If you're looking for a computer for your Etobicoke houses and you're not a computer savvy person, going straight to the store can be an exercise in frustration. The display cards crowded with unfamiliar terms like RAM and Gigahertz and the salespeople often sense your confusion and try to use it to get you to buy an expensive model you don't need. Therefore we recommend you read our guide to choosing a home computer first to arm yourself with enough information to make an intelligent choice when you get to the store.
Budget
The major factor that will eliminate a lot of models from your decision process is price. Home computers have come down a lot in price in the last few years, putting computers within the budget range of more people. You can get a small, basic computer for as little as $300, but if your mortgage company in Canada needs a reliable, brand name model with some features on it, you should plan for a price range of about $800 to $1,000. Any computer above this price range is usually specialized or has lots of bells and whistles.
PC or Mac
Home computer users have divided themselves into two camps: those that use computers that run operating systems designed by the Apple company (Macs) and those that use Microsoft operating systems (PCs). Each system has advantages and disadvantages. For example, while Macs are more expensive (some cost almost as much as your Oakville, Ontario real estate) and are incompatible with a lot of programs and add-ons, they are less prone to problems than PCs.
Size
The smallest computers you can get are laptops, which are designed to be portable. The Netbook style laptops have screen sizes between 8 and 10 inches, while regular laptops can go up to 14 or 15 inches. Desktop computers are always larger and designed to stay in one place in your Ajax real estate. Some of them have humongous screens of 27 inches or more. Look at the models in the store and see what screen size you need to accommodate your eyesight and budget. Generally speaking the larger the screen the more expensive the computer.
Features
What you plan to do with your computer will dictate which features you'll need it to have. For example, Markham optometrists who plan to use their computer for accounting and patient files will need only a basic model, but an amateur filmmaker who plans on using the computer to edit film and audio will need a faster processor and a larger hard drive to store the files. Other features you might like to have on your computer include a touch screen, a video card for gaming, special software, extra plugs to accommodate your devices, and bundled accessories like a printer or scanner.
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