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Buying: Recommendations

• Do you understand what the "buying points" are for a computer? (i.e., the things the salesperson/ad will list as features?)

• How much computer do you really need?

  Don't be fooled. Buying too much computer won't make your computer last longer. Computers are built to last 3-5 years without repair; by then, the most expensive computer you see in the store will be being sold for pocket change, if at all, and your current machine may (or may not) turn on the next time you press the power button. The best thing to do is shop smart and prepare yourself to buy a new machine every 3-4 years (if you are a medium to heavy user). Many technologically savvy buyers begin considering new computers when Microsoft comes out with a new version of Windows (about every 2-3 years); that time is generally when all software takes a big step forward and demands more from your hardware.

  Buying smart: Here is a handy cheat sheet for what to buy and what to not, based on how you plan to use the machine: (chart key: "High, Medium, Low" refers to where that item falls in the spectrum of computers that a store offers; e.g., in the "lower-end" machines, etc.)

  • Word processing: Medium processor, medium RAM, medium/low video card, medium hard drive. E.g.: for a current Windows XP/Office XP machine, a 2 gigahertz processor and 256 RAM will be sufficient)
  • Internet surfing: Medium processor, high RAM, medium video card, medium hard drive. E.g.: for a WinXP/Office XP machine, a 2.0 gigahertz processor and 512 RAM will be sufficient.
  • Editing music and videos: High processor, very high RAM, high video card (i.e., lots of video RAM, not "3D"), very high hard drive. E.g., for a current WinXP/Office XP machine used often for casual editing of music and/or video, consider 2.6 gig processor, 1024 RAM, 64 or 128 video RAM, 120 gig+ hard drive.
  • 3D computer games: Very high processor, very high RAM, very high custom gaming video card, high hard drive. E.g., for a WinXP/Office XP machine playing the latest 3D computer games, buy at least the following: 3.0 gig processor, 1024 RAM, 128 or 256 meg custom gaming video card (e.g., latest nVidia or ATI video card), 80 gig hard drive.

• Where should I buy my computer?

  Consider the following:

  • Pepperdine's Tech Central: employee discount, in-house full warranty/repair service, stable corporate hardware, cheap accessories and academic software discounts
  • Dell: Currently, as it has for several years, Dell continues to rank as the best overall computer manufacturer in terms of hardware quality and support.  Particuarly for laptops--which are much more likely to need support at some time in their lives--it is very important to shop from a reputable dealer, and few technology professionals will disagree that Dell defines the current top tier. (For best results, look under their Higher Education listings on their website and if purchasing a laptop, choose from their corporate (not consumer) models: i.e., Latitude (not Inspiron).)
  • Other manufacturers: Most manufacturers have inconsistent records: good hardware but bad support, good desktops but bad laptops, etc. In recent years, IBM has had improving results for laptop quality and support. Sony makes interesting laptops and has had improving support results. HP/Compaq appears to have lower ratings.
  • What about Best Buy, Fry's, etc.?: Technology stores often have cheap offers with good initial return policies, but the worst horror stories regarding support have come out of locations like these (e.g., $100 to walk in the door, keeping the machine a month and not appearing to do anything, etc.)

• What are some things I might want to buy at the same time as my computer?

  Consider the following:

  • Anti-virus: If a good package (Norton Anti-Virus or McAfee Anti-Virus, basically) did not come with your computer, you must purchase one.
  • Printer: Tip: Be sure to check that a printer cable was included with your printer. If not, you will need to ask for one. Do not buy too much extra toner: most toner has a limited shelf life.
  • Microsoft Office : If Microsoft Office does not come with your computer, consider purchasing it for around $10 from Tech Central(price if purchased elsewhere can be several hundred dollars).