How to Choose a Computer Brand
Is the cheapest PC really the best deal? Not if the company uses inferior parts. For the best buy on a new PC, do your homework and try to go with a company that uses high-quality components.
- Difficulty:
- Moderate
Instructions
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Check the PC Magazine subscriber survey, published each July, for comprehensive information about reliability and customer satisfaction with individual brands.
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Buy a brand with above-average reliability and customer satisfaction.
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Be aware that manufacturers that have made personal computers for a shorter time will have misleadingly high scores.
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Choose a brand that offers a three-year parts-and-labor limited warranty, if possible.
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Select a brand that uses high-quality parts inside, unless price is your primary consideration. Do some research to find out which parts are better. Investigate the computer drives (hard disk, floppy disk, CD-ROM disc), internal cards (sound card, video card, network card), power supply, and the internal buses in addition to the type of processor.
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Tips & Warnings
See Related eHows for more information on evaluating different parts.
Buy the same brand computer and monitor only if the monitor looks good to you.
If you're considering a Macintosh, realize that PC magazines won't include information on them. Consult Mac publications instead.
Be wary of a brand that offers the same configuration as another brand at a lower price.
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Comments
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Aug 08, 2006
Many computer manufacturers outsource their support. If you do not want to speak to foreign technical support, or just want it fixed, your best option would be to purchase a PC from a local PC builder. Usually a local company will remember you and your system and be much more help and more appreciative of your business. Support your local economy. Buy local! -
Nov 22, 2005
Looking for a 3-year warranty is not very feasible, as many manufacturers offer only a 1-year warranty.
