Technology Tips – Published February 2020 in the Guide and Digest
By Don Trauger – Kennett
The last time I wrote about buying a new computer was for the August 2016 Guide & Digest issue. Since then a number of changes have taken place. Desktop computers with a monitor are still viable and are often slightly less expensive than laptops with equal specifications. What can be confusing when shopping for a computer is the terminology and the technical specifications. Although space doesn’t allow for a complete primer on the subject, I’ll tell you what you need to know.
First, decide whether you want a laptop or a desktop. Laptops offer certain advantages over a desktop. You get portability with plenty of processing power. However there are disadvantages too. A somewhat smaller screen may strain your eyes over a period of time. A smaller keyboard makes for cramped typing. Glossy screens are great for sharpness and contrast but don’t sit with a sunny window behind you. The glossy screen acts as a mirror reflecting the light from the window thus making the screen harder to see. Another item to consider is the touchpad. A touchpad allows you to mimic the mouse. Some people have trouble using the touchpad and prefer to connect a real mouse to the laptop. That’s fine if that’s your preference.
My minimum hardware recommendations for both laptops and desktops require that they have 4 core processors. Four cores refers to 4 computer processors in one package. Names like i5 and i7 made by Intel are best. AMD, an Intel competitor, is also an excellent choice. AMD Ryzen 5 and Ryzen 7 processors are the best choices within the AMD brand. Computers with Intel i3 processors can serve for everyday computing single task needs such as Internet surfing, email, and word processing but are limited in processing power and don’t offer much to offset higher demands now or in the future. An i5 processor can handle almost all demands put on the processor. An i7 processor is the fastest and most expensive processor and is aimed toward serious gamers and multitasking. When buying a new computer choose a computer whose processor has 4 cores and 8 threads. Threads provide additional performance to the 4 cores. The speed rating of the processor also is important. The higher it is the faster your computer will run. A good choice would be a 3GHz or higher speed processor. Keep in mind that processors have a low idle speed that extends battery life when there are no programs running. An idle speed rating around 1.5GHz is normal. When a demand is executed the speed will increase to nearly the full rated speed. The higher the speed the faster the computer will run Apps (programs).
Here’s how to find a processor that meets my recommendations. After making a choice on a new computer note the model number of the computer. Your choice may come from an in-store or online visit. Don’t buy on your first visit to a store. Google the computer model number online and look for the specifications. It’s best to choose the specifications from the manufacturer’s website. To keep up with technology the right processor and a SSD drive will add years to the usability of the computer.
My recommendation for an Internet, email, word processing, photo editing and light gaming computer would have a 3 GHz or higher speed 4 core 8 thread Intel i5 processor, 8 GB’s or more of RAM, and a 256 GB or higher solid state drive such as a Dell 15 3000 model 3593. There are many other options available for computers that help personalize it for your needs and of course add to the cost. A DVD drive is now an option on some laptops but unavailable on most. What I’ve outlined here would be suitable for most HM residents. Other things to consider are the number of ports (USB & HDMI) for your needs.
WARNING: STORE CONFIGURATIONS FOR ANY MODEL COMPUTER CAN VARY FROM THE MANUFACTURER’S WEB SITE OFFERING. THE DELL 3593 IS NO EXCEPTION!
Both laptops and desktops feature the Windows 10 operating system. Shop for popular brands such as HP, Dell, and others. I favor Dell because of good reliability, easy online ordering and less junkware installed compared to other brands. Before going to a store become familiar with a manufacturer’s line of computers by visiting their web sites. HP can be found at www.hp.com, Dell is at www.dell.com. Avoid the low cost ($300-$400) computers or computers that have Celeron or Pentium processors. They can be annoyingly slow if speed is a priority for your needs. A higher priced computer also offers future proofing which means the computer will operate at nearly the same speed in future years as it does now.
More help in purchasing a Windows 10 computer can be obtained by attending the PC Club meeting on the 3rd Tuesday at 7 PM of each month at the Community Center.