What Computer to Buy

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We use both PC's and Macintosh computers, plus we also build our own PC's, so are we not biased either way. However, any machine has it's own particular strengths and weaknesses. And this will of course be highlighted depending upon what tasks you need to perform. Cost of purchase is also a factor. There are a lot of myths and misunderstandings about computers generally. Here we will try and debunk such myths, and give you an easy to understand guide to buying/upgrading your computer.

Contents:
Upgrading
A New Desktop Computer. Choices..
PC
Mac
Prices
What Operating System should I have?
Windows
Mac OS
Macintosh

Upgrading
People will often think of upgrading their computer when it is running slowly, because they think it is the hardware that is slow. But often the hardware is perfectly adequate. It is just that the sheer amount of programmes running in the background; (spyware and over-the-top security programmes [i.e. Norton/Macafee Internet Security or such like] are common causes); are gumming up the works. Sometimes, also, the operating system ITSELF has become damaged in some way. In this case, all that may be required is either (what we call) an MOT, Where we remove all the stuff that is slowing it down. And/or we can perform a clean install of the Operating System. (Usually Windows or Mac OS). Note: In either case you will not lose any data.

An MOT can usually be carried out in 1-2 hours. However, a clean system install can take 3-4 hours. So the user MUST decide whether they really HAVE their heart set on a new computer, and whether they would then prefer to put the £100-250 involved in either of the above options towards a new computer, or not. As a guide to making this decision; as a general rule of thumb; if you have a PC with a Pentium 3 processor or above, there is no need for you to upgrade unless you use (or want to use) graphic intensive programmes such as Photoshop. A P3, is fine for most normal computer use, provided you are NOT running Windows XP (which we NEVER recommend [see below]). Similarly; if you are on a Mac; if you have a G3 and are running Mac OS 9 or below, then you are fine. However, if you are running (want to run) Mac OS X, then you really need a G4 or above.

Assuming that you have "failed" all the above tests, then you should buy a new computer. But before we get into that, a few words about hardware upgrades:

The only upgrade that makes sense these days is a MEMORY upgrade. So for instance if you have only 128MB of Ram, then doubling is always a good idea and you WILL usually notice a difference. What's more it takes only a few minutes. But forget about processor upgrades. It can be a good idea, though, to put in a bigger Hard Drive if you are running out of storage space. But do bear in mind, that if you are planning to REPLACE the existing hard drive, this involves reinstalling the Operating system (3-4 hours). Although you CAN just install it as a second drive provided you ensure you install any new programmes to the "D" drive and NOT the "C" drive. In summary, be wary of upgrades, for they can add up very quickly to the cost of a new PC.

A new Desktop Computer. Choices…

1. A PC or an Apple Mac:
PC cost: from £400 (from Dell) to £1500 (average)
Mac cost: from £400 (Mini-Mac) to £2000 (for a top end G5)

Pros and Cons of either platform:

PC:
a. It may be what you know.
b. You may have bought all the PC software you already want and don't want to have to buy it again for Mac.
c. You may need to run certain programmes which are not available for Mac (Sage is an example).
d. If you just want the cheapest, a PC is the way to go. Dell are now doing extremely cheap PCs WITH a flat screen monitor for under £500. Nobody can compete with that. However, be wary of Dell's warrantee. I have heard good stories but I have also heard HORROR stories. things aren't always what they seem. Generally, I recommend buying from a local PC shop. For then you can always take it back in and shout at the owners. Whereas with Dell (or any of the other big companies), you are likely to be talking to someone in India talking you through from a Flip-Book or Database. Besides: Why not support your local businesses? :) Bear in mind, most technical support helplines are staffed by people on low pay, and with limited knowledge. It stands to reason; if they knew a lot; they would be working somewhere else at £50 per hour, rather than £6 (or even less in Bangalore). A final warning: If you data is important to you - never agree to do a full system restore as suggested over the phone. You may lose everything.

