Digital Christmas 2022 | Computer Skeptic | courierjournal.net – courierjournal
Are you looking to buy a new computer for your favorite geek this Christmas? Do you get as overwhelmed as I do when shopping for one? The choices are often overwhelming but I can offer some foundational advice on where to begin.
I suggest coming up with a budget and then buy as much computer as you can within that budget. Plan to spend $500 to $700 for a family computer. Add at least $100 for a laptop computer. Gaming computers are a complicated subject. We see lots of sad clients who spent $700 at some online shop for a computer that is not powerful enough to play their games. I suggest you consult with a professional before buying a gaming computer.
When buying a new Windows 11-equipped computer, RAM is ultra-important. 6 gigabytes (GB) of RAM is okay for grandma, 8 GB is better, and 16 GB is best. Hard drive size doesn’t matter as much as it used to because most of our stuff is now stored in the cloud instead of on our computers. 256GB is the minimum. You need more if you store lots of pictures or videos. Most new computers will come with fast, reliable “solid-state” or “SSD” hard drives. Ultra-cheap computers may still come with old, slow, “mechanical” hard drives. Avoid those.
Apple “Macintosh” computers tend to have the most reliable hardware and best technical support but you will pay dearly for a computer made by Apple. Apple does have excellent US-based technical support if you need that service. If you are looking to save money and still get the job done, stay with a PC from a leading manufacturer.
In our experience, there is no “best” brand of desktop computer. All brands are pretty reliable these days. Durability is another matter. Each manufacturer sells junky low-end systems. Each manufacturer sells higher-end systems. You generally get what you pay for so let price be your guide.
Be sure the computer has a 1-year warranty. Some manufacturers try to slip in a mere 90-day warranty. Steer far away from extended warranties and “protection plans.” They are almost pure profit for retailers and rarely worth the price. While I’m at it, don’t let the big box retailers pressure you into buying anti-virus software or ANY extras for that matter–especially the snake oil they sell to you as “computer optimization.” That is simply a rip off. Windows 11 has built-in antivirus that is quite effective and 100% free.
If you need a printer, keep in mind that most inkjet printers are junk these days. If you have any problems with them, you usually have to throw them away. Laser printers are far more reliable but more expensive. Happy holidays!
Jim Fisher owns Excel Computer Services in Florence. Reach him at www.ExcelAL.com
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