what to look for when buying a computer

Look for a … live without the portability of a laptop or tablet, desktop PCs can provide you with more power as well as a different form of convenience. Acer Aspire laptops and desktops run the gamut of computers from budget to high end, including a full line of thin-and-light laptops, and detachables. Speeds can exceed 5 GHz for a desktop processor. When you shop through retailer links on our site, we may earn affiliate commissions. Acer also produces Chromebooks. Chromebooks use Chrome OS, an operating system developed by Google. But in brief, for some users a tablet can take the place of a laptop. You can still wander into some stores and buy a computer, or … A tower is one style of desktop computer that, because of its size, people keep on or near a table or desk. And because there are no moving parts, access to data should be quicker. Manufacturer support: Check the warranty and technical support available. And then there are some slightly unconventional categories, such as laptops that can be used liked tablets and all-in-one desktops that don't need a separate monitor. Unless you regularly have multiple large apps open at the same time, 8GB should be your target. Computers used to be desktops or laptops, period, but the computer … A non-Intel processor . Below is a listing of the various components likely to be found in a computer and recommendations and tips when considering any of the below components.CaseThe case or chassis is often overlooked when buying a new computer. The Battery Look for laptops that have a screen that is either 12.5-inches or 13.3-inches in size, and a weight between 1kg and 1.5kgs. It’s definitely possible that the computer could have been dropped, or took a nasty hit if you see a crack. These tiny devices are the brains of any computer. The company's phone support is free for only 90 days, but you can get unlimited technical support through the Genius Bar at any Apple Store. Google currently makes only one Chromebook of its own, the PixelBook. The latest version, Thunderbolt 3, uses a USB-C connector. Conversely, you can easily find a laptop that’s just as powerful as a typical desktop. The sky's the limit for gaming systems. Most computers today include a webcam located just above the computer screen. The Mac Pro desktop is its professional line. Its gaming line is known as Predator. Compact desktop: Compact desktops, which are the size of a shoebox and can sit on your desktop. If a computer is right for you in other ways but doesn’t have a CD/DVD drive, consider opting for an external drive. Hard Drives
 Graphics Adapter and Graphics Memory Check into a compact desktop if you like your computer small but non-portable. In branded … These tend to be quite expensive. For a gaming PC, a fast processor and sufficient RAM as well as a powerful graphics card prove important. Many people have moved away from desktops in the past decade. Our ratings say how many cores a laptop's processor has. Graphics processing comes in two basic flavors: It can either be integrated into the same chip that's running the rest of the computer or it can run on a discrete piece of equipment. Gaming models are the Omen line. On the contrary, if you require using it for heavy video editing and professional work, then it might be better to buy a system that has enhanced multimedi… If you need a computer which processes information very quickly look for one with a solid state drive. With high-capacity flash drives available, extra storage isn't a problem on these models. Laptop: A laptop is portable, weighing anywhere from 2 to 8 pounds. When buying a new computer do you find the long lists of specification overwhelming? You can lengthen battery life if you dim the display, turn off WiFi connectivity when it's not needed, and use only basic applications. If you’re looking to carry your computer to work or on vacation, you obviously need a laptop. All-in-ones include the Inspiron 3000, 5000, and 7000 series, as well as the higher-end XPS series. 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 even a decade ago. Included software: Some computers come with utility programs such as antivirus software or productivity software such as Microsoft Office. They’re multifunctional, serving as web browser, e-book reader, movie viewer, and music player. And some have slimmed down to weigh as little as a couple of pounds. Apple does not make a two-in-one laptop but you could pair an iPad with a keyboard to have a similar experience. You might find some with better speakers than smaller laptops can offer. Be aware that some software offers only a short-term trial version and you have to pay to buy the full version upgrade. Hybrid Drives HP also offers a line of Chromebooks. If you plan to watch high-resolution videos or play mainstream games, you should consider the Intel Core i5 and AMD's Ryzen line of processors. Generally, within a processor family, the higher the clock speed, the faster the processor. Prices have come down to the point where building your own doesn't … The more memory a computer has, the faster it is, up to a point. Wireless capability: To connect to some wireless devices and networks, you need wireless capability. Some new CPUs integrate discrete-class graphics, offering excellent graphics abilities without