Computer buying guide
If you are looking for a computer buying guide that will help you to purchase the best system unit, this article uncovers some insights to figure out the factors behind the best computer.
Generally, there are several brands and types of computers available on the market, which on the other hand give a lot of work for a user to choose the right system. This article is meant to ease that process.
So, how do you know that you are buying the best computer?
The primary step is to understand computer components that affect its performance comparing to other components.
What are these computer parts?
Go ahead and read the tips mentioned on this computer buying guide and you surely know and determine the best system unit that meets your current need.
laptop computer
Processor – called the “brain” of a computer where all the computing tasks performed. CPU (central processing unit) Clock speed – the more the clock device sends pulses to the CPU the faster the processing. Clock speed is measured in MHZ or GHZ.
For instance, a processor with 1.5GHZ speed means the device sends 1.5million pulses per second.
In addition to the clock speed, recent processors have multiple cores which enable you to process multiple tasks at the same time.
A dual core processor (means, it has two processors) executes two sets of instructions at the same time.
A quad core processor (means, it has four processors) executes four sets of instructions at the same time.
Motherboard – it is the main circuitry board which communicates computer components. In computer system, data is transferred from one component to the other through a system bus.
The type of bus that connects a CPU with the main memory (RAM) is called FSB (Front Side Bus). It is the fastest bus in a computer.
Motherboards with high FSB speed means well performing PCs, data or instructions are delivered to the CPU quickly. The higher the FSB speed, the faster the processing time.
Main Memory
A Computer equipped with memory that has more capacity and better speed enables the CPU to process quickly.
When you buy computer, look for PC which has good memory size and expandability limit (means, how far it can be upgraded in the near future).
Currently, memory can be upgradable up to 8GB on personal desktop computer and upto 16GB on Laptop computers.
Cache memory – it is a high-speed memory which holds frequently used instructions by a CPU. The CPU accesses instructions very quickly from this memory than the main memory. The more cache memory sizes, the faster the processing time.
Hard Disk – it is a permanent storage device used to store all applications and data. Hard disk speed determined by: access time, rotational speed and transfer speed.
Access time means the time it is taken to retrieve data from the hard disk. Rotational speed means the speeds the platters rotate per minute (RPM) - The higher, the better. 5400RPM, 7200, and 10000RPM hard disks are the most common comes with most desktop computers.
Graphics Card
Advanced graphics card has its own processor and memory. This will liberate the CPU from processing graphical data, which enables it to process other tasks quickly.
Look for a computer card that has its own processor and higher graphic card memory.
DVD Drives
Check whether a system has DVD RW drive, since most modern PC comes with it.
Conclusion
This is a concise computer buying guide, the most part is covered. And still you may refer additional sources and research more before deciding to purchase.
A typical desktop computer specification
Here is a sample desktop computer specification if you are searching for a good desktop computer to buy. I have listed the most component features you should check when you buy desktop computer.
Actually, the intended usage of a computer should be your first step to answer. Why are you going to buy? What are you going to do with it? I say this because you don’t have to buy a high-end pc for tasks such as word processing, spreadsheet, web browsing or e-mail.
If you do have enough budgets, go for it. For the future it will serve you well for graphical and design works too.
This is a typical desktop computer specification, this doesn’t mean you should buy this computer. It is just a guide to help you.
Manufacturer Cabinet type: Dell, Compaq, HP or other good brands
Operating system: Windows XP, Windows Vista, Windows 7
Processor Manufacturer: Intel or AMD Processor
Type: Intel Core Duo Processor
Speed: 2.0GHZ
Bus Speed: 1000MHZ
Motherboard Form Factor: ATX, Micro-ATX
Chipset: Intel 945G Express
No of PCI Slots: 4
Peripheral Connectors (Front): USB 2.0 (2), headphone/speaker out
Peripheral Connectors (Back): USB 2.0 (5), VGA out, Ethernet (Rj-45), Stereo Line-in, Microphone, Speaker/Line out, Serial and Parallel ports
Storage Drives Hard Drive Capacity: 200GB
Hard Drive Interface: SATA, 7200RPM
Memory Memory Type: DDR2 SDRAM
Installed memory: 1GB
Upgradable: Up to 4GB
CD/DVD Drives Optical Drive Type: DVD-RW
CD Read Speed: 52x and so on
DVD Read Speed: 8x, 16x and so on
Monitor (Display) Screen type: LCD or CRT Screen
Resolution: 1280 X 1024 or more
Refresh Rate: 60HZ or more
Diagonal size: 17” or more
Video Card Type: Intel Graphics Media Accelerator
Interface Type: Integrated
Video card memory: 256MB
Sound Card Type: Integrated Digital Audio
Interface Type: Integrated
Keyboard USB Enhanced QWERTY keyboard
Mouse USB Optical 2-Button Scroll mouse
Speakers Built in Speaker, Integrated sound speaker
Power Supply
This desktop computer specification covers the most important parts you should carefully look when you buy a new system.
