The choice in PC types and styles has exploded in the early 21st century and buying a new computer is a different experience than it was a decade ago.The computer world has changed dramatically with the increasing popularity of tablets, touchscreen laptops and hybrid devices and just about every computer manufacturer now gives you a choice between hybrid tablet computers, convertible laptops, or desktops in between.When researching your new computer and finding the one you want at a reasonable price, you have many angles to consider.
Step 1: Think about what you want your purchase to be for.
Is it used for work, gaming, or even art?There are different uses and needs for work computers, from cash registers to high-end computers capable of performing real-time 3D animations.Artists can now use high-powered tablets with various types of styluses for art, most notably Microsoft's digital pen for Surface Pro and the Apple digital pencil for iPad and iPad Pro.With a Windows machine, you can work in the full version of Adobe's Creative Suite programs, whereas with an Apple device, there is a lot of apps to choose from.Windows or Linux are the best choices for high-end gaming, with Windows getting the most games and sometimes getting a given game first.Dell's Alienware division specializes in laptops and desktop PCs that look futuristic and are high-powered enough to handle the most processor- and memory-intensive games available, although it may be better to build your own.
Step 2: Decide on what you like.
You can choose between a desktop, laptop, or hybrid.The Surface Book from Microsoft is one of the models of laptops that can transform into tablets.Older style PCs are a lot cheaper than they used to be unless you add new features such as built-in cameras, fingerprint readers and face recognition login software, which you can do with standard laptops and desktop machines.
Step 3: Decide on the operating system you use.
Mac OS X only runs on Macs, but the legal status of this is questionable, whereas with Windows you have many more choices of hardware manufacturers and configurations.Windows supports a lot of modern hardware.Apple's OS X is a stable, smooth-running operating system that is not prone to anywhere near the amount of viruses or "glitches", so if you're considering a Mac or MacBook, know that.Apple makes computers that are easy to use and powerful.You can't use Mac apps on iPad or iPad Pro because they are not compatible with OS X.The majority of computers used for home and business are Windows PCs and tablets.From Microsoft's Surface Pro tablets and Surface Book laptop/tablet hybrid to similar devices from HP, Dell, Lenovo, and other Windows PC manufacturers, these devices are all backed by the wealth of Windows software available on the market.The open source Chrome operating system that's based on Linux is used in the Chromebook, which is an Internet terminal that runs Internet-based apps.The desktop equivalents of Chromebooks and Chromeboxes are usually less than $200.Linux gives you access to the very center of the operating system.Linux can be installed on any Windows or Mac computer, and it's the foundation of both the Chrome and Android operating systems.There are a lot of free apps available for Linux and many different versions, called "flavors" by Linux faithful, of Linux to choose from.
Step 4: You should consider what software you want.
The full version of Microsoft Office for Mac will not work with the iPad if you want your computer to be a tablet.The full version of Office and the wealth of Windows applications can be found on Windows tablets.There is a wide selection of apps in the iTunes store for both the iPad and the iPhone operating systems.
Step 5: Determine the price you want.
The newer, more powerful computers cost between $1,000 and $2,000.With a desktop PC in particular, and to a far less degree with laptops, you can choose to upgrade the machine later and so don't have to spend a fortune immediately as long as you get a system that can be upgraded later.If you want a gaming-level machine in your hand with a ton of RAM and a powerful processor, you will pay more for it.
Step 6: Do you want a new computer or a used one?
You can save a lot of money buying something a year or so old, but if you want brand-new with a warranty, you'll pay more.
Step 7: If you have the ability to modify your purchase, you should determine what options you want.
Don't need a big screen?Don't pay for it.Do you need a lot of random access memory but not much processing power?You can.Purchase tools at your favorite manufacturer's Website.There are other websites such as HP.com, etc.To see what different options cost and take those off you don't need to see how much you can save towards features you want, such as processor power, RAM, or whatever.If you want to personalize your purchase, you need to buy refurbished equipment from the manufacturer.You will typically have multiple configurations to choose from at different price points for mobile devices, such as the iPad Pro, Android tablets, Chromebooks, or Windows tablets.
Step 8: You should consider where to buy a PC.
If you want brand-new equipment with a warranty, you will want to go to a manufacturer or retail site, most likely, whereas if you don't mind used, OfferUp or Craigslist might be your first choice.You don't have to pay shipping fees and wait time if you find what you want locally.You can use the search feature to find certain models.If you search for "Lenovo" in the search box, you will see ads that don't feature the word.You can find computers in the "Computers" section under "For Sale" on the main "Craigslist" page.
Step 9: Machines were used in the research.
You can find machines on eBay and other sites.Not only will you get a good price view of what your model is going for, you can get feedback and history on previous models to help you decide whether the newer model will have the same problems as the old.
Step 10: You can find prices on the internet.
You can take advantage of any standard sales days, such as Black Friday in November, if you search at the manufacturer's site.