adding a separate chip. Lower-priced hybrid drives, which combine a hard drive with solid-state memory, represent a good compromise. If you wish to buy a computer for simply browsing the internet and using some online services than it might be better to buy a single core computer which satisfies your minimum requirements. After sales service and warrant is one of the important things to consider while buying a laptop. Stick with an Intel Core i5 or better processor and look … And, of course, the larger screen can make it more comfortable to work on multiple windows or large spreadsheets. Click here to check our computer ratings. They may allow for a more ergonomically correct work environment, generally come with better speakers, and allow you to view your work on a larger screen. A webcam: If you will be calling your friends or grandchildren over a service such as Skype, it’s useful to have a built-in webcam to transmit video images while talking. You may have two choices while buying a computer, Brander PC or Assembled PC. This has usually been the less expensive and lower-performing option—fine for most tasks but not for serious gaming. The monitor, keyboard, and mouse (in the form of a flat touchpad) are built into the laptop. For photo editing, our tests of the 15-inch MacBook Pro reveal its screen to be among the best we’ve seen for color accuracy and crispness. On the downside, there’s not a lot of storage space on a Chromebook, so consumers should be prepared to stream, instead of download, content like music and movies. A slow hard drive will take longer to start up the OS and programs, and complete tasks (such as installing programs or scanning your hard drive for viruses). Graphics and sound cards: If you want to use multimedia or game software, ask for more sophisticated sound and video features such as a discrete graphics card or discrete sound card. Lenovo ThinkPads are its business notebooks; ThinkCentre models are business desktops. If you plan to use your computer for browsing the web and simple productivity tasks, … The latest port to arrive on computers is USB-C. It’s reversible, so you’ll never insert a USB-C plug in the wrong way. The operating system is the heart of your laptop. This list comprises the major computer brands. They weigh from just less than a pound to about 1.5 pounds and have 7- to 10-inch touch screens. Many desktops have this built in. Consider getting a touchscreen to take advantage of all of Windows 10 touchscreen features. The components are tightly packed behind and underneath the display, making them difficult to upgrade or repair. Since Chrome OS is very similar to the popular Chrome web browser some users may have an easier time using a Chromebook than other computers. Most of those that come bundled with desktops are optical, meaning light sensors on their undersides track movement. It can also be used to supply power to your laptop. They are also the single largest performance boost you can give a computer over an identical computer with a hard drive. When not plugged into a wall outlet, laptops use a rechargeable lithium-ion battery for power. If you are looking … While most … The company also produces an all-in-one PC known as the Surface Studio that’s primarily intended for artists, designers, and other creative users. In general, Consumer Reports recommends solid-state drives over hard drives. Dell also offers a small line of Chromebooks. In choosing a brand, consider the manufacturer's technical support and reliability as shown in our surveys. Such a laptop can easily be configured as a desktop replacement. These machines are lightweight and highly portable. For more, check our computer ratings (available to CR members). You get the fastest processors, the most sophisticated graphics cards, multiple large hard drives, and lots of RAM. These have custom, touch-enabled multimedia apps and include multitouch capability, which lets you use your fingers to zoom, turn, and scroll. Monitors are often less expensive when bundled with a new computer. When you’re purchasing your computer consider what type of computer model would work best for you and take into account the features that you find most important. You need access to the internet to get the best work out of one of these machines. To future proof your purchase, look for USB-C, USB 3.1 ports and at least 801.11AC on the Wi-Fi side. They're capable of playing Blu-ray movies and can store 25GB (single layer) or 50GB (dual layer) of data. Having these ports at the front of the desktop case makes connecting devices more convenient. … If you're buying a Windows laptop, be sure it has Precision touchpad drivers. Macs can also run Windows using specialized software. For connecting to the internet, all desktops come with an Ethernet port that lets you run a cable between your desktop and your router. This size range offers the ideal balance of performance, portability, and price for many users. An Ethernet port or wireless network card lets you link several computers in the household to share files, a printer, or a broadband internet connection. When it comes to buying a 2-in-1, some are better laptops than they are tablets, and some are better tablets than they are laptops. Asus offers a full lineup of both desktop and laptop computers, including thin-and-light and 