Buy a PC in 15 minutes

Posted on 20 Aug 2008 at 10:22

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If you're thinking of buying a new PC but feel overwhelmed by all the jargon, don't be: simply follow Simon Edwards' plain-speaking guide and everything will be clear If you're thinking of buying a new PC but feel overwhelmed by all the jargon, don't be: simply follow Simon Edwards' plain-speaking guide and everything will be clear.

Buying a new computer can be intimidating, whether you're looking for your first PC or upgrading to something new. This is partly because computers are pretty complex things, but also because they are expensive. Despite the fact that prices are comparatively low these days, most people still expect to pay between £500 and £800 for a machine that they hope will last for many years and won't go out of date. To most people, that's a lot of cash.

At Computer Shopper we believe that you don't have to be an expert to pick a good PC. We've got a lab full of experienced writers and testers who spend all their time researching the best deals so you don't have to. Magazine reviews make the job of choosing where to spend your money much easier, but not everyone has the time or (dare we say it) interest to plough through lots of reviews every month. Things can become confusing and you might end up no closer to owning a computer than when you started.

Over the next four pages we'll tell you all you really need to know when shopping for a computer. Experts, or those with very specialist needs such as avid gamers, would do well to read the in-depth PC reviews in our What's New section. But if you just need a PC for office work, the kids' homework, running a few games or using the internet, then read this guide first. Not only will this article make selecting a deal easier today, but what you learn should help when you come to buy another PC in the future.

Buy a PC - not a Mac

Before you even start looking at adverts, you need to decide whether you want a PC or a Mac. A few years ago there was a significant difference between these types of computer, but now there is very little. Suffice to say, PCs and Macs are both powerful and easy to use.

Macs tend to look prettier and come with some very good and easy-to-use software. They usually cost more than the equivalent PC, which will usually have a more functional appearance. We recommend buying a PC instead of a Mac for two main reasons: they are better value and there's more software available.

Once you've decided to buy a PC, you have a choice of buying a desktop system or a laptop. Laptops used to be poor value but now they are so competitively priced that one of these portable computers can make a fine alternative to a desktop, even if it is never going to leave the house. Remember how we said PCs can look functional? Sometimes they can be downright ugly and, if yours is destined to sit in the living room, a laptop can be a better choice. You can even fold it up and stick it in a drawer when you're not using it. You'll pay extra for a very light laptop, so only pay this premium if you are going to carry it around.

Buy direct - not from the shops

Buying electrical goods is an expensive business, especially on the high street. PCs are particularly poor value in the shops because you usually find older models on sale. PCs depreciate in value very quickly and today's fastest models will cost less than their current value in a year's time.

In general, shops stock a small number of models, updating them and their prices relatively rarely compared with online stores. Buying direct from the manufacturer over the internet or on the phone ensures that you get the latest equipment for an extremely competitive price. Alternatively, some resellers can also provide branded PCs at low prices. Websites including pcworld.co.uk, dabs.com, insight.com and ebuyer.com all sell big-name computers.