Three Questions to Ask When Buying a Computer

Regardless of which brand you decide to go with, a computer is a substantial purchase. You want something that will meet all of your computing needs, but you don't want to spend money unnecessarily. Asking yourself the following questions when you are buying a computer can help you find the right machine for you.

Do I want a laptop or a desktop?

The upfront costs for a laptop or a desktop usually work out to be pretty similar, so deciding between these two types of computers is strictly a matter of preference. If portability is a top priority for you - if you want to be able to use your computer anywhere in the house or take it with you when you travel, for instance - a laptop is definitely the way to go. Keep in mind, though, that laptop repairs are typically very costly. Hopefully they won't be required, but it's definitely something to keep in mind when you're buying a computer.

Do I need an ultra-fast computer?

Undoubtedly, the guy at the store will try to sell you the fastest computer on the market, but do you really need that much speed? If you're an average user and plan to use your computer to do basic things like check e-mail and chat on Facebook, the answer is probably no. Almost all computers on the market can handle these types of tasks. If you're into gaming, you will require extra speed.


What is included in the price tag?

Always ask this question when you're doing comparison shopping, because the price tags that are posted can be deceiving. You might have to pay extra for things like speakers, operating systems, and built-in Web cams, so that $499 system might not be such a great deal.