There are a lot of desktop computer brands, however, you may choose from the known manufacturers who have good support.
If you don’t have financial problem, buying a new brand will be your primary choice. It will save you from some of the headaches associated with clone or assembled PCs.
Have a good purchase!
Sample Laptop specification
Here is a sample laptop specification if you want an initial guide to buy a laptop. More or else, these are the factors you should take into consideration before purchasing a particular type of laptop.
Features Description
System Dell Latitude E5400 LaptopMobile Intel GS45 Express chipset
Processor Type: Intel Core 2 Duo P8600
Clock Speed: 2.4GHZ
Bus Speed: 1066MHZ
Cache L2: 3MB
Memory Technology: DDR2 SDRAM
Expandability: Upgradable up to 4GB
Bus Speed: 800MHZ
Installed size: 2GB
Channel: Dual channel
Storage and Optical drives Technology: SATA II
Capacity: 250GB, 5400RPM
Optical Drive: DVD+/- RW (8X)
Video graphics and Display Controller: Intel GMA 4500MHD
Display: 14.1” Widescreen WXGA LCD panel
Communications and connectivity Modem: Internal 56.6K Data, Fax and Voice Modem
Wired Network: 10/100/1000Gigabit Ethernet network interface adaptor
Wireless Network: Dell WLAN 1397 (802.11 b/g) ½ miniCard with core 2 Duo lable
I/O ports: IEEE-1394, docking connector, USB 2.0 (4), VGA, S-Video, RJ-11, RJ-45, headphone/speaker out, mic
Power adapter/Battery AC Adapter: 90 watt AC Adapter
Battery: 6-cell 56W/HR LI-ION primary battery
Accessories and others Carry case, operating software, resource CD, warranty
This is a typical modern laptop specification, as can see it has good features. For example, it has two processors (dual processor) which enable you to run more than one programs.
Usually, there are programs to use the processor capability efficiently.
Regarding the brands, currently the dominant brands are Toshiba, HP and Dell. Personally I prefer Dell Laptops, they have good additional features and good customer support.
Have a good purchase!
HP laptop memory upgrade guide
HP laptop memory upgrade is the easiest method to speed up your computer. However, there are some issues you need to understand before upgrading HP memory.
In order to select the right memory chip, you should know your laptop memory type, capacity, number of slots on the motherboard and memory speed (optional).
Memory type
The most common types of memory used in modern laptop computers are: DDR, DDR2, and DDR3 SDRAM. DDR3 memory type is not common in old systems, now it is the popular memory type in recent systems.
How do you know your HP laptop memory type?
Here are some of the ways:-
Refer your system manual for hp memory
Read the label tag found on the existing memory chip (most manufacturers write the details about the memory on the label tag)
You can also find the data sheet for your laptop memory type, size and speed by entering memory tag number on search engines.
Memory size
Memory chips are available in several capacities: 512MB, 1GB, 2GB, 4GB and 8GB are the most common memory chips available on the market.
Maximum memory supported and speed
Every laptop computer has maximum limitation of memory usage. If you install a memory chip greater than the system supports, your laptop either won’t recognize it or unable to load Windows properly.
Regarding the speed of memory, you must install a memory with the same speed of the existing memory or higher. You may consult your system manual for additional information.
Total Memory slots
The memory slots dictate the number of slots available on the motherboard. Some laptops have only one slot and most laptop models have two slots.
Here I have listed memory information for some of the models of HP laptops. Your laptop model might not be listed here, but, it would help you to figure out yours as well.
The list mentions:-
The type of memory used in a specific HP model,
Number of available hp laptop memory slots and
Maximum memory supported by the specific laptop model
Here are some of the models of HP Laptops and their memory type, number of slots and maximum size support.
Model
Memory Type
Total Memory Slots available
Maximum memory supported
HP Mini 2102
WZ292UT Notebook
DDR2
1
2GB
HP Compaq
NC6220 Notebook
DDR2
2
4GB
HP Compaq
NC6220 Notebook
DDR2
2
2GB
HP Mini
210-1032CL Notebook
DDR2
1
1GB
HP 620
WZ259UT Notebook
DDR3
2
4GB (64-bit Operating system required)
HP Compaq
nc6400 Notebook
DDR2
2
4GB
HP ProBook
4720sWH286UT Notebook
DDR3
2
8GB (64-bit Operating system required)
HP Pavilion
dv7-3165dx Notebook
DDR2
2
4GB
HP Compaq
Mini 102 WH244UT
DDR2
1
1GB
HP Compaq
NC6120 Notebook
DDR2
2
2GB
HP Pavilion dv4
Entertainment laptop
DDR3
2
8GB (64-bit Operating system required)
HP Pavilion
dv7-3160us Notebook
DDR2
2
4GB
HP G60-637CL Notebook
DDR2
2
4GB
HP Pavilion
dv4-2165dx Notebook
DDR3
2
8GB (64-bit Operating system required)
HP Pavilion
dv6-2150us Notebook
DDR3
2
8GB (64-bit Operating system required)
HP ProBook 4510s WH330UT Notebook
DDR3
2
8GB (64-bit Operating system required)
HP Pavilion
dv7-3173nr Notebook
DDR2
2
4GB
Conclusion
Generally, whether you have HP, Toshiba or Dell laptop computer, you should know the type of memory used in your laptop before purchasing.