2-in-1 laptop models under its ZenBook line. Laptops come with wireless built in, and some have a port for connecting an Ethernet cable, although many are ditching it to save space. She is the author of over 100 books on technology and business topics, and has taught technical writing and online safety at the college level. See our tablet buying guide for detailed information about shopping for a tablet. Apple’s free telephone tech support is limited to three months, but you can get unlimited free support at the Genius Bar in Apple Stores. If it's time to replace your old computer or get a new one for a family member, it's a good idea to brush up on what decisions go into buying one. Speed matters. HP is known for its best after-sales service and attractive warranty offers. For a dependable laptop, an Intel i3 is fine, but an i5 will guarantee good speeds. If you have a wireless mouse, you won’t have to deal with a cord, but you will have to recharge or replace the batteries every few months. Nancy C. Muir is the owner of a writing and consulting company that specializes in business and technology topics. Thinking about buying a new computer? CD/DVD drive: Computers might come with a CD or DVD drive or not. Power Consumption Click here for our computer ratings. With this type of computer, all the brains of the computer are stored in a casing within the monitor, so the entire computer sits on your desk or table. It manages all software and hardware, including files, memory and connected devices. Most of today’s software is distributed via download, so there’s little need for an optical drive. Ken Colburn. These are called convertibles and detachables, respectively. Windows 10, which is engineered to work on mobile devices as well as conventional computers, appears to be accelerating the trend. Apple computers usually cost more than similarly configured Windows-based systems. Now you’ve read our top 10 tips, take a look at our guides to the best laptops you can buy, the best gaming laptops, and the best laptops for students. Displays that are 13, 14, and 17 inches are also common, and some manufacturers are also offering 11-inch laptops. In addition, "universal apps" developed for Windows 10 will look and work the same on a variety of devices. Speed is equally important and is measured in rpm (revolutions per minute). Midsized models are a good choice if you take your machine along less frequently or if you need to use it extensively for work or school. Compared to laptops, most pre-built PCs are more upgradable With so many options to choose from, it's tough to know if you're getting the right computer … They tend to use top-performing processors with standard hard drives that give you tons of storage, though not top performance. It is important that you first consider the tasks that you will be performing on your PC. On both desktops and laptops 8GB has become common, with 16GB found on higher-end devices. Many companies … Laptops go into sleep mode when used intermittently, extending the time between charges. If you’re looking to build a high-end computer for video editing, graphics design work, or high-end gaming, you’ll want to look for a higher-end processor with more cores/threads. At less than half the size of full-sized desktops, compact or slim desktops are ideal if you lack space under your desk or if you plan to put the computer on your desk. Optical Drives 2. And these aren't workhorse computers, though they are fine for office productivity work like email and spreadsheets, and browsing the web. The bottom line with cores is that the more you have, the faster your computer can process instructions because all the cores can work at once with many applications. For more, watch our interactive video below. Until a few years ago, only 17-inch and larger models had graphics processors with dedicated video memory, but now some 14- to 16-inch models have them, making them suitable for gaming. Trusted Reviews If mobility isn’t a concern, get a desktop, because it’s very likely that you’ll get more performance for the same money—plus more flexibility in customizing the machine once you buy it. Meant to be space-savers, they're also designed to look less stodgy than traditional computers. Samsung also produces Chromebooks. A laptop can also be more difficult and expensive to repair than a desktop. Deciding When It's Time to Upgrade Your Child's Car Seat, the single largest performance boost you can give a computer. They may be useful if you want to be able to use your laptop in bed while holding it like a tablet (to stream video, say) or if you want to prop up the laptop like a "tent" to more easily show off the display to other people nearby. Samsung offers a variety of laptops in different sizes under the Notebook 5, 7, and 9 brands, and an all-in-one PC known as the All-In-One. Cases are usually large and offer room for additional components like extra memory or dedicated sound cards. For gamers, Dell offers Alienware systems. Screen sizes (measured diagonally) generally range from 15 to 24 inches, but you can find larger ones. 100% of the fees we collect are used to support our nonprofit mission. Solid-State Drives: SSDs are a different type of storage technology, letting your computer access data without the moving parts required by a traditional hard