Desktop versus Laptop:
The major consideration here is your need for mobility. Laptop computers tend to cost more for similar features since they require smaller components. Desktop computers are usually fairly easy to upgrade. Laptop computers are limited in their upgrades. Memory (RAM), larger hard drives, network cards and CD/DVD drives are common upgrades. Laptop components cost more than desktop components. Currently laptops utilize onboard graphics processing, so you cannot upgrade your graphics capability. There are laptops graphics cards in the works, so this may not be such a limitation in the future.
Custom versus prebuilt:
The biggest difference between custom computers and prebuilt systems is choice. When you pick the parts for your system you have a better computer with higher quality parts then a mass produced computer manufacturer will offer. Picking and choosing your components allows you to design a computer with your needs in mind. This is especially important for hardcore gamers and graphic artists. The only real down side to a custom built computer is it takes a few days to get (give or take) instead of getting it the same day. In many circumstances, a wait is not a good reason to sacrifice quality.
Processors:
There are several processors on the market between Intel and AMD. Intel has Celeron, Pentium and the new Duo processors, all with their own features. Celerons are low cost processors designed mostly for non multi-tasking functions and basic use like checking email. Pentiums are designed for medium use and multi processing; they can accommodate gaming depending on how old the game is and what gigahertz (speed) the processor is. There are Dual core versions of both the Celeron and the Pentium chips which maximize processing speeds by using 2 processing chambers. There are multi-core processors available, but are more commonly used for servers.
RAM/Memory:
Two major considerations here: 1) what operating system are you using and 2) what do you plan to do? If you want to stick with Windows XP Service Pack 2, Microsoft minimum requirements are 64 megabytes with 128 megabytes recommended. We suggest you run no less than 512 megabytes. Keep in mind, an anti-virus program such as Norton 360 requires 256 megabytes to run! Microsoft recommends 1 gigabyte, with 512 megabytes minimum required, to run Windows Vista Premium.
Many programs on the market have heavy RAM requirements to support their new features. Office 2007, Adobe Creative Suite, current anti-virus programs and PC games are all good reasons to step up your RAM capacity.
Graphics cards:
If you want to keep up with the incredible advances in PC games and graphics software, we recommend purchasing an after-market graphics card. On board cards will allocate your RAM/Memory to graphics reproduction while after-market graphics cards come with their own RAM. New graphics cards have moved into housing their own processors and cooling systems as well. If you play some of the newer, more demanding games you may want to consider running dual graphics cards such as SLI or crossfire, which allow you to use two cards at the same time!
Hard drive/storage space:
Most home users don’t require large storage capacity. A 250 gigabyte drive is most likely adequate. If you store music, video, large programs or games you may need more drive space. 500 gigabytes will keep you covered, for awhile anyway! Keep in mind that as the software industry advances, programs are getting bigger. Many games need about 4-5 gigs per game to install! Graphics programs like Adobe Creative Suite 3 also require a decent amount of drive space. If you want performance, you may consider the benefits of running raided hard drives. Raided drives are multiple drives stacked to maximize read rates and storage space efficiency.
Another storage consideration is CD and DVD drives. There are many options on the market. Many large programs come on DVDs since they are large, so having a DVD read drive is very important. Drive speed is important too. You may get frustrated and give up on a 5 gig game install if your 4x drive takes 2 hours to install! Being able to write to CD and DVD is very important for data backups and file exchange. Most computers aren’t sold with floppy drives anymore. LightScribe drives enable you to burn an image to the top of a disk instead of using a permanent marker or sticker to label them. Blu-Ray technology extends data storage from 700 megabyte CDs to 4.7 gigabyte DVDs to 8.5 gigabyte dual layer DVD to an incredible 25 gigabytes, not to mention dual layer Blu-Ray disks that can hold 50 gigabytes! (Woot!) Look into the cost of blank media before you decide which drive type is right for you.
Well, you’ve made it through all of that! Don’t be too intimidated by all of these details! If you’re a basic computer user, it may very well save you time and money to buy a standard, prebuilt computer. By considering what is available you can maximize the lifespan of your system and minimize your frustration with inadequate components! If you have additional questions or need help figuring out what type of computer will meet your needs, contact Mike. (925.705.1946 or michaelmankini@yahoo.com) He loves to talk shop! |
