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Buying the Ideal Computer (Part 1 – PC vs. Mac)
- By Eric Wolff
Unlike other industries, the computer hardware market is
very competitive and always changing. A consumer can purchase
a two-thousand dollar state of the art computer that will
become obsolete in less than a year. This is because major
computer manufacturers are constantly competing with each
other and trying to outdo the competition. This has created
a wide variety of options for the consumer, and it can be
quite confusing to the novice consumer. In the first installment
of buying the ideal computer, I am going to discuss the
differences between the two major computer platforms: Windows
based computers and Apple computers.
Most computers can be broken into two separate categories:
Windows based computers (PC’s) and Apple computers, both
of which have their advantages and disadvantages. Windows
based computers make up the majority of home computers as
they are made by many different companies. This makes PC’s
more affordable than Apple computer. Although there are
some PC manufacturers that build high quality computers
and stand firmly behind them, there are many companies that
use cheap parts and provide little or no support for their
computers.
Apple provides excellent support for their computers and
they use only the best computer parts to manufacture their
computers. Because of this, apple computers tend to be more
expensive than their PC counterparts. And since Apple computers
are manufactured by only one company, they can set their
price point to whatever they want. The major downfall with
Apple computers is that not many companies develop software
that is compatible with Apple.
As I stated earlier, there are many computer manufacturers
that build Personal Computers, but not all of them are good.
Many of the bargain basement computers are built with low
quality parts that are destined to fail. Plus these computers
leave little or no room for upgradeability. So if you are
dissatisfied with the performance of your computer a year
down the line, you will end up having to buy a completely
new computer. Support is another major issue. Reputable
companies will make it easy to get in touch with them if
you require assistance. Also check the warranty that the
manufacturer provides. A good computer manufacturer will
not be afraid to provide a two or three warranty.
When you finally decide to go out and start looking for
a computer make sure to shop around. The more retail locations
you visit the better chance you will have of finding what
you need. When a sales associate instantly directs you towards
one of the most expensive computers right when you mention
that you are looking to purchase a new computer, look elsewhere.
A good sales associate will take the time to ask you what
you are planning to use the computer for and then give you
some different options based on this. Also make sure to
check out any stores in your area that specialize in computers
like Fry’s Electronics or Best Buy.
Eric Wolff,
Ulink’s “Hardware Guy”
thehardwareguy@ulink.net
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