Buyer's Guide 2002

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Buyer's Guide 2002
Guidelines are presented to help you purchase,
install, and maintain a desktop computer,
notebook computer, or handheld computer.
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How to Purchase a Personal Computer
1. Determine what application software products
you will use on your computer 2. Before buying
a computer system, do some research. 3. Look
for free software
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4. If you are buying a new computer system, you
have several purchasing options. 5. If you are
buying a used computer system, stick with name
brands.
6. Use a worksheet to compare computer systems,
services, and other considerations.
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7. Be aware of Hidden Costs
8. Consider more than just price. 9. Select an
Internet service provider or online service.
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10. Buy a system compatible with the ones you
use elsewhere. 11. Consider purchasing an onsite
service agreement.
12. Use a credit card to purchase your
system. 13. Avoid buying the smallest system
available.
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How to Purchase a Notebook Computer
1. Purchase a notebook computer with a
sufficiently large Super XGA active-matrix screen
2. Experiment with different pointing devices
and keyboards.
3. Make sure the notebook computer you purchase
has a CD-ROM, CD-RW, or DVD-ROM.
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• 4. If you plan to use your notebook computer
  both on the road and at home or at school,
  consider a docking station.
• 5. If necessary, upgrade memory and disk storage
  at the time of purchase.
• 6. If you are going to use your notebook
  computer on an airplane, purchase a second
  battery.

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• 7. Purchase a well-padded and well-designed
  carrying case.
• 8. If you travel overseas, obtain a set of
  electrical and telephone adapters.
• 9. If you plan to connect your notebook computer
  to a video projector, make sure the notebook
  computer is compatible with the video projector.

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How to Purchase a Handheld Computer

• 1. Determine the applications you plan to run on
  your handheld computer.
• 2. What do you want to pay?
• 3. Practice with the touch screen and
  handwriting recognition before deciding on a
  model.

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• 4. Decide if you want a color screen.
• 5. Compare battery life.
• 6. Check out the accessories.

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• 7. Decide if you want additional functionality.
• 8. Is synchronization of data with other
  handheld computers, personal computers, or
  printer important?
• 9. If you travel often, then consider
• e-mail, and Web access from your handheld
  computer.

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The End