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With so many desktop computers to choose from, how do you know which is the best choice for your business? In this guide, we’ll cover many of the basics so that you can make an informed decision. First and foremost, here’s what you should do when choosing a model that is right for you.
Decide on a CPU (Central Processing Unit) – The CPU is essentially the brain of the computer, and thus, a great place to start when choosing a computer. The faster the processor’s clock speed, which is measured in megahertz (MHz) or gigahertz (GHz), the faster it can execute instructions. As a result, CPUs are divided into three groups: traditional single-core processors; dual-core processors, which boost performance for demanding applications; and quad-core processors, which provide unmatched performance for power-hungry multimedia and software applications. HP has a nice selection of Intel Core 2 Duo desktops at affordable prices.
Make sure you have enough memory (RAM) – Random Access Memory (RAM) is temporary storage that provides the working space for your computer to operate. Adding more RAM can result in an immediate and dramatic improvement in performance. Essentially, the greater the RAM, the more applications you can run at one time. RAM is relatively inexpensive, easy to install, and requires no configuration.
Select your hard drive capacity – Your desktop’s hard drive is where all data is stored, so when it comes to storage capacity, too much is never enough. And since enormous hard drives are very affordable (for most users, a 250GB drive is a good starting point), this means more for you and greater functionality for your computer.
CD/DVD Drives – CD and DVD drives read data on discs in a variety of formats. Some drives can also record data, images, music, or video to CD and/or DVDs. But beware: many of these drives create DVDs in formats that other drives and DVD players cannot read.
Consider security – Security might not be in the forefront of your mind when you’re shopping for a computer, but it should play a part in your decision. For example, virus and spyware are far more likely to target Windows computers than MACs. Regardless of which one you choose, you should always use antivirus, firewall, and antispyware programs.
Choose by Brand – Surveys consistently show notable differences in technical support among computer brands. Since some brands are generally more expensive than others, those factors could help you decide which of two similarly equipped computers is the better buy. Sony Desktops, HP Desktops, and Lenovo Desktops provide a huge selection of computers giving you the ultimate balance for business and life.
These are just some of the many factors that can help your machine run more smoothly and efficiently. In the end, buying a good desktop primarily depends on what you will be using it for. Are you looking for a computer to perform basic tasks or to meet special requirements? Do you need to stay within a specific budget? Once you answer these questions, you’ll get the best value for your money and, more importantly, a computer you’re happy with.

The desktop computer has become just another appliance you use every day. Replacement sales–not first-time purchases–now drive the computer market. Fully loaded desktops selling for less than $800 are common, even among established brands.

WHAT’S AVAILABLE

There are dozens of companies vying to put a new desktop in your home. Dell, eMachines, Gateway, Hewlett-Packard (which merged with Compaq in 2002), IBM, and Sony all make machines that use Microsoft’s dominant Windows operating system. eMachines, recently merged with Gateway, specializes in budget-priced Windows models. Apple is the sole maker of Macintosh models. Small mail-order and store brands cater to budget-minded buyers.

Price range: $400 to $3,000.

IMPORTANT FEATURES

The processor houses the “brains” of a computer. Its clock speed, measured in gigahertz (GHz), determines how fast the chip can process information. In general, the higher the clock speed, the faster the computer. But not always, since different chip families attain different efficiencies. Manufacturers of Windows machines generally use 1.6- to 3.8-GHz processors with one of the following names: Intel’s Pentium or Celeron, or AMD’s Athlon or Sempron. Celeron and Sempron are lower-priced processors that equal higher-priced chips in many respects. Intel now assigns “processor numbers” to its chips, de-emphasizing clock speed. Apple’s Macintosh machines use 1.25- to 2.5-GHz PowerPC G4 or G5 processors, which are manufactured by IBM. Apple has announced that they will begin a transition to Intel processors in 2006.The system architecture of some families of chips allows them to be as fast as or faster than others with higher clock speeds, so speed comparison by the numbers can be misleading.

All name-brand computers sold today have at least 256 megabytes (MB) of RAM, or random access memory, the memory the computer uses while in operation. Video RAM, also measured in megabytes, is secondary RAM essential for smooth video imaging and game play.

The hard drive is your computer’s long-term data storage system. Given the disk-space requirements of today’s multimedia games, digital photos, and video files, bigger is better. You’ll find hard drives ranging in size from 40 to 300 gigabytes (GB).

