Last week started a multi-post series on how to deal with the impending onslaught of back-to-school computer advertising (Short answer: cave in to it) and with the next steps after you’ve successfully dealt with it. We started with an examination of the software recommended.
This week we’re getting into basic hardware. The first thing you need to decide on is a laptop or desktop. Both have their benefits and limitations.
Desktops: Financially, they are much softer on your wallet compared to a laptop for comparable systems. They also offer a much wider array of options for future upgrades. For example, if you want a larger monitor at some point, it’s no big deal to go and buy a new monitor. Compare this to a laptop where the screen size is pretty much set. If a part on the desktop fails and needs to be replaced, there is an available replacement card. Of course, if the entire motherboard fails it won’t matter if it’s a desktop or laptop.
Laptops: The biggest benefit is its portability. Unplug the laptop, throw it under your arm and carry into another room. Done. Try going from your bedroom to the living room to watch TV with a desktop. Every feature that can be had on a desktop can be had on a laptop. There are two potential drawbacks. First, upgrading. If something fails, they tend to be more expensive to replace the part. Second, you also have to concern yourself with the battery, something that does not exist on the desktop. Batteries tend to have their own separate limited warranty from the rest of the laptop.
As we move forward, consider the options very carefully. This is a sizable investment and you don’t want to get home, set everything up and immediately realize that just because something is on sale, means that it is a good deal for your needs.
Once you decide on the computer form we can now finally examine the specifications. If we were car shopping, we’d be ready to start kicking some tires.
Next week, we start kicking some tires.
