How Do I Know What Computer To Buy?
How do I know what computer to buy is a question I have been asked hundreds of times? I am going to teach exactly what the differences are without getting too technical.
The answers you may be seeking will not be answered by product reviews because there are too many brands and models. In addition, most of these different models come with different specs which results in extreme price differences.
I am going to breakdown how to determine what computer is best for what your needs are, Without getting too complicated.
Research and Development
I want to start with research and development because it matters. Dell and HP can afford large research and development divisions whereas their competitors cannot. That’s why Dell and HP are the biggest because before we can buy their computers they’ve spent tens of millions of dollars on research and development. The end result you definitely get a better product from Dell or HP.
Two Primary Differences In All Computers
The most important thing you need to know is the two primary differences in all computers and they are “Retail and Commercial”.
I have been refurbishing Dell and HP commercial computers for over 15 years. I also have been repairing commercial and retail computers so I know what the differences are. The difference between the two is quite dramatic.
Dell and HP commercial computers are designed for professionals like myself to get to the hardware easily and fast. It’s the complete opposite of retail computers. Retail computers can be a nightmare to disassemble. The retail design is intentionally difficult to disassemble because the manufacturers know you will throw it away and go buy a new one.
Cost Differences
On the other hand, you pay more for a commercial computer so how do I know what computer to buy? Well, let’s go over some of the actual quality differences between a commercial versus a retail PC.
When your standing in the store looking at a laptop there are some things you can visually see if you know what to look for, such as the display. Whether the laptop is on or off, if you can see a reflection on the display it’s poor quality. It’s a standard VGA screen that is very bright and hard on the eyes for long term use. The commercial laptops will have an XVGA or higher grade display and are healthy for the eyes even during long term use.
A good quality display will not have any reflection and will actually be easy to use and see even in sunlight. The poor quality display gets more difficult to see in bright light situations, too much reflection.
This might sound a little kooky but that one difference tells me that the non-reflective display probably has the additional specs I’m looking for, such as memory, hard drive, and processor.
Minimum Requirement Recommendations
But just for information’s sake here is my suggestion, a Nonreflective display for laptops with at least 8GB of RAM and 250GB Solid State Hard Drive and an Intel Processor Core i5 or higher. Use these requirements as a guide for desktops or laptops. These specs are good for what you might need in the future as well as right now.
I am doing my best to not get into the specs too deep because if you don’t understand them what’s the point. The computer age is at a stage where it’s like a car people don’t care what makes it run they just need to get somewhere.
The consumer is looking for guidance for the best methods for buying a good computer without having to be an expert. That is the point of this article is to offer the best guidance.
The Best Way To Buy A Computer
Always buy commercial models first, but it doesn’t mean there aren’t good retail models. Just be sure you’re getting a no-glare display on laptops and the previously mentioned specs.
Buy a late model used or refurbished computer from Amazon or eBay and save a bundle. Because computers depreciate rapidly you can get good deals. Be sure to buy from a reputable seller. It’s important to be sure the computer meets or exceeds the minimum recommended requirements.
I do not recommend any processors that are Core 2 DUO, Pentium, or AMD. Not because of their bad but because they are older models with the exception of AMD. AMD processors are the computers I’ve repaired most often.
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