A computer question for computer people?

Question

I am helping my cousin buy a computer. I am not sure what exactly I should look for. When buying a computer what should I keep in mind.

THe computer is for someone who is a teacher , 29 years old, wgi will use the computer for basic internet search, and work related stuff.

Thanks for your help

P.S concerned about Ram, processor...etc..

Answer 1

don't get anything with vista

someithing with 2 gigs of ram and at least 300 gig hard drive

petium cpu or core 2 would go better.

dvd/cd burner

depend on how much money you want

you can have one pre build just don't get HP

you can build to what you want better choice get what you want and need

Answer 2

Well since he won't be doing anything too resource intensive he could get away with a lower end laptop/computer and be fine.

Basically, a 1.6GHz dual-core CPU (or even a 3-4GHz Pentium 4 for that matter), 1 or 2GB of RAM and a 250-320GB hard drive would do him well. That'd still have reasonable processing power and lots of storage, and enough RAM that he could multi-task without having his computer hang up. You could easily pick up a laptop with these specs for $500, maybe less if you find a sale. A desktop would be even less for just the tower, keyboard and mouse, but you have to remember about the monitor. If you got a flatscreen, it would at least an extra $150. So for him, having a laptop would probably be better. He could take it with him to school too.

Answer 3

Acers and E-machines are junk. Cheap, proprietary parts and shoddy workmanship are a couple reasons why you should stay away from them. Stay away from those at all costs. E-machines especially since their power supplies last about as long as a disposable razor.

Dells have cheap parts too, but not as bad as the aforementioned. HPs tend to have Asus motherboards, which are the really high quality and offer rock solid stability. HPs also use Seagate brand hard drives, which will are high quality too and are known to last for ages.  

Answer 4

Hi Jen

Get Acer or Compaq. Dell is also a good computer. I use Acers for programming and gaming as well. It is fast, very sturdy and reliable. You rarely see Acer posted here with issues. That means the laptop is very good.

Answer 5

At least Intel E2180 for the proc, At least 1gig DDR2 800 of higher for Ram, Onboard VGA is fine preperably Intel, ati, or nvidia, 160G Hardisk, and a 350-400W branded PSU.