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Choosing a New Computer

Introduction

Buying a computer is a lot like buying a car. There are lots of models, and lots of options. It can be confusing and frustrating.

However, we use most personal computers to do basically the same things — read and send email, browse the internet, create documents and perhaps manage pictures and music. As long as you don't have specialized needs that go much beyond this, you can't really go wrong. With a little guidance, though, you can save a bit of money or ensure that you won't need to replace your PC too soon.

This document lays out what we think of as the main decisions an individual buying a computer for personal use must make. It is of course more generic than the advice we would give to an individual client, but we hope it may be helpful.

Decision #1: Mac v. Windows

We are Windows people. But we use Macs too, and we like Macs a lot.

For most people, the software they use is the most important issue in choosing a PC versus a Mac. You may need specific software for your work, which may only be available for Windows PCs; for example, Microsoft Outlook is only available on Windows PCs. In addition, some companies may require Windows to gain remote access to your work computer. Moreover, there is simply more software available for Windows PCs, including free software, than there is for Macs. Finally, switching from Windows to Mac or from Mac to Windows will require a little getting used to – not a lot, but some. How much that would annoy you only you can know. If you are really torn, it is worth noting that there is software that allows Macs to run Windows programs. By contrast, it is quite difficult to run Mac software on hardware that was not built by Apple.

On the cost front, Windows machines are generally somewhat cheaper to buy, although the cost difference can fluctuate depending on what models Apple is pushing. Mac fans often point to the package of excellent software that comes bundled with Macs to explain the price difference, but your mileage may vary depending on what software you actually need and use.

Mac hardware and Windows hardware are generally equally prone to failure, but Macs are harder and more expensive to fix when they do fail. However, hardware problems represent a relatively small percentage of the problems faced by most computer users.

Last, Windows desktop computers (but not laptops) are almost always easier to upgrade than Macs.

If you are a normal, home computer user, and what you mainly want is to browse the Web, get your personal email, keep a calendar, do some word processing, and futz around with music, photos and maybe some video, buy a Mac. That's right: buy a Mac. Macs come with most of the software you need right out of the box, and that software just works and keeps working. They're great machines, and if they're right for you, you should get one. If you're not sure, go to an Apple store and try one out. The staff is almost always helpful and knowledgeable. (And no, we don't have any kind of kickback arrangement!)

Decision #2: Desktop v. Laptop

Whether you choose a Windows machine or a Mac, your next decision is: desktop, or laptop? There used to be a huge price difference, but it's much smaller now. And just because you have a laptop doesn't mean you have to use a tiny screen and keyboard all of the time: it's easy (and reasonably inexpensive) to plug in a larger screen, a keyboard, and a nice mouse, and make your laptop just as comfortable to use on your desk as a desktop would be.

If you know that you need to take your computer with you from time to time, you have to buy a laptop. Done. Next question. At the other extreme, if you want to play modern, graphics-intensive computer games, or to edit a lot of home video, you probably need a desktop, because a laptop that can handle those demands well is likely to be prohibitively expensive.

If your computing needs are ordinary, and you don't need to take your computer with you but you'd like to have the option, the question is how much you are prepared to pay for that option. It is impossible to tell exactly how much more money you will have to pay for a laptop, as it depends a lot on the features you decide to buy. We can, however, give you some guidance on the compromises and workarounds involved.

Laptop Considerations

  • Ergonomics. A desktop will usually be more pleasurable to use. The screen will be bigger, and the keyboard and the mouse will be more responsive. But as mentioned above, if you care about this and are prepared to spend some more money (say $250), you can have all of the ergonomics you want at your desk, and still have a computer to take on the airplane (or into the backyard). In other words, this is a money issue, not a functionality issue.
  • Storage (Hard disk or drive). Modern laptops come with decent sized hard drives (i.e. 160Gb or larger). But if you plan to store lots of music, photos or videos, you will want a larger hard drive, which will drive up your cost more in a laptop than it would in a desktop. You can augment your laptop's hard drive with an external hard drive, but that's another box to lug around. External hard drives are not expensive, but access to data stored on an external hard drive is a bit slower than to an internal drive. If you do go this route, you should know that some external hard drives are more portable than others.
  • Optical Drives (CD/DVD/Blu-ray). No difference. Pretty much any optical drive you can buy for a desktop you can also buy for your laptop (at a price). Some laptops come without built-in optical drives, to save on weight, but you can buy inexpensive external drives that plug in.
  • Memory (RAM). Laptop memory is more expensive than desktop memory, so laptops tend to come with less.
  • Processor. Laptop processors now fall into two general categories: a) low-power processors that save on batteries (the Intel "Atom" chip is a prominent example) and b) higher power processors that are little different from the processors in desktop machines. The first type is fine for email, word processing, light spreadsheets, playing music and browsing the internet. Some, but not all, of the first type are also fine for watching movies. But if you plan to do any photo or video editing, or if you are one of those people who likes to have a lot of programs open at the same time, the lightweight processors are likely to vex you.
  • Graphics. Unless you go really high end or really low end, any laptop will have good enough graphics for anything except modern video games. If you plan to hook up an external monitor, make sure the laptop has the type of video output your monitor will require. At present, the two main flavors laptops have are VGA and HDMI. Most laptops have only VGA; HDMI is newer and higher quality.
  • Upgrades. You may be able to add some more memory to a laptop, but that's about it. Desktops are much easier to upgrade.
  • Repairs. Laptops are harder and more expensive to repair. Unlike desktops, their parts are not standardized, so you're likely to be stuck buying more expensive replacements from the laptop maker. And there are scenarios in which you'll essentially be forced to replace the whole machine rather than just the offending part (for example, if a laptop screen goes kaput, it may not be cost-effective to replace the screen even if the operative guts of the machine are still working fine).

Where to Buy Your PC

  • If you want a Mac: Go to your nearest Apple store, or visit apple.com. There aren't many choices, and you can't go wrong. It all boils down to how much you want to spend.
  • If you want a Laptop: Laptops vary widely in their physical design, and little things like the feel of the keyboard can be surprisingly important, so it is often helpful to visit a store and check out some laptops in person. If you live in the Boston area, the Micro Center in Cambridge has a nice selection. If you really want to save money, though, check out the stock of refurbished (or "recertified") laptops at Newegg, PC Connection and TigerDirect. These laptops are supposed to come with the original manufacturer's warranty (though it's worth checking), and often offer substantial savings.
  • If you want a Desktop: Here, online shopping is easier, as desktops are pretty interchangeable. Try configuring your desired computer at Dell's online store, www.dell.com, and then shop around a bit if you're inclined (you may want to try HP, Gateway and eMachines). We've been pleased with Dell over the years, but opinions vary. Their customer service, while far from perfect, is generally reasonably good, and their prices are generally competitive.