Computer Hardware Buying Guide – November 2009
I am proud to present the 2nd annual computer hardware buying guide for the Future Shop community forums. Once again, this is my original work, and my view on the trends in the industry.
There are many different kinds of people with many different computing needs, and out there in the grand tech cosmos, there is the ideal computer for them. I hope this guide is the first essential step in choosing an appropriate new computer.
What has changed since the November 2008 guide?
In the ever-evolving computer market, a number of trends are evident to have occurred during the last 12 months.
1. Diversification of Netbooks – It’s no secret that netbooks are diversifying. Early netbooks had marginally more power than your typical pocket graphing calculator, but recent netbook releases indicate that they are becoming much more powerful. Hi-def screens, more RAM, and the addition of the Nvidia Ion graphics make some netbooks capable of HD video playback and even some casual 3D gaming, something that was impossible merely a year ago.
2. High Definition – In the past year, high-definition video has really taken off in laptops. Now, many models are equipped with HDMI port, HD screen resolutions, and sufficiently powerful graphics for smooth HD playback. Even netbooks are hopping on this trend as discussed above.
3. Less Expensive Hardware – no surprise here, prices drop every year. I remember a time when sub-$1000 laptops were junk. Now you can get absolutely amazing configurations for much less than $1000.
4. Thin is In – Many of the computer manufacturers are trying to out-do each other in making the thinnest laptop possible. Apple was first out with their impossibly thin Macbook Air. Now HP, Dell, MSI, Acer and others are tripping over each other to release the thinnest machine possible. While these slender machines are less about practicality than they are about bragging rights, even larger laptops are becoming thinner and lighter.
What has remained steadfastly unchanged since November 2008 guide?
Some ideals and perceptions have not changed, and probably never will.
1. Intel trumps AMD – Though AMD has a few outcrops of dedicated fans, by and large most people still prefer Intel processors adamantly. It is my opinion that AMD is closing the gap, but some of Intel’s processor architectures are clearly superior.
2. Where’s the Blu-Ray? – Blu-ray optical drives are still the vast minority in both desktops and laptops. Sony is trying to counter this by equipping more of their systems with Blu-ray drives.
3. Macintosh premium – Yep, an Apple computer will still cost you a lot of money, but the hardware is still great, and the designs are still eye-catching.
Hardware Requirements for Different Types of Users:
I’ve combined and segmented the market into a number of common types of users based on their typical needs. This information is based on my opinion and my knowledge base. Some people may disagree with a few things, but my hope is that this will help buyers determine what they need. Remember that technology changes quickly and many new configuration options will appear as time progresses.
1. Basic Home User and/or Mature User
What you need: You need a well-rounded computer with decent performance for the home that will last for many years. Common tasks include email, internet, documents, storing photos, music and video, and doing your taxes. Many people opt for the freedom to work anywhere in the house with a large laptop, but in a central location, a desktop will also work well.
Required hardware:
-Processor/CPU: I recommend at least a 2.0 GHz Intel Pentium Dual Core or AMD Athlon X2.
-Memory/RAM: Minimum 2GB of RAM, at least 3GB recommended but (no more than 4GB).
-Graphics: Basic desktop integrated graphics should be enough, suggest Intel GMA4500 or better for laptops.
-Hardrive: Enough storage for all your photos and media. At least 250GB is enough for most.
-Other: DVD/CD burner for burning disks, Large screen for laptops (usually 15.4” and larger is quite comfortable).
What it will cost: About $500 to $700 for desktops (not including monitor), and about $600 to $800 for laptops.
2. Budget Student and/or Lightweight Traveler
What you need: You require a computer that does your assignments, research, and keeps you up on your social media. Ideally you need something very portable that can go everywhere with you and have the battery life to last through all your classes, or meetings. Desktops are not recommended since portability is paramount.
Required hardware:
-Processor/CPU: It depends widely on whether you choose a netbook, or a fully-featured laptop. Acceptable processors include Intel Atom, Core 2 Solo, Neo-Athlon, (all at least 1.6GHz) or better. These are generally low-voltage CPUs for better battery life.
-Memory/RAM: No less than 2GB, and no more than 4GB. Having only 1GB on netbooks requires modest expectations of performance.
-Graphics: For netbooks, the new Nvidia Ion chip is awesome. For laptops, you’ll suffice with integrated graphics (GMA 4500M, ATI Radeon HD 3200M ) or better.