We have discussed about the essentials of HP laptop memory upgrade and what you should know when replacing laptop memory. Hope this article was helpful.
Best cheap laptop computer
As laptop computer becomes so popular in every occupation, people are always searching for the best cheap laptop computer to buy. Actually, getting best quality laptop computer with cheap price can be very challenging since we always pay more for best product.
However, if you know well about the hardware specs you want and the type of work you are going to do, then it will be easier to get best cheap laptop computer. You may get laptops starting from 100$, but make sure that it fits with your work type. For example, if you are into gaming, you need a laptop with powerful processor and video adapter. If you only see the price, then you will purchase a laptop that is short of processing capacity even to carry out ordinary works such as e-mail and internet browsing.
It is recommended that when you plan to buy a computer you need to know well about the BIG 4 computer parts Spec (processor, motherboard, video card, and memory). This is because any laptop computer performance extremely dependent on the specs of these parts.
Laptop types based on price
In the laptop computer market, you will find three types of laptop computers: brand new, used laptop and refurbished laptop.
Generally, the price of brand new computer is always higher when comparing to other types, but still depends on the spec. If you want the best cheap laptop computer among from newly manufactured laptops, you may go to one of the best and cheap online stores (such us, TigerDirect, Newegg, geeks, Dell, bestbuy) and start searching beginning from the least price then go upward until you reach the desired spec. Remember the BIG 4 parts.
Used laptop computers are also available at computer stores. These kinds of laptops were used by the owner for some time and put for resale without any maintenance and refurbishment. You do not get as many as used laptop online comparing to refurbished laptops. Nevertheless, you can still keep it in your search list.
Refurbished laptop is the other but the most common laptop type available online. What is refurbished means? Here is a the best definition I find from www.webopedia.com,
“In computer technology, refurbished refers to "old" or used computer equipment that has been restored to like-new working condition and/or appearance or computer devices that have been sent back to the factory to fix a flaw. The term typically refers to the hardware components of a computer that have been either replaced with similar components or updated with newer technology than the device originally came with. Companies that lease computers will often refurbish the computers after they are turned in and resell the refurbished units, commonly referred to as refurbs, at prices lower than those of new computers and/or donate the refurbs to schools or charities.”
Refurbished laptops are not new, that is why they are labeled as “Refurbished” and packed for sale. If you have financial constraint, why not try refurbished laptops, there are varieties of choices available in this group as well.
Here are some of the best cheap laptop computers that may interest you. (November 2011). You will also get used laptops at eBay with the price much lower than the following.
Dell Latitude D630 (refurbished) Processor: Core 2 Duo 1.8 GHz (intel) Screen: 14.1” Memory: 512 MB Ram Hard drive: 60 GB disk (Windows XP) Price Range: 220$ – 250$
Dell Inspiron M5030 (new) Processor: Athlon II 2.3 GHz (AMD) Screen Size: 15.6” Memory: 4 GB Ram Hard drive: 320 GB disk (Windows 7) Price Range: 300$ – 325$
HP - Pavilion Laptop Processor: Intel® Core™ i3 Processor Screen: 15.6" Memory: 4GB Memory Hard drive: 320 GB disk (Windows 7 Home) Price Range: 390$ – 400$
Samsung - Laptop Processor: Intel® Pentium® Processor Screen: 15.6" Memory: 4GB Memory Hard drive: 320 GB disk (Windows 7 Home) Price Range: 290$ – 300$
Acer - Aspire Laptop Processor: AMD C-Series Processor Screen: 14" Memory: 2GB Memory Hard drive: 250 GB disk Price Range: 230$ – 250$
DELL Inspiron 15R Processor: Intel Core i5 2410M, 2.30GHz Screen: 15.6" Memory: 4GB Memory Hard drive: 640 GB disk Price Range: 550$ – 750$
We can list several types of laptops here but it is up to you to decide and select the right laptop.
Conclusion
Given that there are wide varieties of laptops, which differ in brand, make and price, it is very challenging to opt for the right one. To select the best cheap laptop computer, the easiest method therefore is to decide first the type of work you are going to do with it. Otherwise, you will consume your time in searching for a laptop from the enormous types available on the net.
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