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Checklist for Cheap Computers You Plan to Buy : Computer Essentials Part 3

Cheap Computers May Be Appealing to Buy. But While Buying a New Computer that is Cheap, Keep These Tips in Mind

CB
If you are looking to buy one of many cheap computers that are available in the market, you need to keep these tips in mind. It is important to think about these aspects and not be blinded by the low rates of the cheap computers. Here is a checklist that can help you choose the right computer from all the options that you have.

1- Operating System : Here I am focusing on cheap computers that come with Windows OS (Operating System). Don't go in for Vista as it is a huge resource clogger. Windows XP or Windows 7 would be good. XP is stable and Windows 7 is a "fixed-Vista".

2- Sufficient RAM: Even if you are looking at cheap computers, ensure that it has a decent amount of RAM. A larger RAM will help in faster operations while using your computer. So you don't want to buy one of many cheap computers that has low RAM and then, get upset that it is slow. At least 1 GB is a must. Reiterating, AT LEAST 1GB.

3- Hard Drive: If you are looking at secondhand cheap computers, you need to know how old and used the computer is. Discuss details, find that out and only then buy the PC. Older computers would normally have Hard drives with a lot of mechanical parts. So with wear, comes tear. Their shelf-life is lower and they can crash easily.

4- CD/DVD drive: Irrespective of whether it is a secondhand PC or one of several new cheap computers, check the CD/DVD drive. See that you can read/burn a CD/DVD. Cheap computers can have messed up DVD/CD drives, so don't forget about this.

5- USB Port: When you are looking at cheap computers for a bargain, it is important to ensure that the USBport (where you plug in the pen/Flash drive/ iPod or cellphone data cable) is not damaged. To check this, the easiest thing to do is test it with a Pen/Flash drive.

6- Peripherals: While looking at cheap computers, depending on which one you choose, see if the speaker/camera work properly.

7- Software: You don't want to buy one of those cheap computers, especially a secondhand one, only to realize that you need to pay a lot for some must have software and programs. Check that the basic programs are installed and that they are functional. This is important in case of secondhand PCs, as sometimes the previous owners uninstall some important programs that are actually an integral part of the package that the PC comes with. It can then lead to operational issues.

Hope these tips help you, if you ever look into buying cheap computers.

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14 Comments

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  • Patrick leeman8/31/2010

    Very Helpful post! Well, you might end up buying much less computing power today than you will want in a few months or a year. If you just need a machine to meet basic computing needs—Web browsing, basic photo editing, playing music, writing e-mail, spreadsheet tracking—you can go pretty damn low. In fact, you can get a whole lot of computer for less than $500. And that's great news, particularly in today's economy. I would recommend a dual core AMD or Intel processor because it's a must for today's attention-challenged, multitasking PC users. Now you can also install your operating system without assistance and save yourself hundreds of dollars. Download your computer services support guide here.

  • Patrick leeman8/30/2010

    Interesting post! Well, you might end up buying much less computing power today than you will want in a few months or a year. If you just need a machine to meet basic computing needs—Web browsing, basic photo editing, playing music, writing e-mail, spreadsheet tracking—you can go pretty damn low. In fact, you can get a whole lot of computer for less than $500. And that's great news, particularly in today's economy.

    I would recommend a dual core AMD or Intel processor because it's a must for today's attention-challenged, multitasking PC users.

    Now you can also install your operating system without assistance and save yourself hundreds of dollars. Download your computer services support guide here.

  • Andrea Rowe1/15/2010

    I really should have read this before we bought this last computer

  • Chrissy Dean1/14/2010

    Great tips. I am actually in the market for a new comp, so thanks!

  • Tricia Sabol1/12/2010

    My fiance is in the computer field, so I never even think about this stuff! Great tips though!! ;-)

  • Jamie H Jameson1/12/2010

    Good info, Rox

  • T. Hillukka1/12/2010

    I know nothing about buying a new computer...all I know is mine wasn't cheap! (My dad helped me find it, so I know it's good.)

  • Wendy Dawn1/12/2010

    Good info. My laptop died and I'm in the market now.

  • John Smither1/12/2010

    Good informative article on buying a cheap pc.

  • Michele Starkey1/12/2010

    For about $500 dollars thru Tiger Direct, my husband just built me a state-of-the art computer, 8 Trigabites (not Gigs, trigs) of storage, the latest and greatest in Ram, memory, you name it. I couldn't believe it - lightening quick! And, he's not even a computer guy - just a novice. Wow, amazing. Cheers.

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