by BRIAN KORTE, JEFF POLLARD, KIMBER MELETZKE, AIMEE FRANCO and JAMES ANDREWS
"What should I look for in a computer?" That is what many people want to find out without any sales people trying to make a commission. I had finally gotten permission from my parents to get a computer, but I had no idea where to begin. I had no clue how fast it should run, how many "megs" the memory should be or how many "gigs" should be on the hard drive. All I wanted my computer to be was fast!
I had also heard about a sound card. Does that come with the computer, or is that seperate? There are so many things that are involved with buying a computer. What about a modem? How fast should that be? I have no idea about any of these and what the differences. I know many of you out there are wondering the same thing I am.
-- Kimber Meletzke
I recently upgraded my cranky, tired computer. All I knew was that my computer was slow, and weak! I wanted it to be fast and mighty, like my dear friends' computers. I felt bad because I no clue as to how to speed it up. I finally called the computer help desk for answers.
The guy on the phone asked me a few questions about my computer, like how much RAM I currently had. I told him 8 MB, only knowing this because it was on my computer's sticker. He then told me that I'd need either "two eights" or "two sixteens." When I asked him where I was to find these things, he told me to "buy it over the internet."
Sure, dude. That is exactly what I want to do. I don't even know WHAT I'm really buying for my computer, and I am going to know HOW to buy it OVER THE 'NET...WITH my computer. Oh, c'mon!! My computer was too slow to even load the opening page, much less surf the net for toys.
-- Aimee Franco
Buying a computer is a very personal thing. You need to have the right information. If any of the above situations apply to you, don't be afraid. Holiday time is coming around, and with it comes the good computer sales. If you are thinking of buying a computer, take a load off, and let us do the research for you. We've got PC guys and MAC guys below to take you through the needs of computers. If any of the terminology loses you, visit my jargon article. Happy reading! Happy Holidays!
-- Brian Korte
Macintosh Computers
When looking to buy a Macintosh, there are a few things you should look for:
G3 Processor: The G3 processor is the latest and greatest from Motorolla, IBM and Apple. Almost all new Macs have a G3 processor, and the speeds range from 233-333 mhz. I would reccommend either the 266 or 300 mhz processor.
iMac: The iMac is Apple's latest creation. They designed this machine for first-time users. This machine doesn't have a lot of space for upgradability, but it is a great machine for the first time computer owner. Apple also priced this machine at $1299 to appeal to people who don't want to spend a fortune to get a nice computer. This machine comes with a 233mhz G3 processor, 32mb RAM, Cd ROM, 6MB video card, and loads of great software. If you've never owned a computer, and enjoy working on a macintosh, this is a great computer to buy.
OS 8.5: This is Apple's newest operating system. 8.5 in general just feels really smooth and very fast as compared to previous releases of MacOS. Any new machine, iMac or otherwise, now comes with OS 8.5 already installed.
-- Jeff Pollard
IBM-Compatible Computers
For general College use, look into getting at least:
a 200 Mhz or faster processor,
basic video card with 4 to 8 Megs memory,
32 MB of RAM,
Windows 98,
Sound blaster compatible sound card,
56k modem,
2 Gig hard drive or better,
8x or higher CD-ROM,
Iomega zip drive,
15 inch monitor or higher.
A good gaming system should have the following:
At least 300 MHz AMD k6-2 with 3dnow technology,
64 MB of RAM,
Windows 98,
2d and 3d accelerator with at least 8 MB of memory (3dfx Voodoo 2 or TNT
preferred),
3d sound (like Diamond Monster Sound 330 or Creative labs LIVE),
4.1 gig hard drive (you can get better but will rarely need the extra space),
56k modem,
DVD drive or 32x CD-ROM,
17 inch monitor or better.
For Media, Art, or Design Majors, look into:
a 400 MHz or higher Pentium 2 (or a 350 MHz AMD K6-2 with 3dnow),
64 to 128 MB of RAM,
Very good Graphics Card,
Sound blaster compatible sound card,
8 Gig hard drive or better,
Iomega zip drive,
Windows 98,
17 inch or better monitor,
56k modem
If you want the ultimate computer system, try:
a 450 MHz Pentium 2 processor,
Tyan Thunder 100 motherboard,
128 MB 100 MHz SDRAM,
Microsoft Natural Elite Keyboard,
Logitech cordless wheelmouse,
Sony 5x DVD drive,
Sony GDM F500 21 inch monitor,
Creative SoundBlaster Live,
Boston Acoustics Theater Speakers with optional Surround speaker,
Matrox Millenium G200 Graphics Accelerator,
Diamond Monster 3d with MegaMonster add-on card,
Iomega Zip drive,
Diamond Supra Sonic 128k dual modem
-- James Andrews
It is our hope that this article helped you see what options you have in the computer world. As always, things change on a regular basis. Don't get frustrated. Stick with it, and you'll come out fine.
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Name:Michael Sos Major: art Comments:
I agree with Scott. Do your research before you purchase your next machine. An extra 100 dollars can save you alot of grief. I have my favorite brands but I am a very bias buyer and I see no need in polluting this forum with my opinions. Listen to Scott and stay away from Packerd bell and compaq computers they are notoriously crappy.the inside of those things look like they were put together by a deranged cross-eyed redneck missing 3 fingers using a glue gun. I think they wait outside the Jerry springer show to pick up labor. Be wary of the local computer shops also, they are often run by the 3 fingered deranged rednecks that don't get picked up by packard bell and compaq.
well so much for keeping my opinion out of it
Name:Scott Cloud Comments:
Until very recently, I sold computers as a part of my job at Office Max. In fact, I sold a lot of them. But, against my better judgment, I let a lot of people walk out of the store with either a packard bell or compaq- both notoriously crappy computers. The majority of these people came in, sale paper in hand, and knew they wanted a computer and knew they wanted a "bargain". Even though Office Max frowned on what I was going, I explained to each and every one of them how crappy these brands where and how much better ibm and Hewlett Packard are, and in all except one case, they went for the el-cheapo crapola. My advice to your readers is to oder a dell computer from their website or phone line, or failing that buy a ibm or hewlett packard computer from a staples or office depot. Merry Xmas!
Name: Brian Comments:
Well, Gary, I don't know about Kimber, but I ended up purchasing a computer a few days ago. It's a pentium 2, 450, 128 megs RAM, DVD, 19 inch monitor, zip drive, all the trimmings.
Name: Gary Comments:
So Kimber - Was writing this article helpful in choosing what to buy? What'd you get?
(possible sequel for next week?)
