Computer Accessories or Parts that Waste Your Money

The term I love to use is overkill. You can spend money on upgrades or add ons that can waste your money. Its not necessary to have all the bells and whistles in a computer when you know that some of them you will never use or get the full benefit of. With an exception of being a gamer you don't have to spend $2000 and up to get a good computer for everyday use. In this article I discuss common money wasters that people spend when purchasing a computer.

Video cards

Unless your a gamer you don't need a video card that costs a lot of money. You would never get the full benefit out of such a card if your just an average everyday user. Why spend $400 or more for a card that when on board video or a card that costs less than $100 bucks fit your needs. Common mistakes people make is letting some salesman talk them into the top of the line. Most computers on the mid to low end range come with adequate video for everyday use.

Monster speakers

You can spend a little or lot for stereo speakers for your computer. The set that comes with it is more than adequate. If you must upgrade take the middle of the road or buy a pair of good headphones so you can listen to your music in private. If you have a good stereo system in your house you don't need one on your computer. You can easily burn cd's and play them on your stereo. If your a gamer than a better system helps when playing games. It really ads nothing for the average everyday user.

Sound cards

Sound cards normally are not super expensive. You can however save a little money by sticking to the on board sound. A few years ago it was more cost effective to have your video and sound separated from the motherboard. Today motherboards have dropped a lot in price so you don't necessarily need them separated anymore. Like I said unless your buying or building a gaming machine you can get by for a lot less. If you must upgrade from on board sound find a card in the mid range. You should not have to spend more than $100 to have good quality sound.

Printers, scanners, and cameras

Sometimes when you buy a new computer they will offer you a printer with it. Most people when purchasing a new computer will look at accessory options. Lets face it some printers, scanners, etc can get pretty pricey. Before you plop down your hard earned cash ask yourself what are your needs. You should never under estimate your need or in the same token over estimate. If you don't do a lot of printing and are not running a home business than maybe you can get buy with a cheaper model. I don't own a printer and to be honest I think I needed to use one once in 5 years. When it comes to buying a camera you should buy a good one but be careful some slick salesman doesn't talk you into something thats way beyond what you planned on buying.

Monitors

You can get a descent monitor without spending a fortune. If you need a good flat panel or CRT monitor shop around. You should be able to get a good deal without breaking the bank. If you don't need 21" monitor when you can get by with a 17" than don't allow some sales guy talk you into one.

In closing the only things you don't have to worry about being overkill is hard drive space, CPU, and memory. Those are always necessary and you can never have enough memory when comes to running applications.