Tips for Buying a Home Computer

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 30, 2009

The back-to-school season of August-September is one of the best times to get a good deal on a new computer for home or for your student. But more important than getting a good price is buying what best suits your needs. Instead of basing your decision purely on price, ask yourself these important questions:

How will the computer be used?
If the computer will mainly be used for word processing (typing) and surfing the internet, you may not need a top-of-the-line unit. That being said, you probably want a computer that will meet your needs for several years. If it will be used for playing games or editing video, you will need plenty of memory along with high-quality video and sound cards.

Do I need a desktop or laptop?
If portability is important, a laptop is ideal. With a laptop, you can move from room to room in your home, take it when traveling, or tuck it away when not in use. College students often prefer a laptop because of the limited space in dorm rooms.

Also, consider whether you are comfortable using a laptop keyboard and touchpad; if not, you might want a mouse and traditional keyboard to use with the laptop.

If you have dedicated space (such as a home office) for a computer, a desktop may offer more value for the money. And as a general rule, it's usually easier to repair a desktop computer than a laptop—if it's a hardware problem.

What software is included?
When you buy a computer, it's quite likely that it won't come with the software programs you are familiar with or want included. Don't assume the price includes your favorite word processing program, photo editing software or spreadsheet program.

What kind of support is offered?
When it comes to computers, follow-up support is vital. Before making your purchase, find out what kind of technical support is provided. But, also remember that just because a company advertises 24/7 phone support doesn't mean the problem or issue can always be resolved with a simple phone call. The follow-up support factor may help you decide whether to buy online, from a discount store or from a local dealer who can help you in person.

Source: Annette Campbell, Extension Educator, Communications & Marketing and Interim County Director, Franklin County, mdcampbe@illinois.edu