I recently helped my niece pick a laptop for college, which got me thinking that I should write an article containing all of my computer buying recommendations.

Why Buy A New Computer

If you already have a computer, you might be wondering why you should consider a new one.

The main reason is that newer software tends to require a newer computer to run effectively.  Also, some computer peripherals (printers, scanners, etc.) may require features found only on newer computers.  For example, if you buy a printer today it will almost certainly require a USB port, but some older computers don't have USB ports.

Also, over time, computers running Windows tend to get slower as more and more software is installed.  (This can sometimes be resolved by reformatting your hard drive, but that is a lengthy technical process that is beyond the scope of this document.)

The bottom line is that if your computer is more than a couple of years old, it is probably time to buy something new.  It is a sad fact of the industry that most computers become obsolete in a few years.  Unless you are a computer expert, it is usually easier to buy a whole new system than to try to upgrade your old system.

Tom recommends:  Expect to buy a new computer every 2 years or so.

What To Buy

Operating System

First you need to decide on your operating system.

Windows.  Almost all modern computers found in stores come with Microsoft Windows Vista installed, so that is what I'll focus on.  There are several confusing variations of Vista -- you can't go wrong with Vista Home Premium, which is the most popular configuration.

Note 1:  If you already have a computer running any previous version of Windows, you should expect a bit of a learning curve when you start using Vista.

Note 2:  There is a popular misconception that Windows Vista should be avoided.  Personally, I think many of the Vista detractors just didn't want to go through the hassle of learning something new.  In any case, some computers still come with -- and many computer experts and sales clerks still suggest buying -- the older Microsoft Windows XP, but in my opinion you will be setting yourself up for more technical challenges if you choose XP over Vista.

Apple.  If you have a lot of money to spend, you may choose to buy an Apple system, but if you do, you'll need to find another buyer's guide because I've never owned an Apple.  I have nothing against them, but I consider Apples to be the Bose speakers of the computer world:  They are more expensive, and you don't get much for the extra money except a vague sense of prestige.

Linux.  Linux is a popular alternative choice among computer experts, but unless you are an expert yourself (in which case you wouldn't be reading this), or have the services of a full-time expert who can set up and maintain your computer for you, it's best to avoid it.

Tom recommends:  Windows Vista Home Premium.

Desktop vs. Laptop

Desktop computers (shown at right) are cheaper and have more "horsepower" than their laptop counterparts.  Expect to pay roughly twice as much for a laptop with the same performance as a desktop.

Remember you will need to buy a monitor to go with a desktop computer.  Most stores sell package deals, sometimes even including a printer, too.

If you're familiar with mice, it can be frustrating to get used to a laptop trackpad.  Also, the keyboard layout on laptops is often subtley different than on full-size keyboards.

Laptop Size.  Laptops come in three sizes:  14.1", 15.4", and 17".  The choice of size is largely a matter of personal preference, but consider this:  14.1" laptop screens are very small and require good eyes to see.  They are also a bit more expensive, and the keyboard is usually smaller and harder to use.  17" laptops are obviously easier to see, but I find that they make the laptop too cumbersome to carry around, which defeats the purpose of getting a laptop in the first place.  I find 15.4" laptops to be "just right."

Laptop Brand.  Choosing a brand of laptop is a matter of personal taste.  The differences will be in the color and style of the case, the look and feel of the keyboard and trackpad, and the software the comes pre-installed.  There won't be any technical differences under the hood.

Tom recommends:  I prefer the look and feel of HP laptops.

Desktop Monitors.  Most desktop LCD monitors are now widescreen.  I would suggest at least a 19" widescreen monitor, depending on how much space you have on your desk.  Larger monitors are, of course, easier to see -- but more expensive.  Be aware that the cheaper off-brand monitors can be noticeably lower in quality.

Tom recommends:  I have had good success with Samsung monitors.

Processor

Brand.  There are two different brands of processors in modern computers:  Intel and AMD.  Unless you are a computer expert, you will find no practical difference between the two.  It's like selecting between a Panasonic television and a Sony television:  Both show you the same picture, so your selection is largely a matter of personal preference and/or brand loyalty.  Historically, AMD processors have been cheaper, but that's not always the case anymore.

Tom recommends:  Lately I have been buying AMD processors.

Speed.  Processor speed is measured in GHz (gigahertz).  Consumer-priced processors today are typically "dual core" (meaning there are actually two processors running at the same time inside the chip) and run at around 1.8 to 2.0 GHz, which is a good speed most applications.  This is becoming such a common processor speed that it isn't even mentioned anymore.  Typically only computer experts will require anything more advanced.

Tom recommends:  A 2.0 GHz processor.

Memory

Memory is measured in GB (gigabytes).  Not having enough memory can have a dramatic negative impact on your computer performance, so this is the one area you definitely don't want to scrimp.  Modern computers typically come with 1 GB or more of memory, but I would suggest getting at least 2 GB of memory for Windows Vista.

Tom recommends:  Make sure you get 2 or even 3 GB to run Windows Vista.

Hard Drive

Size.  Hard drive storage is also measured in GB (gigabytes).  Modern hard drives come in two sizes:  Enormous (around 150 GB) and Unbelievably Enormous (250 GB or more).  Drives are so big now that I don't even pay attention to the numbers anymore.  Unless you are planning to do a lot of intense video editing work on a major motion picture, it is unlikely that you'll ever run out of hard drive space with 150 GB or more.

Speed.  When buying a laptop, you won't have much choice about the hard drive speed.  But for desktop computers you should look for a 7200 RPM drive (as opposed to 5400 RPM) for better performance.

Tom recommends:  Any hard drive size 150 GB or more.

Graphics Card

Most modern graphics card should handle basic multimedia tasks like playing DVDs, Internet video and basic 3D rendering.  You should only be concerned about the performance of your graphics card if you are planning to play a lot of video games.  (If that is the case, you will probably do better with a desktop computer.  Selecting a proper graphics card for video game performance is beyond the scope of this guide, but the bottom line is that you'll want to get the most expensive one you can afford, and you can expect this to consume the majority of your budget.)

Tom recommends:  When you are looking at computers running Windows Vista in a store, take a look at the Windows Experience Index in the System Control Panel (shown below).  I would suggest looking for a computer with a value of 3.0 or higher.

Summary of Recommendations

• Operating System:  Vista Home Premium.
• Processor:  2.0 GHz.  It doesn't matter if you pick Intel or AMD.
• Memory:  2 GB or 3 GB.
• Hard Drive:  Anything more than 150 GB will be sufficient.  7200 RPM if buying a desktop.
• Graphics Card:  Usually doesn't matter unless you want to play video games, in which case you'll want the most expensive one you can afford.  Look for a minimum Windows Experience Index of 3.0.

That's all for now.  Happy shopping!