-Hardrive: Enough space for your notes/assignments/photos/music/etc. At least 160GB or more if you can find it will hopefully be enough. Some ultralights have solid-state hardrives which are usually smaller in capacity and drive up the price.
-Other: Find the right balance between size/power and portability. I suggest between 11.6” and 14” screens. Make sure you have ample USB ports, disk burning drive, webcam and mic (if you want them), and sufficient battery life.
What it will cost: From $400 for netbooks and from $800 for fully-featured laptops.
3. Wealthy Student and/or Mobile Gamer
What you need: Looking for something a little up-scale to get you some stares in the coffee-shop or classroom, and to fulfill all the needs of the above budget student while boasting enough power for some gaming and other heavy applications. May opt for a 13.3” or 15.4” Macbook Pro if you prefer Macs.
Required hardware:
-Processor/CPU: Anywhere from an ULV Core 2 Duo to a full-fledged 2.53GHz Core 2 Duo or AMD Turion II, to a 1.6GHz Core i7. Be mindful of battery-life vs. power.
-Memory/RAM: At least 3GB of RAM up to 6GB, but usually more than 4GB is unnecessary.
-Graphics: Depends largely on size of machine. Decent graphics for small laptops from Nvidia Geforce 9400M, 9500M, G105M, G110M, G210M, G230M, and ATI Mobility Radeon HD 4330, 4570. Better graphics for large laptops include ATI Mobility Radeon HD 4830, HD 4650, Nvidia 9600M, 9800M, as well as countless others I have missed.
-Hardrive: You’re going to want 250GB or more. I suggest between 320GB to 500GB.
-Other: Fast disk drive and hardrive. Again, balance portability with desired level of power. Look for at least 256-1024MB of dedicated graphics memory with the above GPUs. HD screen resolution and HDMI output are a must.
What it will cost: Starting at $1000 to anywhere up to $2100 and above depending heavily on size, and level of hardware.
4. Desktop Gamer
What you need: Your computer is first and foremost a gaming rig for playing all your demanding 3D games on the highest settings possible. You may also want to use this for other home tasks as well.
Required hardware:
-Processor/CPU: At the very minimum you’ll want a fast Intel Core 2 Duo, though nowadays it’s much more common to find Core i7, i5 and Quad core processors in desktops. Aim for at least 2.5GHz of either.
-Memory/RAM: Though 4GB of RAM is often plenty, it’s difficult to find a gaming desktop that isn’t sporting 6-12GB, which is perfectly fine.
-Graphics: You will certainly require an insanely powerful graphics processor (1GB dedicated), such as the NVIDIA GeForce GTS 250, GTX260, G210, and ATI HD 4650. For those who are only casual gamers or are content with mid-range graphics settings, there are numerous lesser graphics cards that will suit for a lower price.
-Hardrive: Need a fast 7200 rpm drive. Hardrive capacities on gaming PCs routinely hold between 500GB and 1000GB (1TB) of data.
-Other: Watch out for overheating, and inadequate power supply units.
What it will cost: From $900 to $1600 (or more), monitor not included. Electricity costs might be an issue.
5. Media Enthusiast
What you need: You’re looking for something that can consume, create, and edit all your photos, videos, music, and everything else you can imagine. Basically, your computer serves as your central everything-in-one media powerhouse.
Required hardware:
-Processor/CPU: You’re going to need a fast processor for smooth multi-tasking. At least a dual core or quad core processor at 2.0GHz or better.
-Memory/RAM: at least 4GB of system memory, which is very common in the All-in-one models.
-Graphics: I suggest something that is powerful enough to smoothly play hi-def video. If a graphics card has “HD” in the name (ex: ATI Radeon HD 3200) it is usually a good indication.
-Hardrive: This is where size matters. If you’ve got tons of HD video or other media, I suggest at least a 500GB 7200 rpm hardrive.
-Other: Media enthusiasts may appreciate the large touch-screen features of the All-in-one computers, as well as Blu-Ray/DVD burning optical drives.
What it will cost: Varies widely from $700 for all-in-ones and desktops, from $800 for laptops, and from $1300 to $2600 for Macbook Pros and iMacs.
What kinds of computers can I choose from?
Just as people drive different kinds of vehicles (cars, motorcycles, trucks, camels), the world of computers is also divided into different types, with different sets of features to suit certain sets of needs. Basically, buying a computer is a delicate balance of portability vs hardware vs price.
