Evaluate how well a Desktop Computer meets your needs and compares to competing products
If you've completed step one you've identified what you need in a desktop computer and you've learned about the different features of desktop computers. While you were doing your research, you probably started the process of determining which features - and thus which type of desktop computer - will best meet your needs. Now you are going to continue that process, but in greater detail.
In this step you will
evaluate the desktop computers available on the market to determine how well they meet your personal needs and establish, by a process of elimination, an initial short-list of contenders. Then you will compare these short-listed desktop computers to find out which ones stand out from the competition.
Evaluate how well a Desktop Computer meets your needs
Your priority at this point in your evaluation is to find the available desktop computers in the market that best meet your needs. You can save a lot of time during this activity by quickly eliminating any desktop computers that are unsuitable because they don't meet your key requirements. For example, if you have a limited budget for this purchase then you can ignore any desktop computers that clearly exceed your price limit.
There are three core components to consider when building a desktop computer - speed (CPU and RAM), drives (hard disk and CD/DVD ROMs), and ports. You will have to make choices accordingly in order to get the most from your computer.
The central processing unit, or CPU, is what makes a computer run. You can choose between single-core processing units (Intel Core Solo, Pentium 4, Intel Celeron D processors and AMD Sempron, AMD Athlon 64), and dual-core processing units (Core 2 Duo, Pentium D 920 dual, AMD Athlon 64 X2 dual-core processors).
Tip: If you only use your computer for basic functions such as emailing, word processing or playing games then you can save money by purchasing a single-core processor. But if you want to make video conversions, run multiple programs at once or convert music CD's to MP3s, you should invest in a faster dual-core processor. 1.6 - 3.2GHz are speeds you should be looking for.
Since the speed of the CPU depends, in part, on the amount of memory your computer has, you will have to consider how much RAM to purchase. RAM is measured in megabytes (Mb), with most computers starting out with 256Mb-512Mb.
Tip: If you will be using Windows XP or Vista you need at least 512Mb for you computer to run properly
In order to run more than one computer program at a time, you will have to have enough memory. Without it, your computer will be very slow or it may not be able to run certain programs at all. If you enjoy watching movies, uploading photos, word processing, and using the internet, then you need a computer that has at least 256-512mb. But if you want to use your computer to store photos, movies, large spreadsheet files or to play computer games, you will have to purchase more memory. You will need between 1 and 2 gigabytes in order to run all of these applications.
Tip: If you are unsure as to which programs will be using in the future, you can purchase less memory and buy more later on. Make sure to buy a computer that will allow you to add additional memory.
Your hard drive is usually the main storage place for all your programs, files, music, photos, movies and more. You must ensure that the drive is large enough to accommodate all your needs. If you are only using your computer for emailing, chatting or surfing the net, then you can buy a smaller drive (80-150Gb). If in doubt, invest in a larger drive.
Tip: If you know which operating system you will be using (e.g. Window's XL or Vista) and what software you will be installing on your computer, check to see what the minimum recommend requirements are for your CPU, RAM and hard disk space for each piece of software. Similarly you can check the minimum requirements on the peripherals you will be using such as your printer, scanner, modem or camera.
A CD or DVD drive is an important component because most software you buy comes on a CD or DVD and needs to be installed onto your computer. Also, many people enjoy downloading their favorite music, photos, movies, and then transferring them onto CD's or DVD's to use in their car, CD player or DVD player. If you intend to do this then you will also want a larger hard drive (150-500Gb). Remember that you can also play your music and movies on your computer from your existing collection of CDs and DVDs but you will want to invest in a good sound card, speakers, graphics card and monitor.
Most desktop computers come with CD/DVD-ROM drives. In order to burn music onto a CD, you will have to install a CD and DVD drive that can burn CD's. A DVD-Doublelayer drive is perfect if you want to create DVDs or store more information on one DVD.
The number of ports needed is determined by the other devices you want to hook up to your computer. These devices include scanners, printers, digital cameras, fax machines, and external hard drives.
Tip: Buy an all in one printer/scanner/copier/fax machine so you will only need to use one port.
When you were considering your requirements in a desktop computer it's likely that you singled out certain factors such as speed, operating system, drives and cost as being of major significance. As with so many other products, the more features offered, the higher the price.
Buyz123 has created a checklist containing examples of major features; you can work from this checklist when evaluating how well various desktops meet your personal needs:
Features Checklist
Central Processing Units (CPU)
- 1.4 to 1.6GHz - simple computer functions
- 1.8 to 2.0GHz - spreadsheets, handling larger files and games
- 3.2GHz - movies, downloading photos, storing digital media
- Single core/Dual core
Random Access Memory (RAM)
- 256-512Mb - simple computer functions
- 1Gb - running multiple applications
- 2Gb - gaming, editing photos and movies Drives
- Hard drives - commonly 80 to 750Gb
- CD-ROM (Read Only Memory)
- DVD-ROM
- CD-R or CD-RW (These allow you to write to a CD)
- DVD-Dual layer or DVD+RW Ports (Write to a DVD)
- Media card reader - reads memory cards like those used in a digital camera
Monitor
Keyboard
- Standard keyboard
- Wireless keyboard - no cords
- Ergonomic keyboard - curved to fit natural hand/arm alignment. Available in wireless or standard.
Mouse
- Standard mouse
- Wireless mouse - no cords, opticalSound Card
- Standard sound card - 16-bit, 4.8KHz, for quality audio for music and movies
- Advanced sound card - 24-bit, 96KHz, for computer gaming, surround sound quality
Speakers
- Standard speakers
- Surround sound speakers
Graphics Card
- Standard graphics card - basic computer functions, spreadsheets, and other computer applications that are not graphic heavy.
