#3: Computing Power
Here are some guidelines to follow when assembling your new PC's innards. Your choices in OS and form factor don't make a lick of difference if you don't have the computing power to put them to good use.
CPU
While you can still buy computers powered by Intel's Core 2 family of processors, you'd do better to skip them in favor of the newer Core i3, Core i5, and Core i7. If you'll only be using your computer for Web browsing and the occasional Office document, the i3 should be fine. Users who might do light photo editing, watch HD video, and are serious multi-taskers should opt for the Core i5 series (and preferably 6xx models when shopping for desktops). The most demanding users will want a Core i7. These quad-core processors are built to handle HD video editing and sophisticated games.
AMD has a few viable choices for budget-minded computer shoppers. Its Phenom II X4 processors offer great bang for the buck, but they can't compete with Intel's best offerings. And here at Switched, we're of the opinion that buying a new PC is not the time to start scrimping.
In a netbook, there is really only one logical option: Intel's new Atom N450.
RAM
When it comes to RAM, more is better. As a rule, 4 gigabytes (4GB) is the minimum you should accept in a desktop or laptop. Obviously, 6GB is better, but a jump to 8GB would benefit only gamers and heavy media editors.
Storage
Just like RAM, hard drives are a "bigger is better" affair. Look for 250GB drives in laptops, and 500GB drives in desktops. Of course, if you plan to store lots of videos, photos or music, go bigger -- or, invest in an external USB drive.
Optical DriveDo you have or want to build an extensive collection of Blu-ray discs? (Don't worry, neither do we.) Will this computer be serving as your primary vehicle for consuming entertainment? If you answered in the negative to either of these questions, skip the Blu-ray drive, and stick with the significantly cheaper DVD burner that comes standard in all but the tiniest of PCs.
Graphics CardMost users will welcome integrated graphics by way of Intel's GMA HD series, NVIDIA's 9 series, or one of AMD's myriad options. Those cards will handle Windows 7 eye candy, HD video, and anything the Web can throw at them with aplomb. However, gamers and users who do a lot of video or photo editing, will want to opt for a discrete card from either AMD or NVIDIA. AMD's 4xxx line and NVIDIA's G2xx series will keep all but the most demanding users happy. Serious gamers will want to look at AMD's 5xxx options as well as NVIDIA's top-of-the-line G295 and G285.
If you plan to watch HD video on a netbook or nettop, look for one packing a card from NVIDIA's Ion platform.
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Monday, February 22, 2010
Five Things to Consider When Buying a Computer
#2: Form Factor: Desktop vs. Laptop
Deciding between a laptop and desktop is primarily an exercise in identifying how and where you plan to use a computer. Answering these three simple questions should set you on the right path.
Where are you going to use it?
Obviously, you'll need to answer whether or not you plan to travel with your computer. If you need to work on your commute, or take notes in class, a desktop is clearly out of the question. If you'll be using your computer in a cramped dorm room, a small apartment, or a bedroom, though, you may want to opt for an all-in-one desktop -- or, for even more space savings, what's known as a "desktop replacement notebook" (essentially, a large, high-powered laptop). Those in the market for a living room PC should be eying small form factor (SFF) boxes that will better blend with home theater equipment and game consoles. If you're not sure where you're going to be using your machine, as you'll be lugging it from place to place, you'd do well to opt for an ultra-light laptop.
What are you going to use it to do?
If you're going to be doing heavy video editing, photo editing, or gaming, you'll definitely want to consider a desktop PC that can be upgraded and sports a large (20 inch+) screen. Media and gaming addicts who are willing to sacrifice some screen real estate and performance for the sake of mobility should gravitate towards the desktop replacements with 17-inch screens. Those who spend their days buried in sprawling spread sheets might also benefit from a desktop or large-screened notebook. If you only wish to browse the Web, check e-mail, and compose the occasional Word doc, you should check out a notebook with a screen no larger than 15 inches.
Is this a secondary computer?
This should be another obvious one. If you already have a desktop, then opt for a laptop. Do you have a laptop, but want something more portable for light e-mail use? Then check out the netbook scene. And if you're looking for a second machine just to get Hulu or Netflix streaming on your TV, then look for nettops or SFF PCs.
Deciding between a laptop and desktop is primarily an exercise in identifying how and where you plan to use a computer. Answering these three simple questions should set you on the right path.
Where are you going to use it?
Obviously, you'll need to answer whether or not you plan to travel with your computer. If you need to work on your commute, or take notes in class, a desktop is clearly out of the question. If you'll be using your computer in a cramped dorm room, a small apartment, or a bedroom, though, you may want to opt for an all-in-one desktop -- or, for even more space savings, what's known as a "desktop replacement notebook" (essentially, a large, high-powered laptop). Those in the market for a living room PC should be eying small form factor (SFF) boxes that will better blend with home theater equipment and game consoles. If you're not sure where you're going to be using your machine, as you'll be lugging it from place to place, you'd do well to opt for an ultra-light laptop.
What are you going to use it to do?
If you're going to be doing heavy video editing, photo editing, or gaming, you'll definitely want to consider a desktop PC that can be upgraded and sports a large (20 inch+) screen. Media and gaming addicts who are willing to sacrifice some screen real estate and performance for the sake of mobility should gravitate towards the desktop replacements with 17-inch screens. Those who spend their days buried in sprawling spread sheets might also benefit from a desktop or large-screened notebook. If you only wish to browse the Web, check e-mail, and compose the occasional Word doc, you should check out a notebook with a screen no larger than 15 inches.