Mac:
a. If you already have a Mac, then you simply will NOT like a PC, unless you have specific reasons for wanting to move over.
b. It used to be that Macs were more expensive. However, unless you buy a top end G5, this is simply no longer the case. You can now buy a Mini-Mac for the same price as the cheapest Dell - albeit WITHOUT a monitor, keyboard and mouse. But you might already HAVE those.
c. What most people don't realise is that (at the current time - and for the last 10 years) people just don't write Viruses for Macs. You may wonder why Apple doesn't advertise this fact: But can you imagine what the virus writers would do if they DID? If you think about it: Virus writers are like kids doing graffiti. They want the maximum impact (for their egos) for the minimum effort. Most computer users are PC users. Plus, a lot of viruses these days are made from virus "kits". (i.e. built on someone else's code) All, PC oriented. It's just too much effort to write for Mac. That is not to say that this may not change in the future.
d. The new Mac OSX is built on a UNIX core. You may not know this, but Unix is an "industrial strength" OS, upon which MOST of the Internet is built. As a result, it almost NEVER crashes.
e. Fed up with Fatal Exception Errors? Try this: Mac programmers have a sense of humour. How about: "...oops, I don't think you meant to do that"?
f. Style. This may not be important to you. but to some it is. Suffice to say, Macs look good.
g. Finally, the MAIN difference between a Mac and a PC is that with Mac's the same company make the Software AND the Hardware. It's integrated.

2. Price
One of the myths is that you get what you pay for. This is true in one sense, in that you if you go for the cheapest, well then, the components generally ARE cheap. And so you should not be surprised if you only get a few years out of your new machine. However, you should ALSO be aware of the fact that ALL consumer components are driven by market forces. And so therefore; as the evolution of any particular component/s progresses; they will become cheaper, while at the same time - lower in quality. As an example of this; consider the first CD players that appeared on the market: I used to have a NAD player which was HEAVY and solid. It lasted me for years. And then I foolishly decided to get rid of it and buy a newer model with more features. I couldn't believe the difference. Nor the fact that it lasted barely a year. This is the same way things are going with the low end PC components these days. However, it is not ALL bad, provided you pay particular attention to the issue of warrantee. The sensible purchaser of a computer will allow at least 20% of the cost to be earmarked for warrantee. Here at Computer Genie we provide the normal 12 months warrantee. But this is ON-SITE and with no quibbles. In addition we provide a further 6 months LABOUR only. This means you don't pay for the cost of any new components, just the cost of our labour. More importantly, we try our best to source quality components. But with all the best will in the world, things DO go wrong from time to time. So nice to talk to the person with the ACTUAL responsibility when this happens.

At the same time, there is simply no need to buy the highest spec latest thing. You will always pay a price premium for this. Take the latest processors: They are typically 40% more expensive. And for what? Usually for a 10% at best speed increase. The reason for this is also market pressures. The people who buy the NEWEST thing are subsidising the producers research. In addition, they are also (unwittingly) TESTING it. I ALWAYS recommend staying ONE back from whatever is the LATEST. One (or two) down will be cheaper, more reliable, and you won't pay a price premium. This is DOUBLY true with software.

In actual fact, there is not a huge difference between the price of various PC components. The REAL issue with this is keeping an eye on what company's components have had the most failures. But this can be a full time job. Through experince we have learned the HARD way, that there are two aspects to this process: 1. Having a transparent, effective and reliable source of warranteed parts. 2. A good and honest dialogue with the suppliers about what is good, rather than what is just CHEAP (although bear in mind, sometimes the cheaper component is actually better). Note: A good supplier will usually be on the same wavelength as us. Nobody likes chasing warrantees.

In summary: An industry standard spec is usually fine. It is a reliable supplier that is MORE important than bang for the buck. Consider also that a great many people don't really understand what the specification list means. In other words, it makes sense to find a supplier you feel you can trust, and whom is also going to be around in the future. As a general rule of thumb with regards to price: As of March 2005; the industry standard spec is 2.6-3 gigahertz processor; 256 or 512 MB of Ram; CD rewriter or DVD rewriter; 60-120 Gigabytes hard drive. (Note: hard drive size is RARELY an issue these days - they are ALL huge); keyboard; mouse and 15-17 inch flat screen monitor. This spec CAN cost you under £500 from Dell. But up to £1500 from some suppliers. Particularly if you go for EXTRA high-end video cards; sound cards; spangly speakers systems; and so on. You really should NOT be spending any more than £1,000 for an industry standard spec. But as I said, pay close attention to the warrantee and your feeling of trust towards your supplier. Trust your instincts, and don't be afraid to ask some searching questions. (i.e. how many PC's have you sold? Or, how many returns do you get?)

