Desktop Computer Consumer Guide
From humble beginnings the PC has become as ubiquitous in most American household as the television and as essential as the refrigerator. World-wide sales of personal computers reached some 264 million units according to Isuppl a leading information technology market watcher and analysis firm.
So are you ready to take the plunge? Have you ruled out a laptop computer. Are you leaning toward a desktop computer? Are you ready to purchase a desktop computer, but you are not sure which model would fit your particular needs. Confused by the terminology and seemingly ever shifting display sizes and resolution standards? Let me help you with your research and eventual purchasing decision by doing the leg work for you. The result: a consolidated summary, a computer buying guide if you will, on the top desktop computers out there. I am confident this buying guide will prove instrumental in saving you time, effort, and perhaps money, in your quest for THE RIGHT computer for your particular needs.
What you need to know when purchasing a desktop computer
Let's start with the basics, namely what size and type (IBM-compatible or Macintosh) of desktop computer you'll choose to fit your particular needs and how they might differ in performance. Deciding whether to buy an PC desktop (Windows) or Apple desktop really comes down to personal choice, advertising, word of mouth, and of course budget. But then there is the frustration factor to consider thanks to Windows Vista. Trepidation and loathing of the Microsoft Operating System (OS) just might send the faint of heart running in terror towards a Mac, but take heart PC fans, Windows XP based computers still perform quite nicely thank you.
Both IBM-compatible computers and Apple computers use Intel Pentium Dual Core or Intel Core 2 Duo processors and certain (IBM-compatible) manufactures also offer AMD Athlon, Sempron, and Phenom processors. Most of the AMD processors are offered on desktops at entry-level price-points; Hewlett Packard is marketing a desktop on-line (the HP Pavilion a6400z series) for $299.99 with an AMD Sempron or Athlon processer. Of course at this price point-point the PC is pretty basic, but it's still a powerful machine.
All of the principle computer manufactures-Apple, Dell, Gateway, Hewlett Packard, Lenovo, Sony, and Acer-market desktop computers in varying configurations, however one would be hard pressed to find a true "desktop" computer anymore; meaning that most if not all "desktops" are configured as "tower" computers, which rest on the floor. The towers ship in many different configurations with the mini-tower by far the most popular. But just as the all-in-one printer is now the one to have, all-in-one computers, such as the now legendary iMac and my favorite the Dell XPS One, are now becoming more popular.
At the Heart of it all
Processors are of course the heart of any computer and for desktop computers there are only two manufactures left, Intel and AMD. Both manufactures offer a dizzying array of processor types for desktops, and each offers its own set of performance queues.
But of course the size of the processor has to matter because these little silicon wafers produce a lot of heat while going about the business of computing. Apple does not offer AMD processors with any of its desktop offerings, which is a shame because a desktop computer with an AMD processor tend to cost $100.00 less than comparable Intel equipped units, yet they are every bit as powerful.
No matter which processor you choose, make sure it has enough power to perform the tasks you'll demand from your new desktop. Both Intel and AMD offer Duo-Core processors (the operating system sees the processor as two separate units) at varying bus speeds. Duo-Core and Quad-core processors out-perform their single core brethren by a substantial margin. Quad-core processors like AMD's Phenom and Intel Core Extreme can be found in high-end systems approaching and surpassing the $2000.00 mark.
The technology undergirding these processor families is too complex to cover within the context of this guide. For more information on processors, check out the Intel Microprocessor Quick Reference Guide, AMD Processor Guide, and Tom's Hardware 2007 CPU Chart. The good news is all new desktops, be they IBM-compatible or Apple, ship with Intel and/or AMD Dual Core, Core 2 Duo, or Core 2 Extreme processors.
The more the desktop costs, the higher the performance curve and internal processor bus speed. Most users will not need the power a $2000.00 computer with perhaps a Core 2 Extreme processor at 3.67GHz brings to bear. An entry-level desktop computer is fine for almost any everyday task.
For entry-level I recommend at least a 3.0GHz Intel Core 2 Duo processor or AMD equivalent, which should be fine for everyday work; i.e. browsing the Internet, word processing, email, money management, etc. For these tasks you will not need the latest and greatest processor, but with a Core 2 Duo, you get admirable performance.
At the Soul of my new Desktop, the Hard Drive?