Is this a secondary computer?
This should be another obvious one. If you already have a desktop, then opt for a laptop. Do you have a laptop, but want something more portable for light e-mail use? Then check out the netbook scene. And if you're looking for a second machine just to get Hulu or Netflix streaming on your TV, then look for nettops or SFF PCs.
Thursday, February 18, 2010
Five Things to Consider When Buying a Computer
Buying a new computer is always a daunting task. There are tons of variables to consider, including whether or not you're ready to join (or ditch) the cult of Mac. Laptop or desktop? How much RAM? And what processor will you need to power your new computer? As usual, WebAddo is here to help you navigate the labyrinth of options, and lead you on your path to the best PC for your needs. Over the next few days, we will post the top 5 things you should consider when buying a new computer.
#1: Operating System
Windows 7
Windows is the dominant player in the computer world, and with good reason. It has the largest catalog of available apps (including plenty of great free options), is compatible with more hardware than are its competitors, and, like it or not, is the OS of choice for most businesses. While OS X and Linux are catching up in terms of available software and hardware compatibility, they still can't quite match Microsoft's product, especially when it comes to games.
On the downside, Windows is the most vulnerable OS when it comes to viruses and other malware (although that is largely due to its popularity). With its largest competitor, Apple, claiming a mere five-percent of the market, Windows makes the most attractive target for scammers and hackers.
If you opt for a Windows PC, make sure you get a 64-bit version of Windows 7. The Home Premium version will suffice for most users, but geeks and professionals who might need some of the advanced networking features and XP emulation will want Professional.
OS X
Macs are known for their ease of use and sleek design. They've long been the standard choice for creative types and excel at such applications as audio and video editors. Thanks in large part to Apple's popularity with hip, tech-savvy types, more companies have been making sure their software and hardware are compatible with the platform. If you absolutely must have a Mac, but still need to run Windows software, there are options like Boot Camp and Parallels, but they require that you purchase a copy of Windows and have at least some computational acumen.
Thanks in part to its relatively small market share, OS X users are not frequently targeted by cyber-criminals, and the OS, thanks to its Unix underpinnings, is more secure than Windows. With its robust set of included apps, such as iTunes, iMovie, and iPhoto, OS X is an excellent choice for the user who wants to put minimal effort into their computing experience.
Linux
Linux has grown by leaps and bounds over the last five years. Most hardware on the market is compatible with this open-source operating system, and it has become infinitely more user friendly than its "geeks only" reputation would have you believe. While there are plenty of great free apps for Linux, you won't have access to many modern 3-D games or to Microsoft's Office suite. Many Windows apps will run with the help of an emulator called Wine, but it's far from a perfect solution.
Linux shines, though, if you're a heavy user of Web apps, like Google Docs. Its lightweight nature makes it perfect for netbooks, and it's even less susceptible to hacking and malware than OS X. That said, despite having an extremely active and helpful user community, Linux is often more difficult to troubleshoot than either OSX or Windows.
#1: Operating System
Windows 7
Windows is the dominant player in the computer world, and with good reason. It has the largest catalog of available apps (including plenty of great free options), is compatible with more hardware than are its competitors, and, like it or not, is the OS of choice for most businesses. While OS X and Linux are catching up in terms of available software and hardware compatibility, they still can't quite match Microsoft's product, especially when it comes to games.
On the downside, Windows is the most vulnerable OS when it comes to viruses and other malware (although that is largely due to its popularity). With its largest competitor, Apple, claiming a mere five-percent of the market, Windows makes the most attractive target for scammers and hackers.
If you opt for a Windows PC, make sure you get a 64-bit version of Windows 7. The Home Premium version will suffice for most users, but geeks and professionals who might need some of the advanced networking features and XP emulation will want Professional.
OS X
Macs are known for their ease of use and sleek design. They've long been the standard choice for creative types and excel at such applications as audio and video editors. Thanks in large part to Apple's popularity with hip, tech-savvy types, more companies have been making sure their software and hardware are compatible with the platform. If you absolutely must have a Mac, but still need to run Windows software, there are options like Boot Camp and Parallels, but they require that you purchase a copy of Windows and have at least some computational acumen.
Thanks in part to its relatively small market share, OS X users are not frequently targeted by cyber-criminals, and the OS, thanks to its Unix underpinnings, is more secure than Windows. With its robust set of included apps, such as iTunes, iMovie, and iPhoto, OS X is an excellent choice for the user who wants to put minimal effort into their computing experience.
Linux
Linux has grown by leaps and bounds over the last five years. Most hardware on the market is compatible with this open-source operating system, and it has become infinitely more user friendly than its "geeks only" reputation would have you believe. While there are plenty of great free apps for Linux, you won't have access to many modern 3-D games or to Microsoft's Office suite. Many Windows apps will run with the help of an emulator called Wine, but it's far from a perfect solution.
Linux shines, though, if you're a heavy user of Web apps, like Google Docs. Its lightweight nature makes it perfect for netbooks, and it's even less susceptible to hacking and malware than OS X. That said, despite having an extremely active and helpful user community, Linux is often more difficult to troubleshoot than either OSX or Windows.
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