Tech Time E4 - Powerpoint Edition
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The document provides 10 steps for choosing a new computer, including deciding between Windows and Mac, setting a budget, choosing components based on intended use, and selecting a brand. Key factors covered are budget, intended use of the computer, screen size preferences, and operating system. The document aims to help buyers determine their needs and pick the right computer components and features within their budget.
Tech Time E4 - Powerpoint Edition
- 1. Tips on buying your first (or new) computer! Choosing the Right Computer
- 2. Step 1: Windows vs. Mac Windows Pros Affordable Available on many devices Used in many businesses Cons Can be complex to some users Mac Pros User friendly Operating System Good for Graphic Design Good warranty plan Cons Expensive
- 3. Step 2: Budgeting How much are you willing to spend? How often are you going to be using your computer? Is this your first computer (or replacing one) or is this just a second computer? Will it be outdated 4 years from now? Remember: The more money the greater the quality.
- 4. Step 3: Pick Your Budgeting Level $100 - $300 Chromebooks Tablets Web Browsing Email Social Media $400 – $700 Basic Applications (Office Suites, Music) Basic Editing (Photos and Videos) Medium Gaming Quality $800 and up High End Editing (Photoshop, Visual Studios, Blender, etc) High Quality Gaming (Desktops)* Programs that use a lot of memory If you want your computer to be up-to-date in 4 years *Laptops are not generally optimized for gaming however there are a few gaming laptops available (Alienware, XPS Series, etc)
- 5. Step 3: AMD vs. Intel AMD Pros More Affordable APU technology (CPU + GPU) Cons Not as Advanced as Intel Lack in AMD motherboards that support PCI-E x1 3.0 slots (for gamer concerns) Intel Pros Advanced CPU architecture* Tends to run cooler compared to AMD Cons More Expensive Intel's Integrated graphics don’t match with AMD. *Intel at the moment is more advanced with faster processing speeds with benchmark tests. I am not comparing a particular CPU, just what each company offers.
- 6. Step 4: Hard Drive Space How much “stuff” do you store (approx)? Music: 5MB per Song 500 Songs = 1GB Photos: 1MB per Photo Depends on the Quality of the photo Applications: Varies, if you are a gamer expect to hit 100GB Recommendations 320GB – Basic User 750GB – Average User 1TB – Gamer, Video Editor, Heaver Applications user.
- 7. Step 5: Memory Memory is where applications are temporarily stored in the computer. Recommendations 4GB – Light User 6GB – Average User 8GB + - Advanced User Don’t go less than 4GB, otherwise you will notice your computer to be slow.
- 8. Step 6: Screen Size The bigger the screen, the less portable it will be. Recommendations 11.6” – Extreme Portability For lying in bed and surfing the web Lack of Numpad 14” – Fairly Portable Easily fits in Bag Lack of Numpad 15.6” Average Screen Size 17” or more Harder Portability Great for Movies and Gaming
- 9. Step 7: Other features Blu-Ray Drive For those HD Movies Bluetooth Sync your phone to your computer HDMI Port To connect your computer to your TV to watch those HD Movies Fingerprint Scanner Use your finger to log into your computer and even web accounts. USB 3.0 For devices that use USB 3.0 Fastest transfer speed for Thumb Drives and External Hard Drives Touch Screen Display For Windows 8 Webcam I think almost every laptop has one, but just check to make sure it does.
- 10. Step 8: The OS Windows 7 (Find this one) This is used in most businesses. It is the most stable version. Windows 8 Most new computer will most likely come with this. If your computer doesn’t have a touch screen display then you will have a tough time navigating, especially if you are use to Windows
- 11. Step 9: Brands The final step is brands, and there are a ton! HP Asus Sony Dell Acer Lenovo Samsung The only advice I will give you for this is to go with one on this list. Go with a name brand computer. If its your first computer just pick one. If you have had Dells and you like them go with Dell.
- 12. Step 10: Checkouts Wow nice computer! Now let’s check out! Can I offer you a 2 year warranty for $200? Do you want off-site assistance for $30 a month? No you don’t. Unless you are going to drop that thing in the water on your way out avoid these scams. Save yourself some money and go with the warranty that comes with your computer.