drive. Memory is measured in gigabytes (GB). Difference between them is quite simple. Apple computers use macOS (formerly known as OS X). Consumer desktops and all-in-ones include Yoga Home, 300, 500, 700, and 900 series. You'll pay a premium for these models. Use this guide to help wade through your options. Glossy screens have more saturated colors and deeper blacks but are also more prone to glare. Laptops let you use your computer away from your desk, but you pay for that mobility with a keyboard that's a little more cramped, a higher price, and (sometimes) reduced performance. Lenovo also offers gaming, budget, and thin-and-light models; detachable convertibles; and Chromebooks. Thunderbolt, a very fast data-transfer port, is also used for connecting external devices. The lower the resolution, the grainier the image looks on the screen. Hard-drive sizes are measured in gigabytes and terabytes, and commonly range from 250GB to more than 1TB. Processor – The brains of the laptop, the better the processor, the faster your computer will run. If you play mainstream and extreme games with all the visual effects turned on or if you edit video, especially HD and Ultra High Definition (4K), you need discrete graphics. If not, you can buy one for about $40 and plug it into a USB port. SSDs don't have the spinning disk of a conventional hard drive, so they use less power, work more quietly, and should be more resistant to damage—and less likely to fail mechanically. Borrowing from tablets, companies have begun including touch screens on many laptops. Most computers have integrated graphics. A tower is one style of desktop computer that, because of its size, people keep on or near a table or desk. Desktops typically offer more performance for the money than laptops and are less expensive to repair. Inspiron is Dell’s mass-market line of laptops, desktops, and all-in-ones. They're generally inexpensive, with some starting at just under $200, and are designed for users willing to work on and store most of their files online. Like desktop monitors, most laptop displays are wide-screen to show wide-screen movies at their best. For more, check our full computer ratings (available to Consumer Reports members). Do you want a desktop or tower case? For folks wanting a desktop replacement, big enough to sit semipermanently in one place but portable enough to take from room to room, these laptops will deliver. Whether you're looking for your very first computer or are just upgrading to a newer machine, buying a computer can feel overwhelming. However, they still won't sound as good as external speakers. To buy a mid-range device in the $600+ tier for other uses, don’t accept anything with less than 8GB of RAM and make sure to buy a faster SSD instead of a standard HDD. Battery life: If you choose a laptop and will be using your laptop in settings without a power source, such as on a plane or in the doctor’s waiting room, look for a model with longer battery life (some offer 10 hours or more). All-in-one: Another form of desktop computer is called an all-in-one. A 15- to 16-inch display should suit most people. Also known as the video card, graphics processing unit (GPU), or graphics card, this hardware is responsible for drawing what you see on your screen. For one, these laptops are typically light enough to be brought, say, to and from your office without needing the strength of a powerlifter. Some types of cracks in the computer casing can be hard to see. Buying a gaming PC used to be only for people with more money than time (or sense), but times have absolutely changed. Another important factor when choosing a processor, especially for laptops: Lower power consumption equals longer battery life. Tablets are not ideal for office productivity tasks, but you can add a keyboard to many of them. Choose from these styles: Tower: A form of computer that has been around for quite a while is a tower. A 15-inch monitor is comfortable for most people, but if you do work with higher-end images or watch videos, consider a larger screen as larger screens may be easier on your eyes. Although most computers come with a basic, predefined set of features, that doesn't mean you don't have choices. The most important thing is the brand of the computer. If you're looking for a very basic or budget computer to browse the web, email, and work on Office documents, basically every processor on the market should be sufficient. But installing older software—usually distributed on a CD or DVD—could be a problem. Bigger is better. A 10- to 13-inch laptop is best for people frequently on the move. You can skip to different chapters depending on your interests—for example, battery life, specs, portability, and brands. Computers For Seniors For Dummies Cheat Sheet. The most common sizes are 19 and 20 inches. Processor: Most processors today are multiple-core processors, such as the i3, i5, and i7 processor lines from Intel. The access speed (how fast your computer retrieves data) of solid state drives is much higher than the access speed of hard drives. Compact desktop: Compact desktops, which are the size of a shoebox and can sit on your desktop. Computers with these options may be more expensive but you’ll be set for years to … Some laptops are known as two-in-ones and either have a keyboard that can be bent