A CD-ROM drive has been standard on most desktops for many years. Commonly supplied now is a CD-RW (CD-rewriteable) drive, also known as a “burner” that lets you create backup files or make music compilations on a compact disc. A DVD-ROM drive brings full-length movies or action-packed multimedia games with full-motion video to the desktop. It complements the CD-RW drive on midline and higher-end systems, allowing you to copy CDs directly between the two drives. A DVD writer will also play CDs and CD-ROMs. Combo drives combine CD-writing and DVD-playing in a single drive, saving space. The newest in this family, rapidly becoming a common choice, is the DVD-writer, which lets you transfer home-video footage to a DVD disk, or store as much data as six CDs. There are three competing, incompatible DVD formats–DVD-RW, DVD+RW, and DVD-RAM–as well as drives that can create dual-layer DVDs that store twice as much. Some drives can write in more than one format, but all can create a disk that will play on standalone DVD players.

Fast disappearing is the diskette drive, where 3.5-inch diskettes are inserted. Apple Macintoshes and a growing number of PCs don’t have a diskette drive built in, because it only allows you to read or store relatively small amounts of data. Many people use a CD-RW as a large “diskette” drive to transport files. Many PCs now come with a digital camera memory-card reader that can also serve for file transfer. You can also get external drives or use a USB memory module that holds much more than a diskette.

The computer’s cathode ray tube (CRT) or flat-panel liquid crystal display (LCD) monitor contains the screen and displays the images sent from the graphics board–internal circuitry that processes the images. Monitors come in sizes (measured diagonally) ranging from 15 to 21 inches and larger. Seventeen-inch monitors are the most common. Apple’s eMac and iMac come with built-in monitors. Its Mac Mini comes without a monitor. LCD displays are now the most popular, taking less space and using less power than CRTs. Better LCD displays can use a Digital Video Interface (DVI) connection, found on many newer PCs.

The critical components of a desktop computer are usually housed in a case called a tower. A minitower is the typical configuration. More expensive machines have a midtower, which has extra room for upgrades. A microtower is a space-saving alternative that is usually less expensive. All-in-one computers, such as the Apple iMac, have no tower; everything but the keyboard and mouse is built into a small case that supports the monitor. Apple’s Power Mac line of computers has a tower. Apple’s newest model, the Mac Mini, has a space-saving design that puts everything but the monitor, keyboard, and mouse in a case about the size of a hardcover book. An “entertainment PC”–one with a TV tuner built in–comes in a case that is more like an audio or video component, made to fit in with other home-entertainment devices.

A mouse, a small device that fits in your hand and has a “tail” of wire that connects to the computer, moves the cursor (the pointer on the screen) via a rolling ball or a light sensor on its underside. Alternatives include a trackball, which is rolled with the fingers or palm in the direction you want the cursor to go; a pad, which lets you move the cursor by sliding a finger; a tablet, which uses a penlike stylus for input; and a joystick, used to play computer games.

Most computers come with a standard keyboard, although you can also buy one separately. Many keyboards have CD (or DVD) controls to pause playback, change tracks, and so on. Many also have keys to facilitate getting online, starting a search, launching programs, or retrieving e-mail. There are also wireless keyboards that let you move about as you type.

Multimedia computers for home use feature a high-fidelity sound system that amplifies music from CDs or downloaded music files, synthesized music, game sounds, and DVD-movie soundtracks. Speaker systems with a subwoofer have deeper, more powerful bass. Surround-sound systems can turn a PC into a home theater. Some computers come with a microphone for recording, or one can be added.

PCs come with a modem to allow a dial-up Internet connection. Parallel and serial ports are the traditional connections for printers and scanners. Universal Serial Bus (USB) ports, seen on all new computers, are designed to replace parallel and serial ports. FireWire or IEEE 1394 ports are used to capture video from digital camcorders and other electronic equipment. An Ethernet port or wireless network card lets you link several computers in the household to share files, a printer, or a broadband Internet connection. An S-video output jack lets you run a video cable from the computer to a television, which lets you use the computer’s DVD drive to view a movie on a TV instead of on the computer monitor.

HOW TO CHOOSE

First, decide whether to upgrade your current computer. Upgrading, rather than replacing it, may make sense if your additional needs are modest–a second hard drive, say, because you’re running out of room for digital photos. Adding memory or a CD burner is usually more cost-effective than buying a whole new machine. If your PC has become unreliable, your want list is more demanding, or if there’s software you must run that your system is not up to, a new PC is the logical answer.