- Intermediate graphics card - better for viewing color images including movies and photos.
- Advanced graphics card - needed for editing, graphic design, or playing certain computer games. Can also be used for 3-D computer games.
- 32 to 256Mb of memory
Connectivity (Network and Internet)
- Wireless network card
- Ethernet
- Bluetooth
- Internal built in modem
- External modem
Operating Systems
PC Users
- Windows XP Home - easy to use. Ability to download photos and music.
- Windows XP Pro - more advanced for business owners. Security features, backup files, but still has all the features of Windows XP Home.
- Windows Media Center Edition - used for advanced gaming and media use. Graphic design and other multi-media pursuits.
- Windows Vista - enhanced multimedia capabilities, updated security system, and improved communication with other computers. Two versions available: Windows Vista Genuine and Windows Vista Business.
Mac Users
- Mac OS X Tiger - for those who want to use their computers for creating graphics and other media. Can also be used with PC operating systems.
- Mac OS X Leopard - allows users to download photos, watch movies, and create other media. Compatible with PC operating systems. More advanced for businesses and those who enjoy video games.
Wireless Capabilities
- Wireless card able to access wireless router
Support
- Phone and online support - 24/7
- User's guides
- Installation software
- Hardware warranty - 90 days to 4 years
- Parts warranty - 1 to 4 yearsThere are a lot of features listed here, and some of them may not be relevant to your particular requirements. So, work your way through the list and assess how each of these features impact on your desktop computer needs. You can then create a personalized checklist of the features you really require in a desktop computer.
Once you have finished evaluating the desktop computers available for sale in the light of your personal needs and arrived at a short-list of 'possibles' you are ready to progress to the next stage. This involves comparing the desktop computers one-on-one in order to find those that really stand out.
Evaluate how well a Desktop Computer compares with competing Desktop Computers
Comparing the items on your interim short-list, one to another, is an important part of the purchasing process - we all want to buy the best product we possibly can. So once you have established a short-list of desktop computers that meet your needs it is time to evaluate how well they compare in fine detail. This way you can assemble a select list of desktop computers that stand out from the crowd.
Questions to ask yourself:
Which of the desktop computers on my short-list can offer the best value for money?
Which desktop computer has the best technical support?
Which of my short-listed desktop computers has the best warranty?
Which desktop computer is best suited to my needs?
Which desktop computer seems of the highest quality?
Which of the desktop computers on my short-list do I like best?
By answering these simple questions, you are actually eliminating desktop computers that aren't absolutely right for you. This is an excellent time - if you haven't done so already - to evaluate how well your short listed products measure up in the following areas: Physical Quality, Warranty Conditions and Accessories & Extras.
Physical Quality
Regardless of the method you use when purchasing the desktop computer, you need to find an opportunity to examine the product to evaluate how well it is made, and to check that it is truly suitable for you and your purpose. This is the time to examine the quality of the materials, and how well the item is put together. Check the assembly: are the different components - monitor, keyboard, computer - properly put together? It's also important to examine the computer from the perspective of ease of use. How easily are components such as the mouse or keyboard removed for cleaning and maintenance? Make sure the item fits into the space you have allotted for it, and that it is manageable - some items look great on paper, but unexpected problems will show up when you finally get your hands on them.
Physical Inspection Checklist:
- Materials - quality, appearance
- Assembly - all parts held together securely, good quality fittings
- Solidly constructed - stable, no loose components
- Proper fit of removable parts - easy to remove and replace, fit snugly
- Controls - visible, easy to use, accessible, clearly labelled
- Size - appropriate for surroundings and purpose - fits user correctly
- Appearance - well finished, appropriate color, neat fittings etc
- Easy, comfortable and intuitive to use
Warranty Conditions
Similar products may be available with significantly different terms and conditions, and you want to get the best deal you can. Parts and labor are often covered under separate warranties, for different time periods; sometimes there can be a significant difference in the warranty offered with one model compared to that offered with the next model up. It is particularly important to investigate any conditions that might void a warranty, such as excessive moving of the equipment or use in extreme temperatures, for instance.
Warranty Checklist:
- Duration - check the specifics
- Parts, Labour, Mechanical, Electrical
- Exactly what is covered
- Exactly what is excluded
- Conditions or actions that may void the warranty
Accessories, Extras and Consumables
When evaluating similar products, it is a good idea to include accessories in your assessment. You need to be clear about exactly what accessories are necessary to run the product to its full capacity, and whether these are included with the purchase. What other facilities are required - do you need internet access for updates, for instance? What about a contract or service plan? It's also important to consider consumables, such as batteries - some products have higher associated costs than others.
Accessories Checklist:
- Accessories - included or extra cost
- Upgrades - will the product needs upgrades, what are the costs?
- Compatibility issues - will it work with your existing printers or software?
- Registration - what are the time frames and costs
- Internet access - is this necessary?
- Consumables - how often and how much?
- Contracts or Service Plans - conditions, penalties, costs
- What else will you need to ensure you get the maximum benefit and enjoyment from this product?
Once you've worked through the Evaluation step you will have a final short-list of desktop computers that meet your needs and stand out from competing products on the market. It's time then to move on to the third and final step: Purchase.
Video Links
Buyz123.com Research Links:KeyboardsThings to know about keyboards - before you buySelecting a keyboardMouseChoosing and using a suitable mouse deviceReviewsPC and Mac desktop computer reviewsDesktop computer reviewsTtop 10 value and power desktop PCsSpeakersSelecting PC speakers