1. Netbook: netbooks are small low-cost and low-power laptops. Most often they have 8.9” to 11.6” screens and are powered by an Intel Atom processor. While they are small, light, and inexpensive, they lack a disk drive, and have shrunken keyboards. Netbooks have only enough hardware to perform basic tasks like social media, surfing internet, and typing documents, and they should generally be used as a travel companion and/or secondary PC to compliment your existing laptop or desktop.
2. Laptop (or Notebook): Laptops are fully-featured portable computers. They greatly vary in size from 12.1” to 18” and larger. Generally the larger the screen size, the heavier the machine and less portable it is. Laptops also vary greatly in their level of hardware with some being only marginally more powerful than netbooks, and some being powerhouses that put respectable desktops to shame, and everything in between. Laptops are a great fit for almost everybody, but are usually inferior to desktops when it comes to intense gaming.
3. Ultra-light: These are basically very thin and light laptops. To make them so thin, manufacturers must sacrifice some hardware capabilities and features, and sometimes tack on a significant price premium. That said, ultra-lights are often very attractive machines, very portable, and great for students and travelers.
4. Desktop: These are the original type of home computer. The hardware is all packed into a tall, wide, and deep tower. Desktops are definitely not portable, and are best when placed in a central location in your home. Though they vary widely with price, desktops are typically more powerful than similarly priced laptops. Therefore desktops are the greater value, but you must buy a monitor. Desktops also typically boast more features, but they can suck a lot of electricity. They can be configured to be very, very powerful for gaming, or they can be configured to be a more modest home computer, and everything in between.
5. Net-top: These are a very recent invention, and one I’d like to see disappear. Net-tops basically have low cost and low power netbook hardware (see netbooks above), but in a miniaturized desktop tower form factor. They are very inexpensive, but their weak hardware make them underwhelming to use, and you must buy a monitor.
6. All-In-One: These are a desktop computer and monitor all packed into a single form factor. They often come with large screen sizes which have touch-capabilities. Most often have all the features of a desktop, but with a built-in large monitor.
Other Important Things to Consider
The following are a list of features which you may take into consideration on whether you want/need them or whether you don’t. Not everyone can benefit from these added features, and they can drive up the price of a computer.
Battery Life (cells) – In laptops and netbooks, you have to balance power and portability. More power generally equals less battery life. You can extend battery life with extra batteries or by choosing batteries with more cells.
Optical (DVD) Drive – Netbooks don’t have them, and laptops ditching them is becoming more common. You will most likely need one at least once in a while, so if you don’t have one built-in, there are external drives you can buy. They are always included in desktops.
Blu-Ray Optical Drive – For viewing and/or burning Blu-Ray disks. Hi-def screen recommended. Make sure you have HDMI port to display video on a TV if you’d like to do that.
Extra Monitor – When you have a small laptop, you can hook it up to a large monitor at home for easier viewing. Even those with desktops can enjoy increased productivity with an extra screen.
HD Screen Resolution – For viewing hi-def video, make sure you have HDMI port.
Bluetooth – Wireless syncing with bluetooth devices such as mice, headsets, etc.
Graphics – You need discreet graphics cards or powerful integrated graphics for gaming and viewing hi-def video. But they can be expensive and will decrease battery life on laptops.
Wireless Networking – All laptops have wireless g networking built-in. Most higher-end laptops also have the next-gen wireless n protocol which is faster and has better range. Need wireless home router to benefit.
TV Tuner – An added feature on some desktops and All-in-ones.
Ports – Make sure you can the desired number and type of ports: You’ll want a few USB ports for connecting external devices such as mice and keyboards and printers, HDMI for hi-def video output to your TV, DVI and VGA for standard definition video output, Express card slot, Ethernet, headphone jack, and others I may have missed.
Aesthetics – Looks matter! Your computer is an extension of you and your tastes.
Maintenance – Remember that big desktop rigs and powerful laptops create a ton of heat, and get very dusty very fast.
Product Service Plan – Most computer manufacturers automatically offer limited 1-year warranties on their products (except for refurbished products). You may wish for the added protection of Future Shop’s Product Service Plan. See in-store associate for further details (and the robust disclosure statement).
I hope this guide is helpful for you. If you have any questions, feel free to reply or PM me. If there are any glaring errors in this piece please let me know so I can correct them (if I can). I made every effort to make sure this information is as specific and accurate as possible.
Credible_Chris
Message Edited by Credible_Chris on 11-10-2009 08:56 PM
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