How To Choose a Computer System
It has been noted, that too much of anything, is not necessarily a good thing; and so it is with computer systems. There are so many variations from power to quality, that the variety of choice itself can be a big problem. Sure, it is great to have many options, but the question becomes how to whittle them down from a daunting list of possibilities, to something from which you can make a final choice.
We hope that this short post will aid in that regard. We promise to stick to suggestions here, with no technical jargon and the like. For the technical, we will refer you to previous reviews that should help keep you clear of the shoals.
Which, Which, is Which?
Our first stop on our way to cyber sanity, tackles the question of whether you plan to use a computer system running Microsoft WindowsTM or a computer system or a MacintoshTM Computer. This is a common question now for several decades. Back then, the answer was more obvious. If working with graphics, you needed a Mac, and for productivity type work, you wanted a Windows system.
Today, basically, we still sort things out the same way, but the difference is that, there is no longer any need to do so. Any Mac can do what a Windows machine can, equally well – and vice-versa. You also have the option to choose a “Chromebook” computer system, which runs on Google Chrome, a different operating system to either a Windows or Mac computer. For more information on this, please read my review on the Samsung Chromebook. [http://sincereproductreviews.com/2013/10/samsung-chromebook-laptop-review/]
There is still one thing that vastly separates the Mac and the Windows computer system – and that is cost. Despite the years that the two operating systems have been in competition, Mac computer systems are still mainly more expensive than an equal windows computer system. That said, Windows systems had been more susceptible to virus etc. than Mac systems, but now that security is built right into the processor hardware, the reliability of windows systems in this regard has improved considerably. Of course, you should still use protection – no matter the computer system you choose.
A System, By Any Other Name…
Now that you have selected an operating system for your computing needs, there is the question of the type of computer system you will buy. The choices just keep growing. Desktop and laptop had the course nailed down until recently, but then upstarts like tablets, pads and even hybrids of these raided the game. Now, deciding between these becomes more of a chore.
Laptops used to be the poor relation to desktop computers, but not anymore. Today, you can find as much power in a laptop as a desktop – and at the same cost. Today, a new laptop that won’t embarrass you can be found for around $400 dollars! That’s amazing.
That left tablets and pads as the new poor relations, since you had to run programs on them as if they were big smart phones. Windows8TM though, is changing that dynamic too, so that a tablet or pad can have every bit as much muscle as any other system - heck - maybe more. This is mostly true only for the casual user though. Power users will still want full control of the computer – so a laptop or desktop computer is the better choice for the techies.
To get a look at the latest Apple MacBook Pro, you might want to read our review on this product [http://sincereproductreviews.com/2013/10/apple-macbook-pro-md101lla/] to get a feel for just what an apple laptop can offer. The price for this system is around $1,000. That is still a bit costly for a laptop with a 13.3-inch screen, but as we indicated, Macs do cost more – and that is bargain basement pricing for a Mac. These have seriously come down in price over the years, driven by the sane cost structure of the Windows laptop competition.
Port? What Port?
In today’s world of fast-moving data streams, how your computer is configured for ports is one of the most vital concerns we can think of. It’s not enough to just think things out into tomorrow either. Unless you plan to buy a new computer each year, you want a system to serve your needs both today – and tomorrow.
This means that you want your portage to be both fast and flexible. There really is no going back where ports are concerned. Used to be if you needed new capabilities, you could just buy an extension card and plug it onto a system bus, but no more.
For example, if you have only USB2.0 ports on your system, you are forever confined to them. You can use USB2.0 equipment, but your system will be limited to USB2.0 speeds, and that’s just tragic – no foolin’. Everything you do, from transferring files to watching video will be slower. To do better, you will need a new computer system; with native USB3.0 ports installed.
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Almost any laptop you buy will have traditional USB 2.0 ports on board, but watch for USB 3.0 ports – especially as the price falls. Don’t fall in love with fast hard drives and ton’s of memory – all for $200 bucks - and forget to look at the future of your computer system. OK? ‘Nuff said.
Games Can Be Serious
Games are another consideration. They use lots of memory, and it has to be true memory, not data streaming from your hard drive. The technical reasons for all of this are tempting to delve into (really tempting) – but these would take us too far afield of our focus – so if you want to play games – that is the most powerful games – buy a system guaranteed to enable them.
By this, we mean do not buy a system guaranteed to “run games” – that means nothing. Buy a system guaranteed to run “DoomTM” or whatever other game interests you. That is the safest way to go – unless you really understand what you are doing – and few people do.
To see a Windows laptop, you might enjoy our review of the Asus K55N Laptop here: [http://sincereproductreviews.com/2013/12/asus-k55n-laptop-laptop-review/] If you are interested in a real game machine, contact us, or seek someone who can help you.
A Few Remaining Items
Just a few other things to mention: Most every laptop today should come with Wi-Fi connectivity built-in, as well as Bluetooth capability and a webcam. Strictly speaking, webcams aren’t a necessity. People simply have not taken to video calling just yet, except in certain business applications. However, in future, some killer app which needs a cam might come along – and as these do not seriously affect the price of the computer – make sure to get yourself one.
If you need an all around laptop that is suitable for students and is great for use “on the go,” the Dell Inspiron 15 might the ideal choice. To learn more about it, you can read our review here: [http://sincereproductreviews.com/2013/11/dell-inspiron-15-6-inch-laptop-review/]
That should do it. By considering the above pointers and by reading the reviews pointed to in the links, you should have little problem to decide which operating system, make and model is best for you. It takes a bit of reading, yes, but a computer system is something you want to get right the first time – so take a moment, do the leg work – and enjoy your computer system for a long time to come.
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Shop smart and prosper,
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