What You Need to Do When Buying a Computer
by RITCHIE SMYTHE
Computers are just general-purpose machines that become special purpose when running different application software. Ed Roberts, inventor of the Altair 8800, coined the phrase “personal computer” since it was the first computer designed for personal use. Almost every personal computer comes with a variety of applications pre-installed. Furthermore, all computers today come with a variety of installed or integrated expansion cards and their corresponding ports.
So what do you need to know about expansion cards, connectors, and ports when buying a computer? All you need to know is that your computer will come equipped with everything you need to get up and running.
Buying a Personal Computer
When buying a computer you have many choices of where to go, including click-and-order businesses on the web. You can visit web sites and see for yourself what’s available at click-and-order portals. You can choose a computer system and compare the prices at the various sites for similar systems and compare the RAM available on the system you choose in the packages offered at the different sites. You may need to ask yourself the following questions: What are the return policies of the sites? Do these sites sell software too? Do the sites have any provision for technical support? How about customer support?
When you’ve got your comparative prices from the click-and-order stores, check them out against local stores in your area. You need to find comparable systems at one or more stores and see if prices differ. If the stores have Web sites, see if there is a difference in the prices there compared to the prices offered to walk-in customers.
Computer Magazines
You’ve seen those computer magazines all lined up in glossy covers at the local grocer. Well, computer magazines are a great place to learn more about the field of computers. You can visit a local library or bookstore and look through a variety of computer magazines. As you do, answer the following questions. Is the magazine oriented toward personal computing or business computing? Is there a Web version of the magazine? And does the magazine have ads for computer and equipment sales?
The Internet
When looking to buy a branded unit, it is best to find out their actual value. Some brands are priced way more than they are worth. There are reliable sites online that ensure laptop computer buyers can easily find the facts needed to make a wise purchase decision. If you are planning to buy a laptop computer or any other computer unit at a later time, always make sure to keep updated with the latest models and most recent trends since almost all types and brands are constantly changing and evolving every month.
Keeping track of the most recent product developments seems to be a daunting task. This may take you time to do some research about consumer products magazine or you may need to browse online. Magazines that have comparative product reviews can help or you can go from one dealer to another if you have much time. But still finding the information you need via the Internet is the most convenient.
About the Author:
ITC Sales is a leading supplier of Dell and HP laptops such as the Dell Mini 9 and Dell XPS Laptops. Check out the ITC Sales blog for the latest news from ITC and the computing world.
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December 15th, 2009 at 14:00
When my 3 month old HP Mini 1035NR bit the dust back in February of this year, I opted to change directions and buy the Samsung NC10. It is a decision that has paid off big. With its smooth lines, rounded corners and a midnight blue casing, the Samsung NC10 brings it on with all the basics and more.
Functionality, usable keyboard, fast speeds, and a six hour battery that has repeatedly gone over seven hours, are only a few of this unit’s features. The flat screen speaks volumes in display and color richness. The on board 1.3 mega pixel webcam is average at best but definitely not a deal breaker.
The SD/HC/MMC reader is a sweet add on and easily moves this system to the front of the line over the competition. The Samsung Update Manager is a welcome tool. The NC10 is packed with the industry standard 1GB Ram, 160GB Hard Drive and Windows XP Home Edition.
Measuring 10.3″ x 7.3″ x 1.2″ and weighing in at 2.8 pounds, the NC10 houses 3 USB ports, a 3-in-1 memory card reader, microphone jack, headphone jack, a VGA port, and an ethernet jack. One of the biggest selling points for me is the 93 percent full size keyboard. Combine the raised keys with the full size right shift key, one has a layout that exceeds the comfort zone.
In order to accommodate the keyboard, real estate had to be re-portioned. Avid touch pad users will find the compromise immediately. At 2.3″ x 1.1″, the touch pad is small but navigable. I found clicking and scrolling features very crisp. The dedicated scrolling bar works exceptionally well when viewing large web pages. By far it still outshines my disabled HP 1035NR in price, features and quality.
A dedicated slot for a mobile broadband modem card would have definitely sweetened the pot on the NC10. However, users can opt for a compact USB modem. This system is packaged with a power cord and a black, protective slip on cover. The Samsung NC10-14GB Netbook also includes the standard one year parts and labor warranty. 24 hour toll free phone support is available as well as an online knowledge base and driver downloads. Unlike most product websites, the Samsung site is easy to navigate and consumer friendly.
Upgrading to 2GB memory is a breeze and functions normally performed with my hardly used pc or laptop, are now achieved easily since loading Office 2007. Coming from a die hard HP user, I have to say that the Samsung NC10-14GB has far surpassed my expectations.
Whether its travel, work or just kicking around the house, it has become my go to system. It leaves quite an impression to the point that I have purchased three of these as gifts for family members. The NC10 is simply a high quality product that delivers.