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If you are unable to shop locally, warranty service is an important concern. Remember: most warranties require you to return the machine to the place of purchase.
One of the big brand names is Dell, who sell only by mail order. Their prices are reasonable, and for most of their products, they come to you if there is a warranty problem.
If you're on a tight budget, aim to spend around $1000. If you can afford it, the best value systems are usually around $2,000 to $3,000. The brands we like are Dell, Acer, and Toshiba. Then it's time to add software to make it useful, and add considerably to the cost.
Most computers come with Windows, but is there other software in the package? Does it include antivirus software? It is often cheaper to buy software at the same time as you buy the computer. (These are referred to as OEM packages.) If you're buying software for the kids, make sure to ask if there is an academic discount.
You can save considerably by choosing free alternatives. Consider forgoing Microsoft Office for 602 PC Suite or OpenOffice. If you do decide to purchase Microsoft Office, and you have a child at school, inquire about academic pricing. There are plenty of other free programs at Tucows, Freeware Home, and Download.
What do you want to connect to it?
Older printers use parallel ports, and GPS units and external modems use serial ports, whereas newer devices often use USB ports.
If you have more than one computer, Ethernet will let you connect them together.
If you have old devices or computers, this may be important.
What is your backup solution?
Most computers still come with a floppy, which is where your accounting software will try to back up your finances.
For anything else, you really should consider a CD-RW drive.
With DVD-RW drives available for under $200, these are now also an affordable option.
If you can afford it, get a larger screen. Your eyes will thank you. 17 inch screens are now very affordable, and flat screens are too. Even LCD panels are worth looking at.
Laptops cost considerably more than a desktop with the same features, and they cost more to repair too. They use significantly less power, so they are an excellent choice for those on solar power. Unless you need the mobility, desktops are much better value.
If you are going to buy a second hand computer, make sure you get discs for all the software that is installed. The cost of buying it over the counter is a shock to most people.
Make sure you get a version of Windows that matches the computer you are buying. Otherwise you may have no choice to buy a current version of Windows, which may require more memory than your second hand computer has.
| Suggested "best value" memory amounts for various Windows versions | |||||
| Windows Version | 95 | 98 | Me | 2000 | XP |
| Suggested Memory (Mb) | 32 | 64 | 128 | 256 | 512 |
While there are plenty of other upgrade options, it is easy to spend lots of money and see very little real benefit.
Visit PC Recyclers to get an idea of what's available second hand.
Cheap printers offer great value for money. Watch out for the cost of ink. You will probably spend more on ink than on the printer itself. If you do a lot of printing (say more than 10 pages per day) then a laser printer may be more cost effective in the long run. If you buy an inkjet printer, get one where you can replace the print head.
Scanners can be great value, but look carefully at the software that comes with it. Canon's mid range machines are a good package. Digital cameras are also excellent, but make sure it has at least 3 megapixels, a reasonable optical zoom, and have a CD burner for backups.
Many second hand scanners use SCSI or parallel connectors. Most PCs don't have a SCSI port, and parallel scanners don't co-operate well with printers.
Cheap internal modems are not good value for rural users. Insist on an external modem, and ask what the command is needed to slow it down. (To work properly on rural phone lines, it may be necessary to operate the modem below it's top speed.)
You can get accessories delivered to your door from Harris, ISWH, or Adelong, and you can use their catalogs to get an idea of what's available.