Computers have almost become a necessity like salt in every home office or where ever.remember those days when they cost a real packet and the only the upper middle class and high class people were able to buy a computer.it was a luxury at that point.now things have changed.companies are targeting to see a system in every home of every individual on this planet.with millions of them selling computers in india after the IT boom.but prices are now dropping by a great deal and becoming cheaper by the minute.
TYPE OF COMPUTER YOU WOULD LIKE-
well there are two types of systems you could get.one is an assembled computer and the other are the branded stuff like compaq, hewlett packard, apple.etc.the branded computers are cost more than the assembled computer due to the name or the brand.for the same features an assembled computer would do perfectly but the only advantage we have with the branded stuff is that the hardware lasts a long time.i remember having an assembled pentium 1 when it first came out.i had numerous problems with the CD ROM drive, floppy disk Drive the modem.they were constantly breaking down and needed frequent repairs.
there are stories that the people who sell you branded computers put in second hand used hardware and sell it to you saying that it is new.i dont think you have a warranty with those machines either.i would prefer branded computers to an assembled one any day. as I sit here writing this review on my Compaq Presario I start to wonder about the quality of the machine.its great.the computer only had to go once for repairs just to get the modem checked.the quality of the hardware is also really good and durable.plus the best part is the warranty.my little brother had once dropped the keyboard really hard on the ground while looking for something.due to the impact some of the keys conked out.the keyboard was replaced free of cost as the warranty period had not run out.these are the main advantages about having a branded computer.
but the problem common to both types of systems are software problems.this is there in every computer and is not the fault of the company which makes the computer but the fault of the software company.for example windows 98. I would really recommend you stay away from it.it is one of the worst operating systems to be made by microsoft.i have the SE version(should be SCREWED UP EDITION actually not special edition).but if you are going economical I would suggest an assembled computer.but dont go complaining when the CD ROM drive packs up after a few months.
PROCESSORS-
the main and the most common processor is the pentium series from intel.they are so far the fastest and the best and half the software is only compatible with these processors.but these are really expensive.for the same speed maybe and AMD would do but like I mentioned before half the software only works with an intel processor.another problem faced with our computers today is that the moment you buy a newly launched processor it is already outdated within 5 months and the new software that comes out require the higher processor.
there are stark price differences between the AMD and intel processors.your entire computer price varies by a good 10, 000 with a change in processor.choose one which is most ideal keeping in mind whether the type of software you would like to run will be compatible with it.other wise you will be tearing out your hair when nothing works.
ACCESORIES-
when you buy a system and you are looking for the best deal make sure there are also a lot of accesories thrown in especially what comes free with it.with the presario I own I got a bunch of software free along with a web camera.dont go overboard with the accesories they will just end up sitting at the back of the CPU collecting dust.
make sure that the accesories being given away with the CPU are actually useful to you and whether the price of the entire system actually tallies with your budget.make sure all the accesories that they give work properly.
MY ADVICE-
my advice to a person buying a computer is to go in for a branded computer.their hardware lasts, there is a warranty on the system and you dont have to worry about constant replacement of hardware which would cost you quite a bit.
make sure you get the best deal or bargain with your machine and also check for freebees along with the your purchase.make sure everything works to your satisfaction and the cost fits into your budget.
branded machines I agree are a little expensive but its worth buying it.i have had mine for the past three years without any hassles or problems.plus the response from the company is quick when there is a actually a problem with the system.i had a bad time with repairs when I owned and assembled computer.the person who had to repair it when the machine was on the blink would never turn up on the proposed day or time.i would have to constantly bombard with him with phone calls and messages reminding him that he had a job to do.anyway what you would like to buy is left to your choice.
have fun:-)