chapter 18 buying a pc. getting started faqs: − so many options—where do i begin? − where can...

Chapter 18Buying a PC

Getting Started

• FAQs:− So many options—where do I begin?− Where can I find prices and specifications?− How much computing power do I need?− Where can I find the best deal?− Is it okay to mail order a PC?

2Practical PC 6th Edition Chapter 18

So many options – where do I begin?

• A good deal on a computer means you pay a reasonable price to a reliable merchant for a dependable computer

• Successful buyers follow these strategies:– Choose a platform– Decide whether you want a notebook, netbook, or desktop

computer– Browse magazines, catalogs, and Web sites to get an idea

of current pricing and features– Make your final selection by comparing prices, features,

technical support and warranty


So many options – where do I begin?

• A computer platform is a category of computers– PC platform includes computers that run Microsoft

Windows– Mac platform are Macintosh computers

• Intel Macs• Decide among a desktop, notebook, or netbook computer

– Notebooks and netbooks are portable– Notebooks are heavier, but more powerful than netbooks– Desktop computers are more expandable because you can

swap out components inside the case


Where can I find prices and specifications?

• Research prices and specifications to get a handle on the current market in three ranges: under $500, $500-$1000, and over $1000

• Make sure to look at– Microprocessor manufacturer and model– Microprocessor speed– RAM capacity– Hard disk capacity and speed– Display screen size– Amount of video memory

• Create a price-range table• Find info in ads, computer magazines, and online


Where can I find prices and specifications?


How much computing power do I need?

• PC priced higher than $1,000 is the equivalent of a luxury automobile– State-of-the-art components– Generous amount of RAM and disk storage space

• PC $500-$1,000 is the equivalent of a “four-door sedan”– Most popular and provides ample computing power

• PC under $500 is like a compact car– Technology is a few years old– Reduced processor speed and memory capacity

• Used computer is also an option


Where can I find the best deal?

• Conventional stores– Computer superstores allow you to see the PCs first hand

and also have trained sales people– Office and mass-market stores may provide a smaller

selection at a higher price and the sales staff may have little computer background

• Manufacturer direct sales– You can place your order over the phone or on a Web site

with manufacturer and customize features – Often cannot try before you buy– Technical support has become sophisticated


Is it OK to mail order a PC?

• Mail order is one of the most popular ways of buying a computer

• On the phone, a salesperson can answer your questions• On the Web, you typically follow prompts on the screen, enter

shipping information, provide a credit card payment, and receive an e-mail confirmation

• Make arrangements for someone to be home to receive shipment, or you can pick up the computer at the courier’s office

• Keep your purchase receipt handy for warranty coverage. You may also purchase extended warranties


Hardware: Green gear

• The goal of green computing is to design, manufacture, use, and dispose of electronic devices in a way that has minimal impact on the environment– Green design and manufacturing– Green use– Green disposal

• EPEAT is a program that rates electronics manufacturors on 51 environmental criteria– www.epeat.net/Search.aspx



• Energy use varies on what the computer is doing– Consumes less power when fewer programs are running– Phantom power is used to illuminate various LED lights and

allow a device to be turned on by remote control



• When shopping for household appliances and electronic gear, look for the ENERGY STAR logo

• You can verify energy efficiency using a watt meter or home energy monitor



• Much of the gear used for computing can be recycled– Use rechargeable batteries whenever possible– Consider refilling your printer ink

• Reuse and recycle old computers– Donate to a school or charitable organization– Take to a recycling center– Make sure data cannot be recovered– Check license agreements before leaving software on hard

disks


Who pays for e-waste?

• What do you think?– Have you ever thrown an unwanted electronic device into

the garbage?– Are you aware of recycling options in your local area?– Would you be willing to pay a $10 recycling fee for any

electronic product you purchase?– Do you think that national recycling laws are needed?


chapter 18 buying a pc. getting started faqs: − so many options—where do i begin? − where can...

Documents