When it’s time to get a new computer, it can be tempting to go for that $300 “Walmart Special” thinking you’re getting a great deal.
But, if you buy a cheap computer that doesn’t perform, you could end up just wasting your money and needing a new computer in just a year or two.
Most people are more reliant on technology now than ever before. And because of COVID-19, the line has blurred between “home” computer and “work” computer for many people.
A new desktop or laptop is a big investment, and there are more factors than just price to consider. How well the new PC will perform and how long it will last are important and will contribute to the overall value you get for your money.
You also have to look at your overall productivity. If a computer is too slow, it can be stealing several hours of your time each week.
We’ve got several tips below on what to consider when purchasing a new computer and why you don’t want to go too cheap! Otherwise you could end up at your local Louisiana computer repair shop much sooner than you planned on.
What to Consider When You Buy a New Laptop or Desktop PC
First, let’s address why you don’t want to grab that super cheap budget computer or Black Friday steal. Often these types of budget computers are going to lack in several performance and quality areas that will just have you back to square one (needing a new computer) much sooner than you planned on.
- Issues with Memory: Cheap computers usually have very low memory (RAM), and many aren’t upgradable, which means problems multi-tasking, and constant freeze ups.
- Cheap Parts: You’ll be getting what you pay for when it comes to parts on a budget computer. This means you could end up with a cracked laptop case less than a year after your purchase.
- Disappointing Longevity: The internal parts of a budget PC are also not going to be very durable, which can mean a much shorter lifespan and problems with hard drive crashes.
- Not Enough USB Ports: Lack of enough USB ports can be another issue you run into when you’re buying a PC at a rock bottom price.
25% of employees blame slow computers for poor productivity.
If you want to find the best computer for your needs and ensure you’re getting one that you’ll be happy with for several years, look beyond just the price to the overall value.
Here are several factors to consider.
Memory (RAM): Minimum of 8GB
If your computer doesn’t have enough memory, you’ll end up getting frustrated with freeze ups and have a hard time having more than a couple browser tabs open at a time.
Cheap computers will typically come with just 4GB of RAM, which is going to slow most people down. And while you can upgrade some computers, often the budget models do not have the ability to add more memory.
Look for a minimum of 8GB of RAM, more if you work with graphic intensive programs (like Photoshop or a video editor). Memory is not an extensive part, so you definitely don’t want to skimp in this area.
Business-Grade PC: Even if You Work from Home
For performance and longevity, you want to look for a business-grade PC. Many people are working from home these days, which means your PC is in use for a good part of the day.
The cost difference is not that much between consumer-grade and business-grade PC’s, so if you work or go to school from home, freelance, or are just looking for your computer to last, it’s worth it to go with one built for business use.
They typically have higher-quality parts because they’re designed for all-day use, unlike consumer PC’s.
Look for a Solid-State Drive
Solid-state drives (SSDs) have come down in price the last few years, which means more computer manufacturers are offering them as an option over hard disk drives (HDDs).
SSDs do not have any moving parts, making them more durable and less likely to fail than HDDs. But the biggest reason to buy a computer with an SDD is because they have significantly faster read/write speeds than HDD, meaning faster reboots, faster application performance, and quicker search capabilities.
Storage Capacity: Don’t Forget Cloud Storage Though!
Hard drive storage is another consideration when purchasing a new computer. You don’t want to end up without enough space to store all your files in a year or two.
But, with many people now using a cloud storage account, take that into consideration when purchasing a computer. If you can store bigger files in the cloud, then you might be able to save a little money getting a computer with 500GB of storage rather than 1TB.
Number of Connection Ports
One other area that you don’t want to be left short on is the number of USB and other connection ports.
Make sure you have at least two or more USB ports, plus other connectors, such as an Ethernet port, HDMI port, SD card reader, display port, and other others that you may need to attach peripherals and other equipment that you use.
Shopping for a New Computer? Carl’s Computer Care Can Help!
We offer both new and used computers that can give you the performance and power you need without breaking the bank. Tell us what you use your PC for, and we’ll find your perfect match!
Contact us today to learn more! Call 225-315-3498 or reach us online.