7 things to consider when buying a new computer to avoid regretting your choice

Have you ever bought a new computer and regretted it a few months later? Perhaps you didn't pay attention to storage capacity and ran out of space, or perhaps you neglected memory and your computer constantly freezes.

Investing in a new PC is not something to be taken lightly. Doing your research beforehand and consulting a trusted friend or computer company can help. This will prevent you from making major mistakes that could haunt you later.

Here are several things to consider before putting your hard-earned money down on a new computer.  

The amount of memory (RAM)

One of the biggest mistakes people make when looking for a new computer is ignoring RAM. More specifically, random access memory, also known as RAM or "memory." If your system has little memory, you'll run into all sorts of problems.  

These issues may include:  

• The browser freezes when you have too many tabs open
• Problems playing videos
• Some software does not work properly
• Slow performance
• Unable to open multiple applications
• Constant gels.  

Memory is the PC's "thought process." If there isn't enough of it, it can't move on to another task until it has completed its current processing tasks. This can cause a lot of frustration and ruin your productivity.

People often opt for cheap computer deals when looking for a new device, but these can only come with 4GB of RAM. That's not much if you do much more than use a single app or a few browser tabs.  

The more RAM you have, the more responsive your system's performance will be. That said, look for PCs with at least 8GB of RAM, or more if you're doing intensive processing like graphics or video editing.  

User reviews on longevity

Buying a new computer is an investment, so it's only natural to want that investment to last as long as possible. You don't want to spend $900 on a new computer and start experiencing problems after only two years of use.  

Take the time to research user reviews on the specific models you're considering. You'll find consistent reports of problems. Avoid models with reports of premature failure.

You may have to pay a little more for a system that has a better performance record, but it will save you money in the long run since your computer will have more years of life than if you had to replace your machine.

Whether the PC is for personal or professional use

If you have a small business or are self-employed, you can try to save money by buying a consumer PC, but it could end up costing you more in the long run.  

Consumer PCs aren't designed for continuous 9-to-5 use. They also often lack some of the firmware security found in business models. The price gap has also narrowed between good consumer PCs and business-grade models. If you don't look at budget systems, you'll find that it doesn't cost much more to get a business-grade device.  

The processor used

Reading processor specifications on your computer can be confusing. How do you know if an Intel Core i7 or i3 is best for your needs? What's the performance difference between AMD and Intel processors?

If you don't want to do the research yourself, you can call your local computer company. We'll be happy to point you in the right direction. We'll explain the differences in simple terms and which processor is best suited to your intended use.  

For laptops: the type of case

If you're looking for a laptop, it's important that it's durable. Laptops have unique features that differ from desktop computers. For example, the screen is often folded down one or more times a day. Additionally, the keyboard is part of the case and isn't easily replaced by the user.  

If you buy a laptop with a cheap plastic case, it's likely to break during normal use. The keys could also easily fall off the keyboard, requiring a visit to a computer repair shop.  

You want to consider the materials used for the case. Paying an extra $20 to $30 for a better case is definitely worth it. It can help you avoid unnecessary headaches.  

Storage capacity

Storage capacity can be an afterthought. If you buy a computer without paying attention to hard drive space, you might regret it. You may not be able to transfer all your old files from your old system.  

Storage capacity can also be an area where you can save money. If you store most of your files in the cloud, you may not need much hard drive space. The less space you need, the lower the price.  

Hard drive type

If you can get a computer with a solid-state drive (SSD) instead of a traditional hard disk drive (HDD), you should do so. SSDs are faster and less likely to have read/write issues. They have no moving parts, so they're also quieter.  

SSDs have recently dropped in price. There are many affordable options, and you'll also find PCs with both a hard drive and an SSD.  

Contact us before spending money on a new computer

Don't blindly invest in a new computer without expert advice. Contact us today for a free consultation that could save you from a bad experience with a new PC.  

About Nexxo

Nexxo Computer Solutions specializes in providing IT and technology services to Quebec businesses. Its mission is to offer Quebec companies IT services tailored to their needs. Acting as an external IT department, it handles all of a company's IT tasks, allowing it to focus on its business activities. It achieves this by collaborating closely with its clients and putting their interests at the center of its concerns.