technology
Take it From Dok Buying the right computer BY KLAUS FUECHSEL
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here are so many computers out there that it can be bewildering, and if you are in the market for a new one, the upcoming holiday sales make it a good time to invest in new technology. If you are planning on shopping for a new computer it’s a good time to think through basic questions and essentials before diving into the deals.
Laptop or Desktop?
Are you planning to use it on the road? If so, go for a smaller, lightweight but sturdy laptop. And don’t forget to invest in a well-padded computer backpack or case. If this will be a relatively stationary laptop for home or business use, a bigger laptop with a larger screen is better. If design work is intended, make sure that the model you choose has good fans. As a rule of thumb, the smaller and lighter the laptop, the fewer ports it will have. However, you can buy USB hubs that turn one port into 3 or more ports. Be wary of touchscreens - unless you plan on using it frequently, it might not be worth the additional cost. They are also expensive to repair if broken. Chromebooks, while cheaper, are basically just tablets set up for Google programs. They are okay for surfing the web and working online, but remember that they have no storage or space for downloads. And if your Internet is spotty or down, a Chromebook is useless. Microsoft is pushing their Surface laptops as the coolest on the market, but generally their hardware can be repaired only by Microsoft. If you decide to buy this kind of computer, make sure you invest in an extended service warranty.
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A desktop is better if you want a robust, stationary computer that has more room for upgrades, better air flow, and is easier to repair. They come in different sizes, and the smaller ones can be just as powerful. Generally you can attach any size and quality of monitor screen you like. Many desktops can accommodate more than one monitor, which is great if you work remotely or do Zoom conferences. Your desktop should have an ethernet port, but also check if it has WiFi connectivity pre-installed. If you plan to use it for gaming or design work, make sure the desktop comes with a dedicated graphics card; anything made recently by NVIDIA or AMD should be fine. All-in-one computers are another alternative. They have big, built-in screens and are often used by our business clients. However, many of them come with components that aren’t any better than a laptop, and are more difficult and expensive to repair.
Processor & Memory
A processor handles the tasks running on a computer whenever you use a program or click on something. You might notice that most Windows computers are sorted into different processor categories. With Intel, you can usually choose between an i3, i5, or i7 core processor unit (CPU), but you need to keep an eye on the generation; a 12th generation i3 will have more processing power than say a 3rd generation i5. Pentium processors
are also on the market, especially in budget computers, but these are extremely slow and don’t handle Windows well. While the saying goes “the more the better”, you will only benefit from investing in an i5 or i7 processor if you actually need that much processing power. Meaning, if you generally use the computer for internet browsing, basic Word documents and such, then you are more than fine with an i3. If, however, you are using the computer for more intense applications, I recommend a computer with a recent generation i5 CPU. An i7 processor is generally best for gaming, bookkeeping, or high-end graphics software. The average user won’t benefit from the increased cost of a laptop or desktop with an i7 CPU. AMD is another common processor on the market. They also have more powerful processors that are great for gaming units. They have CPUs for regular computers, too. Just remember this rule of thumb: the lower the cost of the computer, the slower the processor. I regard 8 GB RAM (processor memory) as the absolute minimum. More is needed if you need to run powerful programs.
Hard Drive
Make sure that you are getting a Solid State Drive (SDD) and not the older standard mechanical hard drive (HDD). Many cheaper computers still come with HDDs, which can slow operations of a Windows 11 unit down to a crawl. Consider how much data storage you really need. A 512GB should do for most users, but photos, videos, some games, and design work may require 1TB or more. I recommend investing in a 2TB external drive for off-loading and backing up files.
Dok’s Ideal Computer
I have several computers for work and home use, but if I were to buy a new laptop, these would be my specifications for a high quality Windows unit: 17” non-touch screen with a full keyboard and number pad, an i5 or i7 Intel processor of 12th or higher generation, 16GB RAM, and a 512GB or larger solid state drive. Unless you’ve found a good deal, this combination won’t be cheap, but should last for many years with careful use and maintenance. Take it from a veteran Schnäppchenjäger (bargain hunter) - have fun shopping, but don’t forget to compare carefully and read the fine print! L