3. What operating system should I have?
This is a difficult one, for the simple reason that most of what I am going to recommend is almost completely contrary to what nearly ALL companies provide as standard. Note: I am only referring to Windows here (see comments on Mac OS below). A little background is required here: You should know that AS Microsoft has virtually (sic) a World monopoly on PC's, then THEY dictate the terms to nearly ALL hardware manufacturers. Therefore, while Dell for instance may be charged, say, £30 per copy for Windows XP; they will be discouraged from installing Windows 2000 on their machines because of the fact that they will have to pay, say, (and I am GUESSING here), £50 per copy. Further to that; we are again dealing with market forces here. Money is MADE in the computer industry as in ALL consumer industries, by way of built in redundancy. I like to think of it the same way as food. You eat it, you gain energy from it, and then you need more. Good news for the manufacturers. Problem is: What if your meal lasts you a good long time? What if you didn't even CONSIDER a new computer for 5 years or more?

An interesting metaphor is the motor-car. Not so many years ago, cars used to rust. Then ONE day, one of the car makers had the really STUPID idea to design a car with a galvanized body and a 5 year body warrantee. The result? The other companies had to follow suit. I believe this will also eventually happen with computers. But it may be a good long while yet. There is still MUCH money to be made before the hardware/software reaches maturity - along with the user base.

I digress slightly, but it IS important to see things in context. But in any case, the reason I have shared all this is to point out that all is not what it seems. Windows XP is almost IMPOSSIBLE to avoid if you buy a new PC. And yet, it is essentially the worst operating system I have seen from Microsoft since their ILL fated Windows 3.o. The way I like to describe it is this: You know when you are writing a letter in Microsoft Word and a little "wizard" pops up and says "hey, you're writing a letter, would you like some help with that?" I would wager 90% of people just find this annoying. Well, Windows XP is like the WHOLE operating system is trying to be your Mother. It is constantly monitoring you; and there are a multitude of "wizards" constantly popping up and asking you stupid questions. This wouldn't be so bad if the wizard got it right. Unfortunately, this is not true. All too often they just get in the way. In addition, all this "monitoring" means that lots and lots of sub-programmes are running in the background. Therefore, while processors have become exponentially faster in recent years: Windows XP has eroded (if not overtaken) ANY such advantages.

To cut to the chase - the plain fact of the matter is that Windows 2000 professional is a far superior opearating system to Windows XP. As a result, when we build a computer for a client, we REFUSE to install Windows XP on it. This is because we know from experience that we will get MORE calls from clients complaining that their PC is misbehaving if Windows XP is instaled on it, than if it has 200o on it. It is not always easy to explain to a client that their difficulties are software related, and that THIS is not covered by warrantee. Therefore it is just common sense if you wish to build a good and lasting relationship with your clients, to have a coherent strategy up front. This is why we recommend Windows 2000 professional. We also have no real argument with Windows 98 SE (special edition). Although, it is NOW becoming a bit long in the tooth. However; as mentioned earlier; you may have difficulty obtaining ANY PC WITHOUT Windows XP. Good luck!

A final word on Microsoft Windows: Even though I have levelled a great deal of criticism towards Microsoft, and at Windows XP in particular: I would like to point out that because of the nature of the PC industry (in that there are so MANY different pieces of hardware in the world at large) it is actually surprising that the great majority of PC's work as well as they do at ALL. In addition, Microsoft have always worked VERY hard at making MOST of their software "backwards compatible". This means that a lot of effort is taken to ensure that users running OLDER software, are not left out in the cold each time a new version of either Windows and/or "Office" is released. Of course, this does not always work out. But at least the effort is made. In other words, I would olike to point out that I am not a Microsoft "basher". Rather, I believe that Microsoft is aware that it has a HUGE responsibility to it's user base, and is doing it's best to fight what is often a losing battle.

Mac OS:
When Apple brought out the new OSX (Roman numeral for 10), it was a risky thing. It was a complete change. It was also not only courageous on the part if Apple, but absolutely not before time. OS9 had gone as far as it could.

To be continued....