Need a new PC?

These days hunting around for a new computer can be even more scary and can make you feel like you need to be a rocket scientist. With all the advances in new technologies, computers have become smaller, faster and the choice is wider than ever.

Desktop, Netbook, Notebook, All-in-one

Desktops
The traditional tower desktop is just as popular as ever. Desktops can come in many different shapes and sizes and can be purchased as an entire system (with tower, monitor, mouse, keyboard, etc), or the tower can be purchased alone. Most desktop systems include a tower case with DVD drive, hard drive, USB ports & memory card slots. A 19-22” monitor is standard, with most monitors have speakers built in.

Netbooks
A netbook is a smaller “cousin” to a Notebook. It is designed for the ultimate in portability. Netbooks range in size from 7” screens to 12” screens with 10” to 11” being the most popular. Most netbooks do not have a CD/DVD drive which makes them smaller, lighter and more compact. They also have USB ports and memory card slots, and some even have webcams.

Notebook
A notebook or laptop is ideal for those on the go. Combining portability with great power, a notebook is ideal for students and travelers. A notebook has a larger screen than a netbook, on average around 15-16” with DVD drive, USB ports, memory card slots and a webcam.

All-in-One
An All-in-One system combines the monitor and tower base all in one unit, with the keyboard and mouse as wireless devices. Most All-in-One systems can also connect to a TV antenna, allowing it to double as a TV or home theatre system.

What to look for
Before you start looking around for a new PC, make a note of what you will be using it for. If you are just going to be using it for the Internet, for emails and browsing then a Netbook or Notebook might be for you. If you prefer a larger screen or don’t need the portability, then look at a desktop system. Or if you prefer to combine everything: TV, PC, DVD player then you might want to check out an All-in-One.

Specifications
Check out the specifications of the system – ask the salesperson to write them down for you, or if they have a print out for you to keep as a record. You need to know:
• The amount of RAM
• The speed of the processor
• The size of the hard drive

Warranty
You might also want to know about the system warranty, how long is the system guaranteed for, what is covered, and what happens if something goes wrong and it needs to be repaired. Can they repair it locally, or does it need to be sent away?

What does it come with?
Most systems these days come with pre-packaged software. This will include a copy of the Operating System including a product key, and some trial software such as Office.

More Questions
If you have any questions, call us, we’re only too happy to help.