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FIRST time is the wise
path of choice.
For starters you’ll
need to decide what you want to do with your computer. Are you into the
video game scene or are you someone who likes to just surf the internet
and occasionally do some book keeping with simple word processing
software?
If you’re into video
games you’re going to want a machine that can handle the high level of
graphics and superior sound quality.
On the other hand if
you’re not into all that high adrenalin stuff can probably get by with a
less expensive system. Although, if you want to stay on the safe side I
would recommend going with something more “high-end” so you don’t have
to spend another large chunk of change to upgrade the system you just
bought.
There are two basic
routes you can take when purchasing a new computer.
1) Purchase a “Brand
Name” Computer
2) Purchase a “Clone”
Computer
A “BRAND-NAME” computer
is one that is manufactured by a company that is recognizable by name.
Some
Advantages/Disadvantages of “Brand-Name” computers include:
Advantages-
Customer Support- If
you are experiencing problems with your computer you will have the
option to contact a representative of the company that you purchased the
PC from to get help in solving your problem.
Customer support is
probably the best reason to buy a brand-name computer.
Warranty- Having a
warranty is always nice since it acts as a type of security blanket for
you.
In case a part on your
computer should fail you should be able to get the item fixed at no
charge just as long as the warranty has not expired.
Read and understand a
company’s warranty policy BEFORE you purchase a computer from them.
This way you’ll have a
good understanding of the procedures to follow in case a problem should
arise.
Pre-installed Software-
Many companies will include software packages that are all set up and
ready to go for you on your computer.
Although, a
disadvantage of buying a brand-name computer with software pre-installed
is that you usually end up with more than fits your needs and usually
just results with the wasting of space on your storage device.
Additional Support-
Most brand-name computer companies are also able to provide you with web
sites that may provide you with current software updates, user manuals,
or basic troubleshooting help.
Disadvantages-
The use of Proprietary
parts- the term Proprietary refers to products that are unique to an
individual company and that company only.
So if a part was to
malfunction on your computer after warranty and you needed to replace it
you could not just go to your local computer store and purchase any old
part even if it was intended for the same function as the item that
failed.
You would be forced to
buy the exact same item that came out of the computer or else the
computer would more than likely cease to function correctly.
Having to buy
proprietary parts usually involves the need to place an order which
means you’ll have to wait for the part to arrive or you’ll have to send
your computer into the company or an authorized dealer of that company
for repairs.
People with a home
based business would probably not be too happy with that situation at
all.
Integrated/On-board
parts- In the computer world when you hear the word integrated or
on-board it means that a particular part such as the modem or sound port
where you plug in your speakers, is built-in or part of the computer
main board (Also known as the Motherboard).
This means that if any
of these items should fail, you can’t just remove them from the computer
and replace them with a new part. They are usually soldered directly to
the main board and are stuck there.
Although, some
computers do provide a way to disable a malfunctioning device which will
allow you to install your own store bought device to take the place of
the broken part.
From a computer
technicians point of view this is not always easy to do.
It just depends on what
brand of computer you currently have. Meaning some are easier to work on
than others.
A “CLONE” computer is a
clone or a copy of its brand-name counterpart with the exception that
instead of company specific or proprietary parts, the items used to make
a clone computer are from several different companies instead of only
one.
Let’s say that if you
were to go to a local company that builds “clone” computers, and you
tell them what you need, chances are they don’t use parts that are
specific to only that type of computer like the brand-name computer
companies do.
This is a good thing
because it means that they will probably use components that are
interchangeable with many different brands and are easy to come by if
needed.
Some
Advantages/Disadvantages of “Clone” computers include:
Advantages-
Cost- compared to
brand-name computers the clone will generally be easier on your pocket
book when purchasing one with similar features as its brand-name
counterpart.
This is most likely due
to the money that is saved by not offering the high-end customer
service. Although, that may not be the only reason for the lower prices.
Easily Accessible
Replacement Parts- Since the clone computer was built with parts that
are not any one company specific, you can buy parts for the clone
computer that can be used even if the brand is different from the one
that was in the computer when you originally bought it.
Note: Before you buy
any parts, it is necessary to make sure that the replacement parts are
compatible with your particular computers system requirements.
Either consult the
manual that should have came with your computer or get help from a
knowledgeable friend or repair person.
Disadvantages-
Warranties- Unless you
purchase a service plan you will typically not have as an attractive
warranty as you would with a brand-name computer company.
Whatever you do just
make sure you understand how long the warranty is for and as to what
kind of repairs the warranty covers before you make the purchase.
Customer Support- With
brand-name computer companies you are usually provided with a 24-hour
toll free number that you can call if you have questions or concerns
with your computer.
Clone computers are
more than likely not going to have a 24-hour help service, but rather
you will be forced to only be able to call during regular business
hours.
Also, it is more than
likely that there will not be any one website that you can go to in
order to find out information concerning troubleshooting questions you
may have.
For service it may be
necessary to take the computer back to the store that you bought it at
or you may have to do some research on the individual parts that went
into the computer and visit the manufacturer’s website for
troubleshooting tips.
Finally, if all else
fails you can certainly take what you have learned from this article and
being that you know what you need now, but don’t know where to go and
get that “Perfect Computer”, the best resource at your disposal are the
very men and woman that work at your local electronics shop.
It is their duty to
help you get hold of that “Perfect Computer” that best fits your needs.
All you need to do is tell them what you plan on using that computer for
and they should be more than happy to help you from there. |
