier to replace 5 years later. A broken motherboard, out of warranty, will most likely cost half the original price of the computer. All this is worth knowing and can be found out by simply asking the sales rep a few questions on durability. Which model is stronger, will last longer, is easier to repair, should be bought with the maximum warranty? Find out if the computer runs hot, since heat is what generally takes a CPU or hard drive down. I’m recommending the Dell D410, 500, 600 series for laptops and the Optiplex series for desktops in regards to durability.

Consider Speed:

Centrino, Pentium M, Dual Processors, Intel vs. AMD, all are important comparisons, but there may be better questions. How long has the CPU technology been on the market? Is it just out and hot on the market? Give it some time to standardize and cool off, i.e. dual core processors, 64 bit processors. Is the technology fading out? Don’t start behind the curve, i.e. Celeron and Duron processors running at 1.5 – 2.0 mhz. How fast is the technology compared to the Pentium 4 3.0 (a good standard)? Two or Three years later 32 bit processors will be fading out and all computers will be built on 64 bit processors. The technology seems to be standardizing, we’re just waiting for Microsoft and Intel to push the software market over to 64-bit. I think that if you’re buying a new computer now, you’re right in line with the curve if you stay with a P4 32-bit. If you buy a 32-bit Pentium computer two years later, you’ll probably be behind the curve.

512mb of memory is standard on most computers and will be plenty fast if your computer is clean and is running a Pentium 4 or equivalent processor. A good rule of thumb is to pull up your quote online, then talk to a sales rep. Memory is usually something they can fudge on so ask the rep for more memory (try 1 GB) and see if you can stay close to the original price.

Consider Software:

Microsoft Office isn’t packaged anymore with new computers so if you need Word, Excel and Outlook, add Microsoft Office Basic. Office Basic usually runs around $250 in the stores, but you’ll get the OEM version that comes pre-installed for $100 if you buy it with the computer. Microsoft Office Small Business adds Power Point and Publisher and costs about $350 retail and $200 OEM and Microsoft Office Professional adds Access and Costs around $450 retail and $300 OEM. Dell is packaging in Adobe Acrobat 6.0 Standard ($250 Retail about $75 OEM) if you buy any Microsoft Office Product. A few local stores will sell you OEM software without a computer, however if you’re buying a computer, be sure to get what you need now so you won’t have to hunt for the software later. Also beware that there are a myriad of online scams that will sell you hacked software at “Excellent” prices. You may even receive the illegal software, but the seller will be long gone before Microsoft or the government gets to them and they’ll be sure to take your credit card number with them. Comparison of Office Edtions

After Office and Acrobat, all companies are packaging extra software that often slows down your computers by running updates (essentially spyware in my opinion) as soon as you connect to the computer. If you buy a business model, most of the extra software isn’t installed. If your time is money, then you either hire a tech to eventually come and clean up the computer or you spend the frustrating time trying to get rid of some of this software right after you turn the computer on, or… you could spend an extra $50 - $100 and buy the more reliable business model.

Consider XP Home vs. XP Professional. If you’re company is in a domain, you will need XP Professional in order to connect to the domain. XP Home, although it will work in a workgroup environment, was built to be a stand-alone computer. In the end, you may be positioning yourself to spend more money on your tech to get it to work correctly on your network. My rule of thumb is that if the computer will be in your home and won’t be sharing any files with other computers, then buy XP Home, if not, buy XP Professional. View Article – Five Editions of XP Compared

Find out which CDs come with the computer. Be sure to get XP with media or a recovery CD, in case you have to completely reinstall Windows. If you buy Office, make sure the computer ships with the Office OEM software or any other OEM software that you purchase, just in case you have to reinstall the software in the future.

Consider Service:

A third-party warranty is just that. 24-hour support, should be exactly what they say it is. Remember that the sales reps. don’t fix the computers, so ask them who will repair the computer, where and how long.

Always feel free to give Witzend Computing a call if you need an intermediary. We’ll pull up quotes for you, ask you all the questions to make sure you get what you want and need and we’ll call the reps to negotiate the price and then have the rep call you to complete the sale.

- Steve Fink, MCSE, Witzend Computing -
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