Computer Buying Tips:

Giga What? 

With so much hardware on the market and confusing jargon, picking the right computer specifications can often be a daunting task.  Check out my quick to the point computer buying tips.

Remember!  Ask Mark if you'd like one on one computer buying tips, free laptop purchasing advice, or have any other questions.

Tip:  I hope you find my computer buying tips useful.  Choose wisely, Microsoft's Windows Vista operating system will need today's powerful hardware to run sufficiently. 

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Recommendations:

Processor:  Intel Core 2 Duo or Intel Core 2 Quad recommended for unsurpassed performance.  I recommend getting at the minimum a 2.0GHz processor.  Tip:  Intel's latest quad-core processors are dropping rapidly in price and spending a little extra cash will surely future proof your investment.  Many more applications will take advantage of multi-core processors in the future and more cores typically equal better performance, especially when juggling multiple applications like most users do.

Memory:  1GB+ RAM for Windows XP and at least 2GB for Windows Vista.  Tip:  Windows Vista loves memory, get as much as you can afford, and definitely go no less than 2GB.

Hard Drive:  320GB+ to fulfill storage demands for today's large applications, MP3 collections, and digital photos.  Tip:  Make sure the drive operates with at least a 7200RPM spindle speed.  

Video Card:  Look for non-integrated video cards with a minimum of 128MB memory onboard.   This basic requirement should ensure your computer will at the least handle the new Windows Vista graphics interface.  If you are a more advanced user such as a gamer or 3D application user, look for computers specifically with Nvidia GeForce series graphics cards with more than 128MB memory onboard.  Tip:  NVIDIA's leading competitor ATI Technologies also make some great video cards. 

Optical Drive:  16X DVD+/-RW drive recommended.  Great for data backup, DVD photo slideshows and more.  Tip:  Blue-ray and HD-DVD drives are coming down in price but in my opinion they are not yet necessary unless you just have to have the latest tech.

Sound Card:  Most off the shelf computers typically have an integrated sound solution which are absolutely perfect for tasks such as watching a movie or listening to your favorite MP3's.  If you are into extreme gaming or high end audio applications however, you may want to consider cards from Creative Technology such as their Sound Blaster X-Fi line of cards.  Tip:  Sound card choice really comes down to your needs, so don't feel like you have to rush out and spend your savings thinking your favorite MP3's will magically sound better.   You're better off investing in a nice set of speakers.  

Monitor:  It's all about widescreen these days.  I recommend getting at least a 20-inch widescreen LCD display for optimal multitasking.  Tip:  You may want to check out 23 and 24-inch LCD's.  Prices have dropped tremendously and you get stunning HD resolutions. (1920x1200)

Do you have additional questions maybe regarding detailed specifications or brand recommendations?  If so, please do not hesitate to Ask Mark for free advice.