Buy Computer (1)

Buy Computer : Tips For Buying The Right Computer For You, Great! The choices can be daunting, though. The first choice youll need to make is whether to buy a desktop or a laptop. If you need any amount of mobility at all, we'd suggest a laptop. If you don't plan on moving your computer around or using away from your home or office, you might want a desktop. Desktop computers are easier to repair and are cheaper for what you get.

Memory is a big factor in determining how quickly your computer performs tasks – I would not buy a computer with less than 512 MB of memory. 1 GB of memory would be even better. If you're not familiar with the technical aspects of computer processors and you are going to need a processor that's more powerful than standard, you might want to consult with a computer expert to help you make the choice.
Youll also need to choose the hard drive size youll need. Then choosing a optical drive such as a cd burner or dvd burner drive. Today there are alot more choices including cd & dvd burners and dvd combo multi format drives.
Now not only is size a choice but you can pretty much choose any color you want but if might cost you a little extra.
There are many, many different components of a computer that youll have to choose. Its worth a little time to think about exactly what you need so you make the right choice the first time.
Shopping for Basics and Saving Money on Your Next PC

It's time for my annual fall PC buyer's guide. As always, this guide covers what average consumers doing typical tasks should look for in a desktop or laptop PC. That excludes heavy-duty gamers, corporate buyers, techies, or enthusiasts.

Windows vs. Mac: I consider the Mac operating system, Leopard, to be faster, easier and more stable than Windows XP or Windows Vista. Macs can even run Windows, though that costs extra.

However, Apple has consciously chosen not to offer machines in the bargain category. The cheapest Mac desktop, the minimalist Mac Mini, which doesn't even include a monitor, speakers, keyboard or mouse, costs $650 for a model with a hard disk I consider adequate. The cheapest Mac laptop, the base model of the prior-generation MacBook (which Apple has retained in its lineup) is $999.
Which Windows: Windows Vista is too often slow, and incompatible with older peripherals, such as the printers you might not want to replace in this economic climate. It also can cost more because it demands beefier, and thus costlier, hardware to run well than does the older Windows XP.
Budget shoppers should look around for a computer that still runs XP, either one of the dwindling number of models built with XP in mind, or one that has been "downgraded" by the manufacturer to XP. This downgrade "feature" can cost $50 or more upfront, but permits you to buy a cheaper machine.

For instance, I recently advised two of my budget-minded friends to buy a low-end Dell desktop, the Inspiron 530, at Micro Center, a small but very good national chain of computer superstores. This Dell runs XP, and has a low-end Intel processor. The store is currently selling a version with a 250-gigabyte hard disk -- more than enough for an average user -- and 2 gigabytes of memory, generous for XP, for just $400 after instant rebate. If my friends had wanted laptops, I could have steered them to a 15-inch Acer Aspire laptop at the same store. This machine runs Vista Basic, with 1 gigabyte of memory and a 120-gigabyte hard disk, and costs $380.
You can often buy an even less-costly computer if you opt for the Linux operating system, but I still don't advise this for average non-techie users.

Memory: For XP, or a Mac, I suggest 2 gigabytes of memory, but you can get away with 1 gigabyte for light use. For Vista, I recommend 3 gigabytes, but 2 gigabytes will do on a tight budget. On a desktop, 250 gigabytes is easily obtainable, but 160 gigabytes will do.
DVD drive: If you never record DVDs, you can save money by buying a cheaper combo drive, which plays both DVDs and CDs, but records only the latter.
Processor: Look for a dual-core processor, but to save money, don't worry about the speed, model number, or brand.

Video: A separate, or "discrete," video card is best, especially for Vista Home Premium, but budget shoppers should stick with lesser "integrated graphics."
Other features: If your home lacks the fastest "n" version of Wi-Fi, spend less for a laptop with the older "g" version. Netbooks: If you don't mind a tiny screen, cramped keyboard and limited file storage, these popular new mini-laptops can save you money. Remember, pay only for the computing capabilities you need.
Find all of Walt Mossberg's columns and videos online, free, at the All Things Digital Web site, walt.allthingsd.com. Email him at mossberg@wsj.com.
Correction & Amplification
Consumers on a tight budget can get by with two gigabytes of memory when Buy Computer running Microsoft Vista.

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