With so many options to choose from, it can be a daunting task to find new computer equipment. Luckily, there is something to suit every price point, and most brands have a line of products to match your needs. We have outlined some of the main things you should consider before parting with your cash on your next purchase.
Budget and Brands
Choosing which new computer equipment to buy can largely depend on the budget that you set yourself. If you are aiming for low-cost equipment, then Asus and Acer offer a fantastic range of devices at relatively low prices. However, if the sky's the limit, then brands such as Apple and Lenovo have a variety of luxury products with prices to match.
After deciding on your budget, you need to consider which operating system the particular brand you have chosen uses. Typically the preferred operating system for most computers is the Windows OS. However, if your current computer uses the Apple Mac OS, then you will have to choose equipment that is compatible it, otherwise, you may end up spending money on things that will not work on your computer. So bear in mind what brand you are buying and the operating system it performs best with.
Peripherals
For those looking to add some nifty peripheral devices to your computer setup, you’ll need to consider how you intend to use them. If you are someone who spends a great deal of time at a computer, then consider opting for devices which are ergonomically friendly and will provide support to your joints over a long period. Gamers should look for mouses, keyboards, and other accessories that are specifically designed with performance and durability in mind, as most standard commercial products will not be up to the job. Logitech is generally seen as a market leader in peripheral and has keyboards and mice to suit the most avid users.
If you are user looking to accomplish run of the mill tasks, your choices may be primarily based on style; fortunately, there are a plethora of different options available for most devices from various brands.
Monitors
The technological development in screen technology has been nothing short of incredible - gone are the days of bulky desktop monitors that require an enormous amount of office space. With resolutions now reaching 4K on commercially available screens, you have to consider what you are using your computer for and whether it requires such a powerful display. Equally important is the size of the screen; both resolution and size will dictate the overall price, so make sure to get something that fits in the space available and offers the quality you want.
Storage
External storage is a fantastic way to ensure your data is backed up and won’t come to any harm should your primary computer storage decide to suddenly corrupt. There are two main types of storage: HDD, hard drive disks, and SSD, solid state drives, the fundamental difference between them is speed. If you are looking for something that reads and writes quickly, then SSD is the definite winner. However, if you want to keep costs low, then HDD is the choice for you but, either way, backup storage is vital and should be near the top of any shopping list.
Warranty & Returns
As e-commerce has exploded in size, free delivery and returns are becoming standard from most online stores. However, the delicate nature of various computer parts means that it is essential that you check a companies returns and warranty policies before buying. Lower cost items are often associated with final-sale policies, but make sure to check the companies stance on returning high ticket items - you don’t want to be stuck with a purchase that you don’t want or is incompatible with your current system. Also, it's important to consider the costs of returns, and some businesses allow you to return the product but make you pay for delivery which can increase costs dramatically - particularly for more substantial pieces of equipment.
Most reputable suppliers will offer a minimum of a year-long warranty on their products and will repair or place any faulty items. Some will even provide the ability to extend the warranty - usually at a cost to the buyer. Companies like Dell, under their Dell Outlet scheme, also offer warranties on some of the second-hand computers that they sell. However, it is worth checking on the brand or supplier and making sure that they provide a guarantee that stands up to some scrutiny. Additionally, check online reviews regarding their customer support, a warranty and returns policy is useless if you can not contact the company and action it.
Summary
Overall, when considering the equipment you need, it is best to think about your budget first and then work out which things are most necessary for you. Just make sure to do your homework first, and the perfect computer setup is only a few clicks away.
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