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Computer buying tipsComputer buying guide for shoppersIf you are planning to buy a computer or computer parts this computer buying guide will help you to find the best products. This page also will give you computer buying tips where they will be useful while searching for products as well as talking to your computer vendor. You also can find more computer buying tips on Cheapest Notebook Computers page. General Computer buing guidelines#1 What should I buy? Branded or non branded computer. Branded computers are known as quality products. They are manufactured under certain standards and quality control methods. But the disadvantage is the high price. In the other hand non branded PCs are low in price but cannot guarantee the quality. Whether if you buy branded or non branded following details will help you to make a decision easily. My personal computer buying tip is go for branded PC if you can afford. #2 Warranty I consider this as the most important of all computer buying tips. Every new computer should carry minimum 1 year warranty for parts and labor. Please check the warranty period and conditions carefully before purchasing a computer. Some suppliers provide additional years of warranty with an additional charge. My personal advise is to go for this extended warranty. Its worth. #3 Supplier Always buy from a reputed supplier. Don't buy from small shops just to save few dollars. Most of small computer shops are using cheap quality parts. Also you will be in trouble in getting warranty if they close down shops within one year. #4 Software license You may get operating system and few additional software packages free with your computer. Please check whether they are licensed copies and you should get all documents related to license. #5 System configuration Think what kind of work you are going to do with your computer. Most of the users are purchasing computers to browse Internet. Then an average PC with 256MB memory, Pentium IV CPU, 64MG graphic card, 20GB Hard drive will be enough. But if you are going to use powerful games etc then go for 1 GB memory, 128MB or more VGA, 88GB + HDD #6 Internet / Networking How are you connecting to the Internet? If you're using a high speed Internet connection, such as cable broadband or DSL, you'll want to make sure you have a network card built into your system. If you have a wireless network at home or at the office, save money and installation time by buying the wireless card built right into the computer. #7 Monitor Monitors have different sizes and types such as 17", 21", flat screen etc. Don't go for 21" screen unless you are a graphic designer or CAD operator. The price difference between 17" to 21" is very high. Flat (slim) monitors are easy to use and looks good. Don’t throw away your monitor if it's still working properly. Instead, keep it and save a chunk of money by just replacing your old CPU [computer tower]. Monitors last much longer than CPUs and the technology is usually compatible between your old monitor and the new CPU. However, if you’re dissatisfied, then monitors, keyboards and mouse are the three tools to spend extra money on, since you use them every day! #8 Operating System Always ask for the latest Operating System.
Asembled Computer buying tipsNot too well versed with the hardware jargon but need a computer? For starters, read Ask these 3 questions before you buy a computer.Once you are sure what you need one for, get cracking. Here is a basic computer buying tips to get you started.
Motherboard The large circuit board into which the Central Processing Unit, memory boards and peripheral cards are plugged is referred to as the motherboard. It is the most vital part of any computer as it holds and connects all your peripherals and add-ons to give you upgrade options and support for future technologies. Useful tip: Check whether it comes with all the necessary options, support for upgradeability and extra slots for memory and other add-on cards.
Processor Processor chips are primarily available in two brands -- INTEL and AMD. The Intel chips range from the very basic Celeron chip to the Pentium series to the advanced Centrino processor. AMD has a chip called Athlon, which is slightly cheaper than the higher end Intel chips. Most users prefer Intel Pentium chips to Athlon as the latter heats up soon and isn't as efficient as a Pentium 4 chip. Also, the Athlon chip based systems need extra fans to cool the system. The most preferred chip is the Pentium. You might want to consider the Athlon chip with the motherboard would cost you less than its INTEL counterpart. Buing tip: Though the processor speed plays a crucial role, you need not have the latest and fastest one available. If a processor with a slightly lesser core speed can do just as well for your demands, go for it. Make sure the chips are box packed with a serial number to ensure they are original.
Random Access Memory RAM is the amount of memory available for use by programmes on a computer. The RAM chip comes in capacities of 128, 256, 512 MB, even 1 GB. Most computers function efficiently with 256 MB RAM, though a 512 MB RAM does offer you an edge. As a thumb rule, always go in for a minimum of 256 MB RAM. The latest memory technologies in use are DDR RAM, RD RAM and the latest release of the DDR2 RAM. What you must know: Since it ensures the smooth running of your system, the more the better. Make sure the memory capacity is upgradeable. Make sure the RAM is original and opt for the DDR range of RAMs. Duplicate RAMs will not function on Windows XP operating systems. The RAM comes with a year's warranty.
Hard Disk Drive HDD capacity counts for a great deal. A 40 GB hard disk is sufficient disk space but you may choose an 80 GB variant. The brand SEAGATE is a very reliable brand for hard disks and is preferred by most computer manufacturers and assemblers. Computer buing tip: The hard disk comes with a three-year warranty.
Monitor Monitors are computer screens available in varied sizes, the most popular being the 15" and 17". You can choose between a flat panel plasma screen and a regular desktop monitor. The Dynaflat type monitor is preferred to the conventional CRT type, which is technically referred to as the Cathode Ray Tube. The various brands for monitors are Samsung, Mercury and LG, to name a few. Samsung is the preferred alternative for monitors and is also the leading peripheral components dealer. Useful tip: Monitors usually come with a three-year warranty.
Peripherals These include the keyboard, mouse, web cam, printer, scanner, joystick, etc. Samsung and Microsoft are the preferred brands. Choose an optical mouse over the usual one. The price difference is marginal. The same applies for the Internet keyboard. Don't opt for a wireless mouse or a keyboard as the sensors get spoilt with time. Besides, you have to charge the batteries every week. For printers and scanners, Hewlett Packard is the market leader.
What you must know: Don't choose the cheapest printer in sight. You will spend the money you save in less than a year on cartridges. Don't go for the ones cheap ones as they have poor resolution. Voltage stabilisers and Spike guards If your locality has frequent power failures or severe voltage fluctuations, opt for a voltage stabiliser. This will prevent any damage that could reduce the life of your machine. Regardless of the locality and the power supply, opt for a spike guard. It will provide four power plug points for your computer and peripherals.
How to buy Computers below the market price?One of the best ways to buy Computers is eBay Auction. You can register FREE and bid. Youwill be amazed how cheap you can buy stuff on eBay. They have separate web sites for countries. However, you can visit any site and access other country specific web sites. Below are links for country related web sites. Happybidding! I regali per il tuonatale: scoprili su eBay.it Visitorsfrom USA and other countries click here
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