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Tips for Buying a Desktop Computer: Desktop Features to Consider
This article focuses on some additional tips for buying a desktop computer that will help streamline your online purchase of a new desktop. Components such as processor, memory, hard drive, optical drive(CD DVD), monitor resolution, wireless card, video card, and desktop audio are all important factors to consider and understand before finalizing your desktop purchase. Bluetooth and TV tuner compatibility are two interesting factors that you may want to consider as well. What you must know is that you will be faced with many more options and decisions to make as you proceed through the customization of a new desktop computer. If you're buying a new desktop computer direct from the manufacturer and customization is allowed then take a minute to read through this article so you know what to expect. If you're buying a new desktop computer from an indirect merchant or if you're purchasing a refurbished desktop then most or all of the customization and options go away and the buying process is much easier(since you're buying the desktop "as is").
Tips for buying a desktop computer - more options to consider
Operating system: If you're looking at buying a new desktop computer then you can still get Windows XP on some models while most will offer the various Windows Vista options. Most low-priced desktops that come with Windows Vista will be loaded with the Home Basic version unless you specify that you want to upgrade to Home Premium, Business, or Ultimate. The Home Basic Version is fine for the majority of people. If you desire a better graphical interface and more multimedia functions(like making movies) then bump up to Home Premium. The Business version adds additional security, productivity, and management features but does not include the multimedia functions that Home Premium offers. The Ultimate version includes everything Windows Vista has to offer.
Tips for buying a desktop computer - LCD Monitor: Sometimes you are allowed to add an LCD monitor or select a different LCD monitor screen size during the customization of your new desktop computer. This is interesting because you can actually lower the price of the desktop you are looking at purchasing by selecting an LCD monitor with a smaller screen size. If you're looking to spend as little as possible on a new desktop then look for areas you can downgrade and still keep plenty of functionality in your desktop computer.
Tips for buying a desktop computer - Warranty and service: New desktops typically come with a one year warranty. Some of the higher-priced desktops will come with two or three year warranties. You will receive an offer to increase the warranty by up to three more years. It's your call but if you're in the market for a basic low-priced desktop then in all likelihood you will want to stick with the one year warranty that comes with your new desktop computer. You may also see offers for accident damage, theft protection, technical support, and on-site setup. In most cases you will just pass those by and not spend the extra money.
Tips for buying a desktop computer - Additional options and offers you might receive: floppy drive, media reader, wireless router hardware, carrying case, printers, projectors, additional power accessories and surge protection(new desktops typically come with power cables but not necessarily surge protection), external storage or backup, productivity/business/ finance software, internet security suite(new desktops often come with either a trial period or a one year subscription included), spyware software, training courses/books, dial-up internet access, mice/keyboards/monitors, multimedia cables, and recycling options(if you need to discard of an old computer). Take it one step at a time and don't feel like you need to add any of these options. If something interests you or you feel you need a feature then add it to your new desktop. If the features of the base desktop version you are looking at is all you need then don't add anything additional. Take the base price and make the purchase.
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Operating system: If you're looking at buying a new desktop computer then you can still get Windows XP on some models while most will offer the various Windows Vista options. Most low-priced desktops that come with Windows Vista will be loaded with the Home Basic version unless you specify that you want to upgrade to Home Premium, Business, or Ultimate. The Home Basic Version is fine for the majority of people. If you desire a better graphical interface and more multimedia functions(like making movies) then bump up to Home Premium. The Business version adds additional security, productivity, and management features but does not include the multimedia functions that Home Premium offers. The Ultimate version includes everything Windows Vista has to offer.
Tips for buying a desktop computer - LCD Monitor: Sometimes you are allowed to add an LCD monitor or select a different LCD monitor screen size during the customization of your new desktop computer. This is interesting because you can actually lower the price of the desktop you are looking at purchasing by selecting an LCD monitor with a smaller screen size. If you're looking to spend as little as possible on a new desktop then look for areas you can downgrade and still keep plenty of functionality in your desktop computer.
Tips for buying a desktop computer - Warranty and service: New desktops typically come with a one year warranty. Some of the higher-priced desktops will come with two or three year warranties. You will receive an offer to increase the warranty by up to three more years. It's your call but if you're in the market for a basic low-priced desktop then in all likelihood you will want to stick with the one year warranty that comes with your new desktop computer. You may also see offers for accident damage, theft protection, technical support, and on-site setup. In most cases you will just pass those by and not spend the extra money.
Tips for buying a desktop computer - Additional options and offers you might receive: floppy drive, media reader, wireless router hardware, carrying case, printers, projectors, additional power accessories and surge protection(new desktops typically come with power cables but not necessarily surge protection), external storage or backup, productivity/business/ finance software, internet security suite(new desktops often come with either a trial period or a one year subscription included), spyware software, training courses/books, dial-up internet access, mice/keyboards/monitors, multimedia cables, and recycling options(if you need to discard of an old computer). Take it one step at a time and don't feel like you need to add any of these options. If something interests you or you feel you need a feature then add it to your new desktop. If the features of the base desktop version you are looking at is all you need then don't add anything additional. Take the base price and make the purchase.
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