Step 1
First of all, figure out what you are going to be using the computer for. Is this a computer strictly for basic personal use, like surfing the internet, minor word processing etc.? Are you going for something that has some power behind it for moderate gaming, watching dvd movies? Or do you want something for hardcore gaming, video editing and 3d rendering?
Step 2
The second thing you need to ask yourself is: Will I be moving the computer around a lot? If you plan on traveling or using the computer on the couch or at a coffee shop, then you should absolutely go with a laptop. If however you plan on doing some graphics or processing intensive tasks like intense gaming, 3d rendering or video editing, I would recommend you go with a desktop.
Advantages of a laptop: Portability, smaller size. Disadvantages: typically more expensive for the “power” of the computer (less bang for the buck).
Advantages of a Desktop: Less expensive than a laptop, bigger screen, can be upgraded easily and in many different ways (Graphics cards, Ram, Hard drive etc.) Disadvantages: cannot be moved as easily, take up more space.
Step 3
If you decide to go with a laptop take the following aspects into consideration:
Be aware that they do not have the ability to “last as long” as far as being able to run new software down the road. They are not usually upgradeable (regarding the hardware, or internal parts). If you want a laptop that will be able to moderately intense software down the road, go with a laptop with lots of hard drive space, lots of ram, a high MB/GB graphics card (for gaming and 3d rendering) and a high GHz (gigahertz) CPU/Processor.
If however you feel like you just want a laptop for basic use and upgrading in 3 years or sooner is not out of the question, then the hardware specifications are not as crucial. If you are looking to save a few bucks and aren’t picky about the exact parts in the computer, check out newegg.com, tigerdirect.com, mwave.com or any other major pc/laptop manufacturer. Costco especially has good deals on pretty good quality computers.
On laptops, having a system with good ventilation that goes out the SIDES of the laptop is essential (fans with the main exhaust ducts going out through the bottom will only make the laptop run hotter and make your lap uncomfortably hot). Also make sure that the USB ports and headphone jack are in a place that will be comfortable for you. If all of the ports are in the front, they may press up against your stomach when you are using it in a recliner or on the couch.
Step 4
If you decide to go with a Desktop take the following aspects into consideration:
Desktop computers are pretty simple to upgrade, and a well built PC can run simple programs for many years after they are built. However a PC can give you the flexibility to turn a standard system into a “gaming powerhouse” for a relatively inexpensive investment (a few hundred dollars depending on how old it is). Also, more and more people are connecting their PC’s to their TVs so that they can browse the internet, play computer games and watch movies and recorded TV shows on their TV’s.
Laptops are becoming more and more popular because they are lagging less and less behind the capabilities of their PC cousins. So my recommendation is, only buy a desktop if you are planning on running some really intense software, because the portability of a laptop is very handy and there aren’t a whole lot of things that PC’s can do that laptops cannot.
Step 5
Where to buy your PC/Laptop:
If you are particular about the parts in your computer, I would recommend building it yourself, or going to a smaller company that is more likely to work with you on customizing you machine. I have bought a few computers through cyberpowerinc.com and they have been very good to deal with (and they can customize your computer in many ways in both hardware and exterior styling).
If, however you are not so picky, again I would recommend Costco, or these websites: newegg.com, tigerdirect.com, mwave.com. Play with a few different brands of pc’s (CompUSA and Best Buy would be great for this) and see what styles and set ups are best for you. For computer manufactures, I would recommend Dell and HP as I have had good experiences with these systems lately.
Step 6
I would also recommend an optical mouse since they work on nearly any surface. If you plan on buying any other peripherals (headphone, speakers, mice, gamepads etc.) look at Logitech products. I have been using their products for years and I can’t think of an electronics manufacturer that I have been happier with. High quality and fair prices are the hallmarks of this company.
In conclusion: Know what you need your computer to do, know your lifestyle and try out some computers before you buy. It can be a very fun experience, and the technology is getting less and less expensive as time goes on.
