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Terry Williams guides you through the many different options available when buying a new desktop PC.
Notebooks are in fashion nowadays but desktop computers still have a place – and they come in many different shapes and sizes now.
You can have machines with small footprints, cases designed to fit under the television to act as media centres, larger tower cases for the office and very colourful designs aimed at the gaming market.
The major benefit of desktop style machines compared to notebooks is the upgrade options available to the end user. A customer can buy a good specified computer for a few pounds and then upgrade it relatively cheaply as time goes by. Also the costs of repairs are far lower and easier to carry out, again compared to notebooks.
As building computers is now a very easy job, with loads of advice and help available in magazines and on the Internet, many people buy the components and assemble their own.
However, just make sure that you buy the parts from a reputable supplier as it is common to have compatibility issues and you may need to change a few bits.
The E-sellers are very cheap but their aftersales support and returns procedure is a nightmare. Some think nothing of taking three months to exchange faulty goods.
Barebone systems (part-built systems) are very popular for people with just a bit of PC know-how.
You buy the barebone system, comprising a computer case in various styles from cubes to towers with motherboard, optical drives etc already installed, and you just add a processor, memory and hard drive, then load your operating system and away you go.
It is rewarding for the customer to part-build their own machine, there is a choice of components to install and the process can save loads of money.
Those wanting an easier life can simply go and buy a computer from a shop. The main issue here is that the specifications are not always what they might be – and the cost.
The other popular choice is buying via mail order.
The value and range is excellent but the support and service even from the big mail order and direct suppliers can be very poor due to the tight margins.
It can be a good idea to go for a branded product with direct manufacturer’s warranty from firms such as Fujitsu Siemens, HP, Sony or Acer. While these machines are not always cutting-edge, they are usually reliable and well supported with up to three-year on-site European warranties.
This type of product is ideal for business where cost of ownership and support is important. Try to avoid the insurance-style warranty, often heavily pushed by PC superstores and shops. Fujitsu Siemens presently have a very capable tower unit with Windows XP Home on the market for around £249 (inc. VAT) including three years’ on-site warranty (excludes monitor).
The best way of getting a fast and attractive PC with quality components is to approach a reputable company and commission a machine to be built. This ensures you get the right machine for your needs.
For customers who need something special for gaming, video editing, audio work, security (CCTV), networking or business with full install and support packages, then go to a specialist. It may cost a bit more but over the life of the product it will be money well spent.
Anyone who has tried to get a problem resolved at a PC superstore or from a mail order company will understand this point.
For help or advice on any IT, CCTV or security issues do not hesitate to give us a call.
Terry Williams is Managing Director of Lickey End-based Shepley Computers & CCTV.
If you have any computer-related questions you would like him to answer in future columns, please email them to: .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
For more information on CCTV and PCs and links to related sites, see: https://www.shepleydirect.co.uk