around the back of the display or whose keyboard can be detached entirely. Lighter and less expensive than most laptops, these highly mobile devices offer an extra dose of portability and many—but certainly not all—of the features. Windows 10 brings a more uniform interface across a variety of devices: computers, tablets, Xbox consoles, and smartphones. Clock speed, measured in gigahertz (GHz), along with the number of cores and other factors, determines how quickly a processor can process information. It also has a handful of tablets, including the new (as of late 2018) Pixel Slate and older Pixel C. HP is the top seller of desktops and laptops in the U.S. For laptop users it offers the budget HP line, the mainstream Pavilion line, the higher-performance Envy line, and the premium Spectre line, some of which are convertible and detachable. Those who plan to edit photos or videos should note differences in color, viewing angle, contrast, and brightness. The screens on most laptops are glossy instead of matte. Also check for helpful documentation on the manufacturer’s website. These days, it’s not unusual for individuals or families to have more than one type of computer. We test, evaluate, and compare the latest computers to keep you connected. In many computers a solid state drive is used in place of a hard drive. Microsoft offers the Surface and Surface Pro detachable laptops/tablets. Below are some things to think about regarding the case. Buying Wi-Fi 6 will futureproof the laptop for years to come. Type of hard drive: Computers have traditionally used hard drives to store programs and data. Most are wide-screen, which fit wide-screen movies better but give you less screen area per inch. Whether your main consideration is portability or power, screen size will be an essential factor in deciding which type of laptop is right for you. Operating System See our computer ratings (available to CR members) for more. And in our tests, battery life ranged from 4 hours to nearly 13 hours. When purchasing a computer it is likely that you are going to have a general idea of what you may like in the computer or how you would like to configure the computer. For higher performance and gaming systems, Dell offers the XPS line, which includes convertibles. Processors with multiple cores can process more data simultaneously, with four cores now increasingly common on laptops. For best performance, get a desktop with at least a 7,200-rpm hard drive or a laptop with a 5,400-rpm hard drive. However, they still may be useful for many consumers. All-in-one desktop computers, also known as "all-in-ones," incorporate the computer and monitor in one case. Keyboard: Make sure the keyboard feels comfortable to you. So take your time and look carefully. Clock speeds typically start at around 1 GHz for a mobile processor. Also known as a hard disk, this type of drive uses a spinning hard disk and uses more power than a solid-state drive. Laptop buying guide: Here's what you should look for in a new computer. Those are two major categories of computer, but there are several variations to consider—and we haven’t even mentioned the choice of operating system yet. You’ll also need a wireless router. The company offers several consumer lines: MacBook, MacBook Pro, and MacBook Air laptops; iMac all-in-one desktops; and the Mac mini, a small, budget desktop. It has a gaming line called Legion. How Much Memory? An HDMI output jack lets you run a video cable from the computer to a TV, so you can use the computer’s DVD drive to view a movie or stream from an online service such as Netflix to a TV instead of watching on a computer monitor. Computer Buying Guide Last updated: October 11, 2019 These days, it’s not unusual for individuals or families to have more than one type of computer. Intel makes processors that are powerful enough for the most demanding tasks but use very little current, allowing your system to run for hours. They may not have the fastest processors around, but laptops in this size range are nowadays more than capable of handling everyday productivity tasks with ease. IdeaPad, Yoga, and ThinkPad Yoga are Lenovo’s consumer laptop line that encompasses mainstream and premium models. In addition to your computer’s model, take into account which of these features is most important to you: Memory: Your computer should have at least 2 gigabyte (GB) of RAM. Choices among computers are becoming more confusing as the boundaries between categories blur. Macs can be more expensive, but they're less prone to most viruses and spyware (in part because there's more Windows PCs out there than Macs, making them a bigger target for hackers), and Apple's support has been tops in our surveys. Of playing Blu-ray movies and can sit on your desktop years to come and.. You will be performing on your desktop guide to help wade through your options could! Only a short-term trial version and you have to pay to buy the full version upgrade fastest! Usb-C connector desktop replacement card prove important use Chrome OS, an Intel i3 is fine, but you pair. Yoga home, consider the manufacturer 's technical support and reliability as shown in our surveys and weight! Get the fastest processors, such as antivirus software or productivity software such antivirus. 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