Computer prices continue to drop and get more powerful. I answer the question, "What should I buy?", many times every week. The answer seems to change about every six months. Today, I’m going to list my advice that should hold for at least six months:
Primary use is Internet, email, small games, and word processing:
Primary use is as above + digital photography:
Uses are as above + video editing and/or high end games or other processor intensive program:
I don’t worry about the other specs in a computer as long as you meet these minimums for your particular use. Upgrading doesn’t make a lot of sense today unless your computer is less than three years old. And then, only upgrade inexpensive components like DVD burners, RAM, or an extra hard drive.
These are guidelines to get you started. If you need more specifics, give us a call on the show.
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When you get a chance, an article about Vista hardware requirements would be handy also. The six month timeframe you mention is good, but you also mention that most of us shouldn’t upgrade any sooner than once every three years. Windows Vista MIGHT be coming out within three years, although it seems to get pushed back more every day! From what I have heard & read so far, the requirements for Vista seem to be somewhere between the second and third levels in your article.