Practical PC, 4e

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Chapter 18 Buying a PC
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Buying a PC

• In this Chapter, you will learn
• Where to begin looking for a PC
• Where to find prices and specifications
• How much power you need
• Where to find the best deal
• Whether to mail order a PC
• How to buy online
• About accessories and add-ons

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Beginning the process of buying a PC

• To make sure you get a good deal on your new
  computer, you might try a shopping strategy
• Choose a platform (PC or MAC)
• Decide on desktop or notebook
• Browse magazines, Web sites and catalogs to
  compare features and prices
• Make final selection by price, features,
  technical support and warranty
• Buy it!

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Finding prices and specifications

• Start by looking for specifications by sorting
  the computers into three price ranges.
• Look at processor maker and model, speed, RAM,
  hard disk, monitor size and price.
• Prices and features constantly change, so your
  results will change every few months.
• Generally the results are the same in each price
  range, no matter what vendor is selling it.

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Finding prices and specifications

• Once you have determined the usual specifications
  in each price range, beware any that fall
  dramatically outside. They may be reconditioned
  or used.
• To find information, use magazines like Computer
  Shopper or catalogs like MicroWarehouse or PC
  connection.
• Web stores and sites are also an excellent source
  of information.

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Finding prices and specifications
Average specifications
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How much computing power do you need?

• PCs over 2000 are the luxury end with
  state-of-the-art components.
• They have a longer useful life than other models.
• They will likely work very well with all of the
  modern software and peripherals.
• They probably have bigger and faster storage
  equipment and RAM.

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How much computing power do you need?

• Computers between 1,000 and 2,000 are the
  mid-range models that most people buy.
• They lack the flashy new components.
• They contain good, tested features.
• They do a good job of running current versions of
  operating systems and application software.

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How much computing power do you need?

• Computers below 1,000 are the compact car end
  of the range.
• They usually contain functionality that is a few
  years old, is slower and smaller.
• They should run current software adequately,
  although some of it may be slow.
• You probably will need to replace the PC sooner.
• Used PCs are a good cost saving option if you
  make sure they work.

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How much computing power do you need?
Comparison checklist
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How to find the best deal

• Computer superstores like CompUSA offer a large
  array of options.
• Office supply stores or mass-market stores have a
  smaller variety but offer good choices.
• Independent computer resellers sell brand-names
  and often build generic PCs.
• Several computer manufacturers sell directly to
  the customer at stores or over the internet or
  telephone.

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Is it ok to mail order a PC?

• Telephone and Internet ordering of PCs and
  components is becoming one of the more popular
  options.
• It is handy and safe as long as you shop through
  a reputable dealer.
• Be sure you order carefully and keep all of the
  information about your order number, etc.

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Is it ok to mail order a PC?

• Make arrangements to be home when the PC arrives
  or to have someone accept it for you.
• Keep your purchase receipt.
• Read your warranty information carefully and be
  aware of what repair services are available.
• Install the PC and all of the accessories and try
  them out right away to be sure they work properly.

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Hardware Accessories and add-ons

• You have many options of customizing your PC just
  like you can customize a new car.
• For instance, when you buy a notebook, you will
  want to look at extra batteries, A/C adaptors and
  docking stations.
• You can look at extra RAM, a larger hard disk, or
  a CDR or DVD drive.
• If you buy add-ins at purchase time, they come
  already installed and tested.

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Hardware Accessories and add-ons
Notebook add-ons
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Hardware Accessories and add-ons

• Many new computers offer options to build your
  own computer which can greatly change the price.
• These options might include a faster processor, a
  zip drive, a network card, better sound or video
  card.
• The price of add-ons at purchase time includes
  installation and ensures that all of the
  selections are compatible.

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Hardware Accessories and add-ons
Desktop computer ad with various features
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Hardware Accessories and add-ons

• Installing everything you need at purchase time
  is an advantage to both the buyer and the seller.
• Options are also now available to accomplish
  various tasks such as a game package that might
  include software, a joystick and a special
  graphics card.
• You will also want to look at the bundled
  software that comes with the PC. This can be a
  large cost savings if you need new software.

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Hardware Accessories and add-ons
Sometimes accessories are not included
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Buying a computer online
Shopping for a PC online
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What do you think?
Ethics and computer users

• Would you follow your bosss orders to install
  unlicensed software?
• If you went ahead and installed the software,
  but it was later discovered by the software
  publisher, do you think you should be held
  responsible?
• Have you read a code of ethics published by some
  professional organization?

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Chapter Summary

• You should now be able to
• Know how to prepare for buying a PC
• Find current prices and specifications
• Determine how much computing power you need
• Find the best deal for you
• Place a safe mail order for a computer
• Buy a computer online
• About the basic types of available accessories
  and add-ons