Purchasing a desktop computer can be a tricky experience. You can go to the store and follow the advice of an employee that works on commission. You’re not going to always get the best outcome that way though. You should be proactive and do enough research to know what you are looking for before you go shopping.
Building your own computer can save a lot of money, while at the same time producing a system that is twice as powerful as you would get if you bought it from a manufacturer. Building your own computer saves time, money, and cuts out the middle man. Start building your own today!
If you want to save money when purchasing a desktop computer, consider buying a refurbished model. You can look at the websites of major computer manufacturers such as HP or Dell, where you will find great deals on computers that have been returned to the company, fixed and sold at a discount rate.
If you want to extend the life of your potential desktop computer, make sure you choose one that is upgradeable. There are more than a few desktops these days that seal access to the inner workings of the machine. That means no ability to upgrade. Check that you’ve got access prior to buying.
Always check the customer reviews of a computer model before you purchase it. Customer reviews are available on most online retailer websites. From these reviews, you can find out if a particular model you are interested in overheats, has speed issues or other problems that you do not want to deal with.
If you are shopping for a computer that you intend to watch high quality video with, make sure the back of the system has an HDMI out port. That way you can hook it straight up to a high definition television. Even if you only plan on watching YouTube videos, an HDMI port tells you the computer is ready for video playback.
Find out what kind of support you get with the desktop computer you wish to purchase. You need to know this in case you encounter an issue with your purchase. Find out what their hours are and what days they are closed. You also need to know if they are available by phone, email, chat, etc.
The first decision to make when buying a new desktop computer is to decide if you want an all-in-one or a traditional desktop with a tower. The advantage of an all-in-one is that it does not take up as much space. The disadvantage of an all-in-one is that it can’t be upgraded.
Consider buying a refurbished computer. Refurbished computers can preform as well as new computers. They can also save you quite a bit of money. If you choose to purchase a refurbished computer, make sure you are buying it from a reputable vendor. Make sure it has a return policy in case it isn’t in the promised condition.
What sort of warranty is being offered? Most computers come with a 1-year warranty which covers issues caused in the manufacturing process. If you want more, you may have to buy additional coverage from the place you are purchasing it from. You can also buy plans from companies like Geek Squad.
Ports on your computer can be very confusing, so it may help to label them as soon as you successfully set it up. Use small pieces of tape to identify “printer” and other ports, so that you don’t have to play guessing games from then on. Many ports look the same, but serve different purposes so labeling them can avoid confusion.
Know whether or not you will hook up to the Internet via an Ethernet cable or wirelessly. Wireless connectivity is standard in modern laptops, but not an included feature in all desktops. If you don’t plan on using it, you really don’t need to look for it, but if you do plan on going wireless, look for a system with a wireless card already installed.
Before you buy your computer, you should first think about the types of things you want to use it for. Make a list of tasks you need the computer to do now as well as a list for things you would consider doing in the future. Make the list as comprehensive as possible.
You should know that most PC vendors allow you to get certain upgrades for desktop needs. For example, if you require more memory, you can ask for it. Or, if you extra storage, you can ask for a larger hard drive. Of course, you will need to pay a little extra for these things, but it will be worth it to get what you need.
Are you feeling more confident about finding the correct desktop PC for your own needs? Now that you know more about shopping for your desktop computer, get out there and start researching the brands and models on your mind. These tips will help facilitate that decision.
