Is one of your resolutions to get more organized in 2001? One solution may be to buy a home computer, but unless you’re up on the latest technology, deciding what to buy may be a headache.

Tuesday, January 09, 2001

Is one of your resolutions to get more organized in 2001? One solution may be to buy a home computer, but unless you’re up on the latest technology, deciding what to buy may be a headache.

Local and national computer companies are in the business of making your search for the perfect computer for your needs a success. Yet Wayne Goodnature, of PST, in Austin, cautioned that "everybody’s got an opinion on this." With that in mind, the following are some tips to keep in mind when purchasing a new computer.

The rule of thumb for memory requirements is the more RAM (random-access memory) the better," said Bruce Thimmesch of IT Initiative in Albert Lea. Random-access memory means that the user will have access to the stored data in the computer in any order they desire. Thimmesch suggested buying a computer with a minimum of 64 megabytes of RAM. A byte is a unit that the computer reads, usually smaller than the length of a word. So, a megahertz is equal to a capacity of one million units. Goodnature, however, suggested going with a minimum of 128 megabytes of RAM.

Thimmesch said that the price difference between 15 and 17 inch monitors is not significant, so preference should determine your choice.

"You should buy at least a 17 inch monitor," said Goodnature, since the minimal added cost is "well, well worth it."

Desktop monitors range in price from $180 to $900 and from $800 and up for flat-screen models. Thimmesch said that flat-screens should not be considered unless space is a major factor in your decision, since they are new and still high-priced.

Goodnature said that customers should look for a 600-700 megahertz processor. A hertz is equal to a frequency of one cycle per second, so a megahertz equals a frequency of one million cycles per second. Either Pentium or AMD supply quality processors.

Modem speed and interfaces vary, but Thimmesch suggested a 56K V90 modem. Goodnature suggested an internet graphics card of at least 16 megabytes, but preferably 32 megabytes. He also said that customers serious about internet speed capabilities should buy a broadband internet account, such as that offered through Charter Communications. Those with basic internet needs should go with a 56K modem.

"The hard drive you choose should be 10 gigabytes or larger," said Thimmesch. This size is necessary because after loading the computer with premium and other programs, you would still have 50 percent or more left of the drive for speedier processing. A 20 gigabyte hard drive is what Goodnature recommended, with a rotation speed of 72 RPMs (rotations per minute).

As a precaution, computer owners should back up their files regularly. Goodnature said that adding alternate storage to your computer, such as a zip drive, is a wise choice. Zip disks store more information than traditional floppy disks and are now in wider use because of their capacity.

It is important in the long run to be able to expand your existing computer. Goodnature said that buyers should be sure to ask for "at least four PCI expansion slots" in any computer they are considering buying and "at least two USB ports."

If downloading MP3s or listening to any music on your computer is your aim, Goodnature said that a good sound card and the addition of high-level speakers should do the trick: "You can get near stereo quality out of your computer."

What some people call notebook computers are also known as laptops. While more compact, they are more expensive than desktops on the whole. Thimmesch said that screen size, processor, and hard-drive space should determine which laptop you buy.

Choosing an inkjet or laser printer should depend upon the quality, price and speed you are looking for. Though laser printers produce higher quality documents, they can also be $1,000 to over $3,000 more. Goodnature said that Epson inkjet printers have received numerous quality awards and are priced in a range of $100 to around $400. He added that Hewlett Packard printers also produce great quality. Inkjet printers are usually slower than laser printers, but depending on your needs that may not matter in the long run.

Another option for notebook/laptop users is portable printers, but it is important to carefully investigate quality and price, because these models tend to be more expensive and have not been on the market nearly as long as desktop printers. Some desktop models today even include copying and faxing options, though options usually mean more expense.

Though he does not support hardware needs for notebooks, Goodnature said that his company consults with clients, evaluates their needs and suggests recommends three to four notebook choices, which he said usually end up being from Dell Computers.

Dell and Gateway build systems based on clients’ needs. They offer a wide range of desktops and notebooks and even offer remanufactured and tested PCs for sale at lower prices.

The often advertised on TV Gateway Essential PC is priced from between $799 and $1128, which includes a 700 or 866 megahertz processor, 15 or 17 inch monitor, 10 gigabyte hard drive, Microsoft Works Suite 2000 and CD-ROM or DVD. Other Gateway systems add more options and are priced higher, of course.

The Dell Dimension L system is priced at $599 and above, with a 700 to 866 megahertz processor, up to a 40 gigabyte hard drive, up to 512 megabyte SD RAM memory and a three-year limited warranty, one-year on-site service and one year of Dellnet.

Once you have chosen the hardware you need, it is time to choose software. There are two basic software operating systems to choose from. One is, of course, Microsoft Windows and the other is Lenix. Each has its merits, and Goodnature acknowledged that there is still a big debate on this subject. Of the computer companies consulted for this article, most suggested Microsoft Windows. Goodnature said that the Windows 1998 second edition exhibits the least amount of problems for users. It sells as a new installation for $150 to $180.

Thimmesch reports that Microsoft Office 2000, which includes Word, Excel, Outlook and Powerpoint, costs approximately $400 at this time. The Premium edition adds Access and an additional $75. The Developer’s edition is intended for programmers and adds $700 to the cost.

Buying a computer not only means purchasing a quality machine for your needs, but also taking steps to ensure that that machine continues to run for you without expensive repairs that require you to drive them or send them hundreds of miles for service.

One major and rather inexpensive precaution computer buyers can take is to invest in a very good surge protector, since a computer is probably the appliance in your home that is the most sensitive to power changes.

Goodnature warns that people shopping for a computer should always "shop for service first, since the question isn’t if, but is how soon and when your computer will need service." He adds that this should especially hold true if you are not an advanced user.

Several regional companies can set you up with an internet account, once your computer is in your home. Desktop Media of Albert Lea, Clear Lakes Internet and Rural Connections of Jackson provide access to Austin residents. Each provide different priced plans, which depend upon the hours each customer expects to use.

IT Initiative builds computers for customers’ needs and is also an authorized Hewlett Packard reseller.

PST provides service and builds systems for business and home use. Goodnature said that his company can provide a quality computer with everything included for between $1,350 and $1,700. This includes a full three year warranty for parts and labor. "Some gaming machines," he adds, "are higher in price."

Computers come in many varieties and added options are numerous. The key to buying a computer that can grow with you is the research that you do before you buy it. As a final word of caution, Goodnature warned: "All computers are not created equal."