My rule of thumb for hard drives is to always buy as much storage space as you can afford, you never know when it might come in handy. All of the major manufactures allow you to customize their on-line offerings, and upgrades to base hard drive offerings can usually be had for a minimal price. Hard drive capacity has already reached the 1TB (terabyte) stage and prices per gigabyte continue to fall, so getting a hard drive with 500GB is not unreasonable. And do get an extra (preferably external) hard drive to back up your new desktop system. Hard drives do crash and when they do you need to be able to recover at least your data.
A word, or two, about RAM
Another rule of thumb: always buy as much hard drive space as you can afford. While Windows XP and Vista both create virtual memory on the hard drive to supplement RAM, virtual memory is not as fast as RAM. If you can afford to max out your system, do so. Most systems will do fine with 1GB, but Windows Vista is a resource hungry beast, so 2GB is not unreasonable. If you plan on building a multi-media workhorse 4GB is not out of the question.
Key Features and Technologies:
Other than the processor, hard drive and RAM, here are few more technology items to consider:
- Universal Serial Bus (USB) ports: What started out as a nice-to-have utility is now a must-have for desktop PCs. Almost anything you can attach to a computer from printers to mice, to keyboards, to external hard drives now has a USB connection, so the more a desktop has the better off you are. The average number seems to have peaked at 6 USB ports located at various spots around the computer body. But of course the beauty of USB is that you string up to 128 devices from a single USB port, but who wants to carry a USB hub with them no matter how small.
- IEEE 1394 port(s): A must have for connecting a digital camera and or camcorder to your desktop. All digital cameras have a mini IEEE 1394 or a UBS connection that allows you to "dump" images and or video directly onto the computer for use. Most mid-level IBM-compatible desktops and all Apple desktops have at least one IEEE 1394 port.
- Memory Card Readers: Most desktops now ship with at least an 8-n-1 memory card reader slot that allows to read data directly from a large variety of removable memory media such as SD-Media cards used in most, if not all digital cameras. It is very convenient to be able to remove the SD-media memory card from your digital camera or even camcorder, slip into the desktops card reader and have instant access to images and or video. Of course the readers are also great for sharing files with other, because any card inserted into one of the slots is assigned a drive letter like any non-volatile memory device.
- Multi-media features: More and more desktops are becoming television replacements, especially at the high-end and as such we are starting to see multi-media features once reserved for desktop festoon the ever populated side of laptops. It's not uncommon to see High Definition tuners and HDMI ports on some high-end desktops.
My Desktop Computer Recommendations
When I shop for a new computer I look for the unit that will give me the most features and performance for my dollar and not unlike my choices for laptops I generally prefer a few manufactures over all other: Hewlett Packard computers and Dell computers. For business (high-end) use my first choice is Dell, Hewlett Packard or a machine I build myself. Your choices however are most likely to be dictated by price vs. performance vs. ease of use, in which case eMachines, Gateway, Acer, and Apple should definately be considered.
Entry-level medal: Best Computer for casual users
At the lower end of the buying spectrum I-and PC Magazine-like eMachines T3642 desktops (starting price $350.00) featuring the AMD Athlon 64 4000+ processor at 2.6GHz, a generous 250GB hard drive, and 1GB of DDR2 RAM. This machine is clearly aimed at buyers whose computing demands to do exceed the norm and as such is ideal for college students or those looking to surf the Internet or work process. The T3642 is strictly no frills and even comes with a ball mouse, but at this price point it makes for a solid entry-level computer.
I also like the HP Pavilion a6400z desktop PC (starting price $299.99, sans monitor) and the HP Pavilion a6410t desktop computer (starting price $349.00) The essential difference between these two basic min-tower computers is the processors; the a6400z ships with the AMD Sempron dual-core; while the a6410t ship with Intel's Celeron Dual-Core processors. Both PC's ship with HP patented Light- scribe drives that allow one to burn data on one side of the CD and print a label on the other, and the drive does both. Mate that with a standard 250GB hard drive and 1GB of DDR2 ram upgradeable to 4GB and you have a formula for a solid pair of entry-level PC's.
