The Smart Buyer’s Guide to Computer Hardware
24th June 2006
Even though you profess to know everything about computers, are you willing to stake your life on it?
I thought not. Knowing about computer hardware on paper is very much different from having actual experience and working knowledge when it comes to purchasing computer hardware so if you want to make sure that you don’t emerge as the laughingstock of the neighborhood, here are some tips to ensure that you get the best computer deal for yourself.
Monitors
Let’s start it easy by deciding what kind of monitor we want first. Two kinds of monitors are out in the market now – cathode ray tube (CRT) monitors and liquid crystal display (LCD) monitors. CRT monitors are cheaper but bulkier. LCD monitors, on the other hand, are more expensive but slimmer and better looking.
Since the lifespan of a monitor far exceeds that of a CPU, it’s better to purchase something that you really like – regardless of the cost – because it’s sure to serve you for a long, long time.
Mouse
Again, just like it is with monitors, you only have two options to choose from: the optical mouse and the ball mouse. Although the ball mouse is cheaper, it’s more difficult to use and it definitely needs to be maintained regularly, unlike the optical mouse. The optical mouse may be more expensive but we believe that you’ll have fewer problems when using it.
Of course, you can always go for a wireless mouse but keep in mind that you have to charge the battery regularly.
Keyboards
Although purchasing a keyboard seems so easy - what difference does one keyboard from another makes?! – there is more to it than it seems. When purchasing a keyboard, it’s better to purchase the multimedia type even if it’s more expensive because it provides you with more buttons and keys to help you watch movies and listen to music more easily.
Processor
Before we move on to purchasing the processor you’ll use in your new computer, it’s important to ask yourself first what use your computer will primarily serve: gaming or word processing? Or maybe even video editing? By asking yourself this, you’ll be able to determine which processor is best to purchase.
If your computer is going to be chiefly used for games, it’s better to go for an Athlon processor rather than the more expensive models of Intel Pentium.
Whenever you’re out to buy any computer hardware part, always remember to compare rates and read reviews first so that you’ll know if you’re getting a good bargain or not!