The joys of building your own computer are never ending.  Now however, the joys of buying your own computer are just as good.  Prices are dropping, quality is great and a wide selection is available to choose from.  If the objective is getting a complete computer with software to run it, buying is now the way to go.

One of the benefits of building a computer has always been the low cost.  PC design has taken a path where parts are interchangeable to a great extent.  An industrious person could search out the best price and features for their project.  Looking for last year’s design at a significantly reduced price, making do with an older part where performance wasn’t critical.  And even using cast off parts that someone else no longer needed.  The cost of building a good business computer is still in the $600 dollar range.  When the cost of a new computer started at $1,500 the benefit was obvious.

New computers are available now starting at less than $500.  For many people who use the Internet and email daily these machines work just fine.  These entry level PCs have plenty of disk space, video handling speed and memory speed/capacity to handle the most complicated web sites.  They usually include some version of Microsoft Windows and other software for word processing, a game or two, a spreadsheet, and maybe even some reference software.  For anyone who’s PC is older than 3-4 years this is something to consider.  For those who don’t have a PC, don’t wait!  The benefits of being online are worth much more than $500.

Here are my suggestions if you’re ready to buy.  First is the “everything” option.  Some manufacturers give you a great price if you buy everything all at once.  My local discount club has these bundles that include a monitor, the computer, speakers and a printer.  It’s amazing how they fit it into that small box!  Hewlett-Packard (HP) made the ones I saw.  The instructions provided are great and support is available if you need it. 

 A good option for people who like to do a little research is mail order.  Dell and Gateway have web sites where you can choose between different components.  It’s like designing your own computer.  They do have standard combinations, but you can make any changes to customize a computer for you.  Support is great from these companies as well.

 For those of you who like to talk face-to-face with a computer expert, there are many stores that will help you and provide support. Circuit City, Best Buy and even your local computer shop have people that can answer most of your questions.

Here’s the starter computer I’d buy today if I were in the market.

-        17” monitor with .26mm pixel size (the size of the dots on the screen & smaller is better)

-        1.2 GH Intel Celeron processor

-        20 GB hard drive

-        128 MB memory

-        CD-ROM drive

-        Sound card and speakers

-        56k modem

-        inexpensive color inkjet printer

-        Windows XP Home Edition

 

 

Email questions to Carl (pc_carl) at cmcleod@one.net