Mid-range muscle; The best computer for moderate users
Apple computers have made a startling come-back in recent years thanks to the popularity of the iPod and the growing dissatisfaction with Microsoft's Windows Vista operating system. It helps that traditionally Macintosh computers have a lot going for them and the iMac (20-inch) Desktop (starting price $1,189.00) is your ticket into the iMac club. Sporting Intel's Core Duo processor at 2.4GHz, 1GB DDR2 RAM, a 20" TFT LCD screen, Mac OS X 10.5, and a 500GB hard drive standard, the iMac 20" all-n-one designed computer is designed for the user who demands simplistic performance.
Speaking of All-n-One designs, I also recommend the Dell XPS One Desktop PC (starting price $1299.00) and I am recommending the computer because I own one. Built around the Intel Core 2 Duo E4500 processor a4 2.2GHz, 2GB or DDR2 RAM, 250GB SATA hard drive and 20" display all standard, the Dell XPS One (see inside the screen) is a solid mid-range performer with a more than generous number of USB ports, one IEEE 1394 port, built-in speakers, 802.11 wireless, and cool touch screen audio controls.
This in the market for a very fast mid-range digital media editing machine might want to give the Velocity Micro Edge E2250 Desktop (starting at $1999.00) a look. Built around an Intel Core 2 Quad Q9450 processor at 2.66GHz, 4GB DDR2 RAM, 750GB SATA hard drive, 512MB Nvidia GeForce 9800GTX video graphics card, and Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium, the E2250 is designed for the multimedia enthusiast.
High-end Hell-Hounds: Best Computers for Chronic Users
On the high-end of the spectrum, where money is no object, I have three units I like. First up is again the Dell XPS One this time with the Intel Core 2 Duo E6550 processor 2.33GHz and Blue-Ray DVD starting at $2199.00. This handsomely designed Dell XPS One ships with a 2GB DDR2 RAM (user upgradable to 4GB), (ATSC) HDTV tuner, Bluetooth, 802.11n wireless, integrated IR sensor, and a seriously cool touchpad keyboard, all standard.
Next up is Apple's newest desktop maverick the Mac Pro (staring at $2,799.00). Built around the (2) Intel Xeon (Harpertown) Quad-Core processor and chipset, 2GB DDR2 ECC memory, ATI Radeon HD 2600 XT graphics card w/ 256MB VRAM, and a 250GB SATA hard drive, this computer is built for the person who demands the performance born out of 8 cores of processing power! Apple claims that the new Pac Pro is the "fastest, most powerful Mac. Ever." And what's not to believe, after-all the handsomely designed desktop is sporting processors that used to be reserved for server platform costing upward to 10 times as much as the Mac Pro.
Rounding out the trio is the CyberPower Gamer Infinity Ultimate System ($4399), built around the Intel Core 2 Extreme QX6700 Quad-core processor, over-clocked to 3.46GHz. The silver and black tower also packs dual SLI XFX GeForce 8800GTX graphics boards w/768MB of RAM each, a LiteOn Blu-ray DVD drive that can store up to 25GB of data per disc, and up to 800GB worth of hard drive real estate in the form of (2) Western Digital Raptor SATA drives configured in a RAID O array and one SATA 500GB hard drive. Only serious gamers need apply!
Additional Sources for more information on Desktop Computers.
There are number of places to gleam information on desktop computers. Most of these reside on the Internet, but I used off-line sources as well such as PC Magazine, PC World, Wired, and Network World magazines(s). Always do your research before heading to the local Best Buy or Circuit City to purchase your desktop computer. Chances are the sales representative will know just as much if not less than you about the desktop computers and only you can know what your particular computing needs are.
On-line sources include:
When shopping for a desktop computer, your best bets are to check independent reviews such as those in PC World's Computer Reviews and Ratings section. Also, visit you local electronics store and let your eyes help do the deciding. But also check out these on-line resources:
Wikipedia.org: this a fine place to do general research on monitors, their functionality, as well as terms you might want to become familiar with before starting your search for the best.
CNET 10-Ten Desktops: a good place to find general knowledge on anything computer-related. And the site offers price comparisons as well as basic reviews.
PC Magazine Desktop Buying Guide: an excellent course for all things computer-related. The site, which is a reflection of the magazine, offers in-depth professional reviews on all manner of computer products and services as well as electronics.
Top 5 Power Desktop PCs: another excellent source for professional reviews and information on computer-related products and services.
Additional resources include:
