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COMPUTER
BUYING TIPS
System Tips
If you are buying a new computer, make sure you get
Windows XP (why pay for an old operations system?) XP
has the stability of Windows 2000 and the "user
friendly" interface like Apple computers. If you wish to
do high-end graphic design and/or video editing you
should stick with Windows2000 for stability. The only
problem with Windows 2000 is that there are often
"compatibility problems" so you will need to make sure
that all your external hardware and software (i.e
scanner, CDRW) will work. You can have the same type of
compatibility problems upgrading to XP or Windows 2000
as well so check first.
Case Tips
Buy a computer with a large case and less "integrated"
features like video and sound for better
"upgradeability". E-Machines in particular, use small
cases that make it difficult to add additional drives
etc.
Monitor Tips
Buy a high quality 17" monitor. Wait on the LCD flat
screen models until the price drops more unless you
"just have to have one". Recommended Brands: KDS, Hansol,
View Sonic.
Printer Tips
Printer prices have dropped tremendously in the last few
years but I would not recommend buying a low-end printer
(less then $70), because the construction of low-end
models is more prone to jamming and problems. I also
would not spend more then $250 on an inkjet printer,
because the quality after that point is higher than most
people require, unless you have specific photo quality
printing needs. I prefer HP printers because of the
availability of printing cartridges, durability and
customer service. Lexus printers are a bit too cheaply
made for my requirements and personally I don't prefer
Epson printers either. Canon makes some great printers
but I would not buy the lower-priced models. Also avoid
buying an "All in one" system I.e. fax, scanner, copier
etc, because of the high rate of problems and
connectivity.
Memory Tips
Memory prices have never been lower so everyone should
have at least 128 MB of RAM because it improves
performance so much. I use 256 MB of RAM and that is the
amount I would recommend for all new computers unless
you are a power user and need 512 RAM. The new DR RAM is
slightly faster and necessary for some Pentium machines,
however, most users will not notice a performance
improvement.
Sound Tips
Use better speakers than the ones provided with most new
PCs. Spend $29 to $49 on some new speaker for much
better sound. Most new computers come with built-in
sound. However, if you want to hear music in stereo
quality, you should get a separate sound card installed.
Desktops
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Graphics Cards
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Cheap Graphic Cards
HDTVs
Plasma HDTV, LCD HDTV, Rear Projection TV,
Sony HDTV
InkJet Printers
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Canon InkJet Printers
Laptops & Notebooks
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Laptops
Laser Printers
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LCDs
LCD TV, LCD Monitors, Cheap LCDs
MP3 Players
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iRiver MP3 Players, Apple iPods
Multi-Function Printers
Laser MFPs, InkJet MFPs, HP MFPs, Canon MFPs
PDAs
Palm PDA, Pocket PC PDA
Scanners
Flatbed Scanners, Scanners under $500, Canon Scanners,
HP Scanners
Speakers
Klipsch Speakers, Altec Lansing Speakers,
2-Channel Speakers, Cheap Speakers
Storage Devices XML
CD Burners, Hard Drives, DVD Burners,
Flash Drives
Wireless Networking
Wireless Routers, Wireless Access Points, Netgear,
Linksys Routers
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Small Business Laptops, Small Business Desktops,
Smart Phones, Inkjet Printers, Wireless Networking,
Business Accounting Software
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