How to choose a new computer

Janurary 15, 2004
By: Hain Consulting, Inc.

Number one question

What is the number one question we get at the water cooler? "I need to buy a new computer what should I get?" Well computers are a lot like the vehicle you drive. There is a lot of personal preference and style that goes into the decision. We have noticed that when people buy computers they most likely buy twice the machine they need and basically throw money away.

So we ask you "what do you need to do, exactly?"

Keeping with the vehicle analogy: Soccer moms are famous for their mini-vans and construction workers can be found in their pick-ups or 4X4s.

With computers it is the same thing. Traveling sales staff will prefer ultra thin laptops that weight 1.5 lbs and the graphic designer will enjoy the biggest, fastest Mac with a 27" flat screen.

However, you might already know that, just as the construction workers know they need a truck.

We can help you with the finer points. Things such as: Memory, CPU, Disk Size and Internet Connections. (Or: gas tank, horse power, trunk space and 4, 6 or 8 cylinders.)

Below is the latest from Dell. Dell offers a great website that you can custom build and have your PC shipped anywhere in the world. We use dell.com daily so if you have any questions just let us know. We can also make thing easier for you and find the best machine that fits your needs. All you have to do is say "order it!"

Below was taken from dell.com

Everything You Would Expect From a Dell Mobile System

The lightweight LatitudeTM D505 notebooks, starting at just over 5 pounds. (2.3 kg), are the first Latitude systems to offer users a choice of 14.1" or 15" liquid crystal displays (LCD). The lightest configuration includes a four-cell battery and a 14.1" LCD screen. However, the system with the larger display and a six-cell battery weighs only a little over 6 pounds. These sturdy and attractive notebooks — incorporating a strong magnesium alloy frame with Ion Silver and Moonlight Silver accents — are ideal mobile companions in the office as you move through your busy workday or on the road as you deal with the hustle and bustle of business travel. You can also design the system to meet your performance requirements. The D505 model offers users a choice of processors with either the Intel® Pentium® M 1.4 or 1.5 GHz processor, or Intel Celeron® M 1.2 GHz processor.

Connectivity Solutions for All of Your Business Communications

All Latitude D505 systems are equipped for network connectivity when you're home or on the road. Use the 10/100 integrated network card for Ethernet connection in the office and the V.92 modem for dial-up access when you're traveling. You'll find that attaching peripheral devices, such as cameras and printers, is a breeze using the integrated IEEE 1394 and USB 2.0 ports. These new Latitude notebooks also include wireless as a standard offering with a choice of either the Dell TrueMobileTM wireless LAN solutions or the Intel Pro Wireless Mini-PCI card. The D505 also offers Intel CentrinoTM Mobile Technology featuring the Pentium M processor, the 855GME chipset and Intel ProWireless Mini-PCI card. For convenient wireless connection to printers, fax machines, keyboards, handhelds, or any number of other Bluetooth-enabled devices, select the integrated Bluetooth option and create your own personal area network.

The Perfect Balance of Portability and Features

The Latitude D505 systems offer abundant options for performance, connectivity and functionality. A module bay, which comes standard with a CD-ROM, provides a variety of media, second hard drive and second battery options. Design the mobile system that's just right for you and let us build your Latitude D505 notebook today...it's Easy as Dell.