Your desktop computer has served well
for years, but it's time for an upgrade. Many of the points in my 2017 LaptopBuyer's Guide apply equally to desktops; where to buy, minimum specifications,
what not to include.
Desktops are usually less expensive than laptops, run
faster and cooler and last longer. Many of us like the comfort of the keyboard
and big screen. Desktops are usually connected to the Internet via Ethernet
cable rather than wireless (WIFI), which makes the connection faster, more
secure and more stable. Yep, I’m sticking with my desktop.
If your desktop is still using Windows Vista, 7 or even 8/8.1,
it’s a good time to think about a replacement. Many computers can be upgraded
to Windows 10, but you’ll have to buy the upgrade (around $120) and unless you’re
adventuresome will want to have the backup and installation done for you. That total
brings you a long way towards a new computer, besides having all-new,
non-heat-affected components which run much faster than the current ones would
also have a new warranty. And, you’d be using Windows 10, which by most
standards is where you should be now.
COMMON QUESTIONS
What is the best
desktop for you? The one that does more than meet your needs of today without
going overboard. If your brand-new computer is slow today, think about what it will
be like in a year or two.
What about an
All-In-One? Usually underpowered for the gimmicky convenience. Poor
airflow, shorter life. Your call.
Do I need a new
monitor? Probably not. Most monitors are compatible with all modern
towers/desktops, or can use an adapter.
What about my
printer? Will it work with a new
Windows 10 computer? It depends on the model, and it’s a quick search to
check with the manufacturer. Many printers simply need the Windows 10 drivers
installed. Do NOT use the software disc that came with your 7-year-old printer;
it wasn’t built for Windows 10 and the right software is available and free.
So, where can I buy a good used or refurbished desktop? You can't. I have
many examples of failed refurbished computers; if you're tempted, let's
talk.
TODAY'S PRICES
You may think there would be great bargains right now due to “Back-to-school”
pricing. Well, not so much. Retailers and manufacturers know if you need a computer
for school you’ll buy what you can find, at the price they ask. Prices will likely drop in the weeks to come, and there will be short deals around.
WHAT TO LOOK FOR
Let's get to the minimum specifications for a desktop you'd like
to use more than a year or two. Many people are only interested in using email,
going to Facebook, maybe doing some banking, bill-paying or shopping, and
looking at some pictures.
You may think that's not much, so you don't need anything more
than a $300 computer, but here's why you do. Before you get to log into
Facebook or look at your email your computer is loading programs and checking
for and installing updates. That takes a certain amount of horsepower, storage
space and time. The cheaper the computer, the fewer horses, the hotter it runs,
the smaller the storage space and the longer it takes to start up, load the
background apps, then open a browser and go to the place you want.
What runs in the background? Security software, office suites,
printer software just for starters. Maybe you like music running in the
background, having your email and Facebook open while you check out Pinterest.
To do these tasks without dragging your new computer will need at least:
THE SPECIFICATIONS
RAM: 8 GB. 12 or
16 is better, 4 is barely useable.
PROCESSOR: Intel Core i5 or i7; i3 if you're really on a budget. No
Celeron processors, and I'm not a fan of AMD.
HARD DRIVE: 500GB or 1TB. Or, if you love fast performance go for the
Solid State Drive (SSD). Everything will run like the wind, but the drives are
expensive and the storage space is small.
WARRANTY: Typically 1 year. Some "great deals" come with
only 90 days' warranty; you can buy more. Also, check to understand how the
warranty works. Do they send a technician to you or do you have to mail the
machine into a service facility, or take it back to the store for service?
BRAND: For reliability, quality and ease of service I like Dell,
and have even relented on HP these days. I'm not going to mention here which manufacturers
to avoid, but you can call me. If it's made by anyone but Dell or HP we should
talk before you spend your money.
MID-RANGE: Best for all users.
Expect 4 to 6 years' use. 8GB RAM, Intel Core i5 processor and 1TB hard drive
ranges from around $500 to $600. Expect a 1-year, mail-in warranty.
BETTER: Faster performance, longer life. 12 or 16GB RAM,
Intel Core i7 processor, 1TB hard drive - $600 - $800.
BUDGET: Slower performance, shorter life. Try not to spend
your money on anything less than this: 4GB or 6GB RAM, Intel Core i3, 500 GB
hard drive - $400 - $450.
WHEN TO BUY
The best time of the year for buying a computer is close. Around
Thanksgiving you’ll find the best deals of the year, though quantities are usually
limited, the deals usually aren't really deals and the crowds are a challenge.
Of course, the best time to buy a computer is when you need one, but if you've
held out this long it's time to get serious and pick one.
WHERE TO BUY
You can buy good computers online or from a local retailer like
Best Buy, Staples or Walmart – and they sell increasingly online. While you're
deciding what to buy, also think about the seller. Generally, if you buy
directly from the manufacturer's web site you'll get to configure the computer
the way you want instead of picking whatever the store thinks will sell.
Sometimes you get a better deal (components plus price plus warranty) buying
direct. Ask for discounts! At Dell, there’s likely an employee, AAA, AARP or
other discount you can get in on. Sometimes you find a great buy at a big box
store - but only if you know what your minimum requirements are and stick to
them.
If you buy your new desktop at a retail store you're likely to
get a sales pitch for additional software, services and warranties. You don't
need to buy any additional software (unless you insist on Microsoft Office or
QuickBooks, etc.) and you don't need any additional security software. Windows
10 includes a decent security software solution and the for-pay suites are
unnecessary. See my post on WHY YOU DON'T NEED FOR-PAY SECURITY
SOFTWARE
DECISION MADE, NOW
WHAT?
There’s a lot of stuff on your old computer. How does it get to
your new one?
It depends. If you have anything you don’t want to lose on your
old computer and aren’t sure how to move files let someone do it for you. Even
if your old computer is dead it might be possible to get some data from it.
ASIDE: You *are* backing
up anything you don’t want to lose, right? See my post on Why and how to back
up your data here: BACK UP YOUR DATA
If you haven’t done any backups and
still want your photos, documents and music, let’s talk.
SETTING UP YOUR NEW COMPUTER
There are a number of steps involved in properly preparing your
computer, though you can certainly take it out of the box, plug it in and log
into Facebook. It's a mistake, but you can do it. Or, you can pay the store
retailer to do a minimal job or I'll do a thorough job for you - and transfer
your data and install the computer and printer, if you like.
If you'd like to discuss what computer might work for you, let's
talk. I can help you pick it out, get it for you, transfer the data from your
old computer to the new one, install all the necessary updates and applications,
create the recovery media, help get your email and other accounts working and
even plug it all in for you. Or any part of it. We can even do most or all of
it via remote.
This information is the product of my 30+ years' experience
buying, selling and servicing computers. No one pays me to recommend their
product - which means I'm free to tell you the truth, as gleaned from my
service files.
Cathy Contant
cathy@cathycom.com
315-573-4905