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Home Page - Buy or Build a PC/Laptop
Buy or Build a PC/Laptop
Recently, the prices of computers in the major chains have dropped around $500 for a full PC, or even lower for a refrubished unit.
Laptop prices have taken a similar downward trend.
So that raises the questions:
"Should I buy a laptop? Or should I go buy one of those latest HP's for $500? Or should I have the PC shop down the street build me a custom desktop with that sweet case loaded with neon lights? But I seen my friend bought an APPLE computer, and she was SO happy with it, and it looked easy to use!" (confusion sets in)
We will touch on the major points to make it a little bit easier to make a decision. For further discussion or to ask specific questions, interact with others:
Click Here to visit Billy The Computer Man Message Forums on Workstations & PC's!
APPLE or IBM PC Compatible?
- Apple
- Mac OS
- Linux OS
- Microsoft Windows OS
The Apple computer line recently started using the Intel Line of processors and chipsets which allows them to run Microsoft Operating System and software naitively. Along with their reliablilty, stability and succesful line of iPhones, iPods, iTunes and other multimedia lines of products, Apple has a loyal following. Always costs more to purchase, but yield a high performing solid machine for your money. One of the reasons for stability on these units is the limited availabilty of hardware and even software to end users.
- IBM "Compatibles"
- HP/Compaq
- Dell
- IBM/Lenovo
- Sony
- "Generic" Names
- Microsoft Windows OS
- Linux OS
The "IBM Compatibles" are the various named computers that follow the x86 and newer generation processors, dating back in genetics to the first successful personal computer released in 1981 by IBM, the IBM PC 5150.
These computers are fairly cheap, parts are plentiful. They comprise the majority of personal computers. But the wide combination of hardware and software available that run on these machines, allow many bugs and incompatibilities to surface leading to instability compared.
Desktop or Laptop?
Some facts:
- Laptops
- Almost always slower that Desktops (battery conservation)
- Graphics are slower than a Desktop
- Tend to generate more heat
- Smaller laptop, lighter, less features
- Harder to upgrade, Less upgrade features
- Very portable, Carry almost everywere
- Less "wires" and hindering things tying you down
- Can't build one yourself. Most customization you can do is order one "to your liking" if the manufacturer offers it that way from the factory
- Desktops
- Faster than Laptops
- Graphics are faster and on higher end models you can even get an upgraded video card. -Perfect for Gamers!
- Monitors are almost always external, so you can choose to buy which one you want an looks better for you
- Battery never runs out, unless the power goes off
- Tend to run cooler due to larger size than a Laptop
- Pay more, get more features due to ample space
- Easy to upgrade, depending on manufacturer availablilty
- Drawback is you are "stuck" wherever you place it, unlike a Laptop
- You can have your favorite PC Tech build you one, letting you customize the graphics, or if you are a gamer, or if you need it for school, or if you simply want that cool looking case that the major manufacturer does not offer!
Some deciding points:
- If you do any of the following, an APPLE desktop might suit you:
- Audio Editing
- Video Editing
- Animated Video Rendering
- Graphic Designing
- An APPLE laptop might be for you if:
- If you are a student
- New to computing (Apple OS -easy to learn)
- Subscribe to iTunes, or have an iPhone or iPod
- A PC Compatible Desktop:
- If you are used to and already use Windows Software
- Are a SERIOUS gamer
- Need a faster PC
- No need for a Laptop
- A PC Compatible Laptop:
- Need a cheaper laptop
- If you are used to and already use Windows Software
- Facts on a Laptop or Desktop less than $500:
- Are usually "barebones" units stripped down
- To "upgrade" it sometimes requires a purchase from the manufacturer and costs more than a better equipped new computer
- Alternative OS like Linux on many Sub $500 units, as opposed to Microsoft Windows
- You do not have more money to spend on a computer
- You do not want to spend more money on a computer
- Need a 2nd cheap unit
- For the kids
- For work or a "rough" environment
- As in life.... You get what you PAY for!
- Why you should have someone local "Custom Build" you your Desktop:
- You can actively have your computer "tailored" for you
- You can "know" who is actually building your custom computer
- Local warranty, as opposed to having to "ship out" your computer
- Avoid giving your computer to a Geek Squad or something similar (shudder)
- The lack of garbage un-needed pre-loaded software, "bloatware" which is installed on the name brand computers, trying to sell you software you do not need, and slow down your new computer.
Some Operating System thoughts:
- Linux:
- Is a GREAT alternative to Microsoft Windows as an Operating System (Vista comes from crippled "BASIC" version to the loaded "ULTIMATE" version which costs $400. (need help picking up your jaw off the ground?)
- HIGHLY customizable
- It is available in many different distributions, from different vendors
- Linux Distros are typically free for download, or cost a few dollars to be delivered to you in CD/DVD form
- Some are paid versions (with some better support for drivers, and paid tech support)
- There are many applications included for free, (IE: Open Office Suite) which cost hundreds of dollars to buy for Microsoft Windows. IE: Microsoft Office "ULTIMATE" which costs about $680. (need help AGAIN picking up your jaw off the ground?)
- MAC OS X:
- Legally, only can install and use on APPLE hardware.
- APPLE PC's are only sold through authorized dealers, and can't be "custom built" by the aftermarket
- If you need to buy MAC OS for an older computers you have laying around, the cost for a 5 site license (5 PC's), is less than 1 Copy (1 PC) of Windows XP Pro or Windows Vista Home Premium
- Vista:
- If you can locate a PC or have one custom built with Windows XP Pro, or Linux, do so, for now.
- Vista has a LOT of nice features, but unless you have ULTIMATE you can't use them
- Linux & Mac OS X have a lot of these features already built in
- Vista is a HOG for resources, and minimum system requirements, as opposed to Linux, MAC OS X and even Windows XP Professional
- Vista is VERY buggy even after SP1 release
- Vista SP-1 HAS corrected a lot of problems from the initial release
Some final loose thoughts:
- Refurbished Computers:
- Can save a lot of money for newer technology
- Is not new, someone has owned it for a few minutes or longer
- Might simply:
- Be an open box/return with no problem
- Be a defective computer, returned, and the problem fixed to "original factory specs"
- Sometimes comes with full warranty, or limited or none
- Possibly missing all original packed material
- Might not be in original packaging
To ask your own questions, or share any knowledge and information you have, please click below to visit our forums section and participate!
Click Here to visit Billy The Computer Man Message Forums on Workstations & PC's!
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