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Savings Account: OK Computer?
What you need to do before you buy a new machine
Let's continue the discussion from last time on making purchases for yourself or your business.
This time, let's focus on computers. We'll do this in two parts. This week, we'll discuss what you need to know up front. Next week, we'll get into the actual shopping. There's just too much ground to cover in one post!
Desktop or laptop?
I say, laptop. Even if you rarely travel, you can get a decent deal on a laptop, have it available for travel or on-site gigs, and still have it set up for home or office use.
The only advantage to a desktop computer is that they are usually less expensive than laptops, used ones even more so. But the advantages to having a laptop, in my opinion, more than make up the difference. Unless I get a deal too good to walk away from (as I did last year with a G4 iMac for $25 … seriously), I'll never buy another desktop system again.
Most laptops accommodate external monitors, keyboards, hard drives, and other peripherals, so you can easily "upgrade" as needed. I have a Bluetooth keyboard and mouse for mine, but wireless USB versions are also available and less expensive.
New or used?
Depends. If you're going the Windows route, you can usually get a fairly new or refurbished computer pretty cheaply. (More on this next time.) On the other hand, many folks feel more comfortable with brand-new equipment. Not only is it new, but some sort of warranty is usually part of the deal. My wife, for example, is forced to use Windows by the local bozo real estate board (she's a realtor) and is not technically inclined, so she wants a new machine, and wants support (not just mine), so the geeks of Best Buy beckon.
This time, let's focus on computers. We'll do this in two parts. This week, we'll discuss what you need to know up front. Next week, we'll get into the actual shopping. There's just too much ground to cover in one post!
Desktop or laptop?
I say, laptop. Even if you rarely travel, you can get a decent deal on a laptop, have it available for travel or on-site gigs, and still have it set up for home or office use.
The only advantage to a desktop computer is that they are usually less expensive than laptops, used ones even more so. But the advantages to having a laptop, in my opinion, more than make up the difference. Unless I get a deal too good to walk away from (as I did last year with a G4 iMac for $25 … seriously), I'll never buy another desktop system again.
Most laptops accommodate external monitors, keyboards, hard drives, and other peripherals, so you can easily "upgrade" as needed. I have a Bluetooth keyboard and mouse for mine, but wireless USB versions are also available and less expensive.
New or used?
Depends. If you're going the Windows route, you can usually get a fairly new or refurbished computer pretty cheaply. (More on this next time.) On the other hand, many folks feel more comfortable with brand-new equipment. Not only is it new, but some sort of warranty is usually part of the deal. My wife, for example, is forced to use Windows by the local bozo real estate board (she's a realtor) and is not technically inclined, so she wants a new machine, and wants support (not just mine), so the geeks of Best Buy beckon.
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