Imagine this scene: You’ve gotten over the Holidays, looked at the bills and started to think, “Time to worry about taxes…” and then...WHAM, your computer goes kaput.

Well, with the prices of computers coming down so much now, and with so many different places to purchase (big box stores, Internet, TV shopping malls, etc.), you probably get overwhelmed with information and choices, and the next thing you know, you’re standing in the middle of the computer aisle at the Big Box Store, dazed and confused.

Let’s break it down for you so you have a mental check list of what you should be looking for. First question: Apple or WINDOWS?

APPLE PRODUCTS

Apple has been around for a long, long time and most of us even probably started to learn about computers while in school using an Apple machine, like the Apple IIe or Apple+ !

But the reality is, when we got into the work force, a lot of us relearned how to use computers and have gotten used to a WINDOWS operating system.

Apple machines are good. Really good. And up until this year, there were no Ultra laptops to compete with the SSD driven Apple Air. But now, PC manufacturers are getting into the game as well. But here are some things to keep in mind when you think of purchasing an Apple machine to replace your broken WINDOWS laptop or desktop.

• Apple parts are expensive. Like really expensive. Make sure you get the Apple care extended warranty. It breaks once and it pays for itself. 
   
• What are you going to use it for? Mostly Windows based applications? (I think you answered your own question here) 
   
• Do you have a service company near you that can take care of Apple Products without gouging out your eye balls? (Apple stores take a bit longer but offer great support!)

Sometimes, it’s cool to be trendy but Apple products are pretty expensive when you try and compare it apples to apples… WINDOWS PC and laptops will win out on performance vs. cost.

WINDOWS

That being said, let’s talk about what you should be asking yourself if you want to replace a WINDOWS based laptop or computer.

• Is this for home use or work use? 
   
• Do you need an older operating system (like trying to getting a VISTA machine when all there is left is a 7 machine?) 
   
• What do you primarily use the computer for? 
   
• Do you need software applications like work processing? Spreadsheets? Presentations? 
   
• Would you be connecting this to your multimedia device like a television?

Consider the following with regard to components, peripherals and speed:

1. Processor and Speed: Essentially the brain of a computer, a processor is the logic circuitry that responds to and processes the basic instructions that drive a computer. Instructions are the orders given to a processor by a computer program. Sounds nerdy but all it means is... BRAIN.
    
2. Hard Drive Memory: In a personal computer, a hard disk drive (HDD) is the mechanism that controls the positioning, reading, and writing of the hard disk, which furnishes the largest amount of data storage for the PC. With so many options like running the computer applications from “the cloud” or adding an external hard drive so this isn’t as much of an issue now.
    
3. RAM memory: RAM (random access memory) is the place in a computer where the operating system, application programs, and data in current use are kept so that they can be quickly reached by the computer's processor. If you want to get your computer to move faster, make sure you have the maximum allowance of RAM your computer can handle!
    
4. Monitor: Does your job require you to have a screen that has a high resolution or will a lower resolution suffice? For word processing or spreadsheets and lower screen quality is adequate, while the highest resolution is preferred for graphics work. Do you need more than one monitor?
    
5. Video Card: An integrated circuit card in a computer or, in some cases, a monitor that provides digital-to-analog conversion, video RAM, and a video controller so that data can be sent to a computer's display. If you plan on playing high resolution games or plan on working with multiple spreadsheets, then you might want to upgrade your video card!

In a nutshell, when customers ask what kind of computer they should get, the first thing out of my mouth is what do you use it for? How old are your kids (so you don’t have to reinvest when they are just about to go to college)? And what is your price range? There are a ton of places to make purchases, and for the most part, it does make sense to get the additional warranty on a PC. Items like bad power supplies, network cards etc are unfortunately too common.

Did this help or muddle your thoughts even more? Is it time to change your computer? Or just upgrade? Feel free to click my contact info and shoot me an email anytime! Choosing a computer should be fun and exciting. Not stressful and daunting!

Cheers! And oh… Happy Leap Year!

Yasuo Ogawa

yogawa@smartcows.com
Check us out on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/cowabunga.computers