New-Computer

New Desktop	Laptops	All-in-One	Kindle Fire
I-Pad (tablet)	Nook Color-2	iMac(Apple)	Smart Phone

You want a New-Computer, maybe because of better speed, maybe Windows 7, maybe a Mac. There are so many choices, and no single right answer. So, what process of decision making do you use.

If you are not sure whether to buy new, or keep your old computer, see Old XP System

Laptop, desktop, tablet, netbook,iMac, Kindle Fire, Barne&Noble Nook Color-2, smart phone??!! If you are a home user, and just do some e-mail and internet searches , maybe a modest desktop will do. Many decent computers are available for $400 - $1000, that will do the job satisfactorily. You can even buy an iMac for $ 1199. Why choose a Mac? They are well known to get infected much less, and are supposedly easy to use. This may not be true, if you already know how to use a PC (Windows), and may not have a handy Apple user available to help you.

More about iMacs (Apple) If you are interested in Apple computers, click here. Also, I suggest you go to an Apple Store. They are very helpful!

Most home users do not have application programs that Macs can't run, so that would not normally be a problem. But the cost is sometimes a considerable consideration.

On consumer PCs, crapware is still a performance-sapping nuisance - keep this in mind when buying new.

Note: To remove Crapware, go to Add-Remove-Programs.html, then look over the programs installed, and remove the one you don't want - such as "Toolbars" (I only use the Google toolbar for my website, so I removed Bing toolbar, Ask toolbar, and any "browser helpers", or shopping junk. I remove all the games that I don't play, but my rule of thumb, "if there is any doubt, don't remove it." There are some programs, such as Java, that you don't personally use, but one of your other programs need.

Speed of Computer.

Normally you want a faster New-Computer! Older PC's have a Single Core CPU, though dual core has been out for a few years. Now Intel has Core-i3, i5, i7, which is also dual core (or more!). See i3, i5, i7, Quad Core, Dual Core etc. What Does it all Mean?

As I do some graphic processing, I prefer quad-core! But most users won't gain much benefit from more than dual core, right now. Read the above article for more details.

Also, many Windows users want Windows 7 . I strongly recommend this. In fact, Windows 8 will be available later this year, and it may be a factor if you are interested in a Windows 8 Tablet.

Desktop

I prefer a desktop, because of the larger keyboard, larger screen, generally faster than a laptop, much better speakers, and now I'm using dual monitors! It's kinda like my easy chair! Big and comfortable! It's also easier to maintain or update (which I do occasionally.) I find a lot of my more senior (retired) customers prefer desktops as well. Businesses tend to use desktops, for their deskbound users.

But, the biggest advantage to me, is more bang for the buck! Desktops are generally faster, dollar for dollar. They are cheaper to maintain, also. Fairly often, a laptop has to be replaced, rather than fixed. And many times fixed, because they were dropped. That is the main hazard of portability. I've had mine fall from an aircraft overhead (twice!) - survived once.

Good article on Desktop vs Laptop

ALL-in-One-Computers

Currently, stores are selling a lot of all-in-one computers, which is Good News and Bad News!

Benefit of a Standard Computer

• easy to upgrade components,
• easy to replace defective component,
• Better airflow,
• cheaper price,

Benefit of an all-in-one computer

• miniature system,
• space saver,
• cool looking,

Downside of an all-in-one computer

• very cramped interior
• difficult to upgrade due to lack of room,
• difficult to replace a defective component if you are having a sound, video, etc... problems.
• Need to contact manufacturer for repair (cost money) if the pc is under warranty.
• more expensive than a Desktop or a Laptop.

Bottom Line: The All-in-One computer is like a sports car. Cool looking, less useful and more expensive!

Tablets (including Kindle Fire and B-N Nook)

The Tablet Market just got more exciting! Amazon has introduced the Kindle Fire for $199 and Barnes and Noble has their new Nook Color-2 for $249. This could sway you to change your direction for now! Maybe take your new computer dollars and buy one of there! Read more about Tablets

Laptops, Tablets and netbooks (portable computers)

Portables(Laptops) are especially good for "Road Warriors", who are on the move a lot, but there are now other options such as tablets (Ipad), netbooks, and even smartphones! I use a laptop for vacation travel, and for customer trouble shooting. I have not considered an Ipad, because I already own a laptop. Thought it(laptop) heavier, slow to start up, it is paid for! I also have a smartphone, which is highly portable, and has a lot of computing functions, such as e-mail, internet, GPS, etc.

I used to go to a lot of meetings, where a computer was useful. I think a tablet would fit in very nicely. However, as I used spreadsheets a lot, and I did a lot of data input, a laptop is very useful for me.

TigerDirect - Excellent Source for your next New-Computer