Consider a laptop. A desktop computer typically costs hundreds less and is easier to upgrade, expand, and repair. It usually offers better ergonomics, such as a more comfortable keyboard, bigger display, and enhanced audio. But a laptop merits consideration if portability and compactness are priorities.

Pick the right type of desktop. Most manufacturers offer several lines at different price points. Budget computers are the least expensive, yet they are suitable for routine work. Workhorse computers cost a few hundred dollars more, but are faster, more versatile, and upgradable. All-in-one models have most of the components in a single case. And entertainment or media PCs include TV tuners and software that give them the functions of a DVR. They usually provide a remote control for easy operation.

Choose by brand. Our surveys have consistently shown notable differences in reliability and technical support among computer brands. And some brands are generally more expensive than others. Those factors could help you decide which of two similarly equipped computers is the better buy.

Choose between preconfigured and custom built. You can buy a PC off the shelf in a store or via the Web, configured with features and options the manufacturer pitches to average consumers. Or consider purchasing a desktop that you configure to order, either online or in a store. When you configure a computer to order online, onscreen menus typically show you all the options and let you see how a change in one option affects the overall price.

Copyright © 2002-2006 Consumers Union of U.S., Inc.

For the latest information on this and many other products and services, visit www.ConsumerReports.org.

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Way back in 2004, the United Nations issued a report that showed the value of refurbished desktop computers, at least indirectly, when it highlighted the problem of e-waste. Now, with the economy slowing, there is one more reason to consider used or refurbished computers – they cost less.

Refurbished Desktop Computers Make Good Financial Sense

Why pay full price when you can get a refurbished computer that performs just as well (or better) than a new machine?

Refurbished desktop computers come from a variety of sources – customer returns, cast-offs after an upgrade, off-lease. When the machines are refurbished, they are thoroughly tested and cleaned to ensure they perform according to the manufacturer’s original specifications. Sometimes the original equipment manufacturer refurbishes the computer, and sometimes an authorized reseller does it. Either way, the computer is usable, suitable to most business applications, and much cheaper than a new one.

Can a refurbished desktop meet your processing needs? Yes. Equipment manufacturers will try to tell you through their advertising that you need the latest and greatest computer, but that is rarely the case. Unless you are in a highly specialized field, like graphic design or CAD applications, you can very likely get buy with a machine that is 2, 3 or even 5 years old.

You may also have concerns that a refurbished machine will be too old to service; that parts will be hard to come by. That is not usually the case. Many manufacturers, including heavyweights like IBM and Lenovo, offer their discontinued parts and accessories for sale through resellers. Whatever you need to service your desktop, you can probably find it.

Buying Used Desktops Makes Good Eco-Sense

Back to that UN report. The report urged governments to “slow the growth of high-tech trash”. UN researchers found that:

“…the average 24 kg desktop computer with monitor requires at least ten times its weight in fossil fuels and chemicals to manufacture, much more materials intensive than an automobile or refrigerator, which only require 1-2 times their weight in fossil fuels. Researchers found that manufacturing one desktop computer and 17-inch CRT monitor uses at least 240 kg of fossil fuels, 22 kg of chemicals and 1,500 kg of water – a total of 1.8 tonnes of materials.”

Of course most desktops now use LCD monitors, but the environmental impact of these machines is clear. The UN also made note of “the rapid rate at which [desktops] are discarded for newer machines.”

If you buy used equipment, you are making a good environmental choice. Yes, computers are still being manufactured using chemicals and fossil fuels, but you will not be contributing to the demand for new machines when you buy a used or refurbished one. Further, you will be keeping a computer and monitor out of the waste stream.
Bottom Line: Refurbished Desktop Computers Make Good Business Sense

Save money, reduce waste and still perform your daily computing tasks. Refurbished computers give you all that and the satisfaction of having benefited both your budget and the environment.

A desktop computer is used for operation from a steady place. They are not portable and are used for varied purposes. Desktop computers are usually used at work places and homes. A desktop computer has compactness issue but it serves as a good all-round performer, having an edge over laptop computers. You can get a desktop computer of your choice if you configure it according to your needs.

Desktop computers offer more scope for up gradations and changes. You can alter your computer configuration top meet up to the latest applications and thus have an increased shelf life for your computer. Thus a desktop computer is highly flexible and can be used as per your needs for varied needs. The spare parts of a desktop computer are cheaper than that of a laptop computer. The replacements are much easier to avail and your desktop computer can be accessorized as per your style.

