Factors to consider when buying a laptop / Computer

There are many factors to consider when buying a laptop or PC.

One of the first aspect you will have to look at is your budget and what you can afford. When it comes to computers, we all want the best but cant always afford it, so be realistic.

Your requirements are of the next key importance. Do you need a laptop or a desktop? What is the machine going to be used for. Once having done this you should refer to the earlier statement on budget, often these can be two conflicting issues, you may have to re plan your budget or adjust your requirements to be more compatible with each other.

Now you should look to the computer itself and it specific requirements for the tasks it will be needed for 

The processor is the most important factor when choosing a computer. There are many ranges and varieties out there. Based on reviews Intel are making the best chips at the moment. their core 2 duo range seem to be topping the pools in terms of performance and abilities.

Next is the RAM, now for most people this is simple just go for as much as possible but you must remember that if you go over 2GB that is a windows 64bit operating system.

Requirements for the hardrive are similar case of the bigger the better. 

When it comes to graphics, All computers come preloaded with some form of graphics. Should you be a major gaming fan than i would suggest you go for a quality card in terms of graphics. In choosing one i would go for something of better quality than Nvidia.

Good FPS - Frame per second (FPS), the more frames the smoother your game play will be. As you crank up the visuals in today's hottest games, your FPS will suffer. A powerful video card will offset this issue.

If you or your family are music or DVD fans, then i would advise to consider a computer with a CD / DVD burner, obviously can add more expense to your budget, but well worth it in the long run.

Software on a computer is just as important as the physical hardware. Like all elements of a computer, the requirements of the computer should be tailored to your needs as the user. example of some useful software are as follow:

• Adobe Reader and numerous other products depending on your individual needs.
• The most recent Microsoft word e.g 2010
• Social software e.g Windows instant messenger and skype.
• Music software e.g Windows media player, apple itunes and real player
• Student software e.g power point, excel etc

Having considered all the steps above, next its no use having all this up to date software if one website can attack your system and bring your computing experience to a halt and can also cost you alot to get fixed.

Be wise and spend the money on a good anti virus, spyware and malware software to keep your system running smoothly.

in order to protect your computer from any accidents or damage you should take into consideration, accidental damage cover for 5 years minimum. In all good PC stores they will advise it anyway, but just in case they don't, then be sure to mention it to them.