If you want to use your desktop computer mainly for music listening and watching movies, then you can get one accordingly. You invest in a better LCD display screen, DVD drive and good set of speakers. This way you can get the best out of your desktop computer and fulfill your needs satisfactorily. Most laptop computers offer more or less the same configuration in a given price range and alterations are difficult. Thus desktop computers offer enhanced maneuverability.

Desktop computers can support various operating systems as per their flexibility, whereas a laptop lacks this facility. Desktop computers could be cheaper than laptops and ever perform as per your needs. The best desktop computers are the assembled ones but they don’t offer warranty as the branded ones. Even branded desktop computer makers offer personalization of the computer as per the user requirements.

You can convert your desktop computer, as you want it. It can be converted into live TV, music station, media player, gaming device and much more. A desktop computer offers varied options for a user. You can buy desktop computer from your retailer or can also purchase them online. If you are on budget you can get a list of low price desktop computers and can avail the one that fits in your needs. Online shopping offers you a wide variety and even gives you the option for comparison of products across brands. These online shopping sites also provide good discounts and offers on purchasing from them.

Desktop computers are immobile computing devices popularly used at offices and homes. Though laptop computers are gaining popularity the desktop computers have their own advantages and abilities. The desktop computer servers the purpose of performance and quality and is cheaper than laptops. One needs to get the right configuration of the desktop computer suiting their requirements and budget. One can get cheap but good quality desktop computers and they can be upgraded later as need arises. The life of a desktop computer is usually around 3 years compared to a laptop which lasts for about a 1 ½ years if you run on updated software applications.

You can get low price desktop computers as per your requirements. You need to narrow down on a configuration that suits your usage and fits in your budget. You can compromise on the fancy accessories for your computer which you can buy at a later stage. You need to invest in the CPU (central processing Unit) to get a good performance out of your desktop computer. The foremost thing to look for a computer is its processor. This depends upon your usage; if you want to run several regular applications then an Intel dual core processor would meet your needs. For faster performance you could opt for the core 2 duo series or the core 2 quad series of processors. Even AMD processors are well renowned and are best suited for gamers.

Desktop Computers are a good investment, if you want to have enduring performance and do not crave for mobility. Desktop computers well suit gamers and multimedia authors. Editing professionals also avail desktop computers for the enhanced configuration and lasting performance. Desktop computers can be upgraded to a greater extend than laptops and have wider scope for improvement. You can buy desktops computers which are pre-configured from brands or you can also get them configured as per your need from a computer maker. Buying from brands like Dell and Hp is usually a safer bet as it guarantees performance and quality.

You can shop for the best desktop computers online and can avail variety and good deals. You can find the desktop computers price online and can get add-on accessories with your purchase. You can find the all the prices of a desktop computer on popular online shopping comparison based websites. You can get the computer that meets your requirements and fits your budget.

Let us have a brief look at the desktop computers before getting some vital information on the latest desktop computers. A desktop computer can be easily referred to as an independent personal computer, which can offer effective solutions to meet the growing and complex requirements of a business. The desktop computers are available in a variety of sizes and styles ranging from small form factor models to the large vertical towers. Most of the modern day desktop computers have separate keyboards and display screens.

When compared to a laptop, the desktop computers have the following advantages:

Ø The spare parts and extensions of the desktop computers are standardised and are easily available at low prices

Ø Due to the standardised slots for expansion, they can be easily and greatly customised, while it is not easy to customise laptops

Ø The disassembly procedures of a desktop computer is far easy than that of a laptop

Ø The addition or replacement of a computer peripheral such as hard disk or memory module is an easy task with a desktop computer

Ø It offers more space for heat removal as it does not run on rechargeable battery

Now that we have learnt the advantages of the desktop computers over the modern day laptops, let us take a look at some of the leading names in the field.

Some of the most renowned names in the world of desktop computers are Apple, Lenovo and HP. Apple has been a pioneer in the world of computers. The Apple desktop computers have been consistently riding high on their overall performance and positive responses from the customers from all parts of the world. The Apple Desktop Mac Mini, Apple Desktop Mac Mini 1, Apple Desktop iMac and Apple Desktop Mac Pro are some of the most highly acclaimed and successful Apple desktop computers in the recent times.

If you are looking for the high-quality desktop computers and want to have a consistent and reliable performer, then go for Apple desktop computers among the latest desktop computers. This will be one decision you can take even with the closed eyes and still never regret it.