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The processor
houses the "brains" of a computer. Its clock speed, measured in
gigahertz (GHz), and the chip's design, termed "architecture,"
determine how fast it can process information. Within a processor
family, the higher the clock speed, the faster the computer. But
different processor families reach different efficiencies. The
lowest-priced systems probably use processors like Pentium Dual-Core,
Celeron D, Athlon 64, and Sempron. More common now, however, are
dual-processor desktops. Dual-core processor families from Intel
(Core 2 Duo) and AMD (Athlon 64 X2) represent newer technologies
developed to increase processing power beyond what a single-chip
processor can achieve (and quad processors are now showing up). Macs
have transitioned to Intel Core 2-series processors. Quad-core
processors are also becoming more common in higher-end desktops. In
short, the different types of processors make direct speed
comparisons difficult, but any recent processor type will probably
deliver all the speed you'll need.
All brand-name computers
sold today have at least 512 megabytes of RAM,
or random-access memory,
the memory the computer uses while in operation. For anyone using
Windows Vista or Mac OS X, we recommend at least one full gigabyte of
RAM, although 2GB is preferable and becoming more common. Memory
upgrades are not expensive.
Windows Vista is available
in several versions with different hardware requirements. Vista Basic
leaves out several features we liked in this software. Vista Ultimate
is costlier, with more features than most home users need. We
recommend Home Premium as the right Vista version for most home uses.
All computers have a
graphics adapter,
which is integrated on the motherboard or on a separate internal
plug-in card. In addition to feeding the computer's display with an
analog (VGA) or a digital (DVI) connection, a graphics adapter might
have an additional output such as an S-video or HDMI port to feed
video to an external TV (common), or accept video from an external
analog source (rare). But it can always display video from whatever
source: a file, a DVD, an external analog feed, or a TV tuner.
All desktops and laptops
come with a minimum of integrated graphics suitable for watching TV
or playing simple games such as solitaire. To run Windows Vista's
3D interface or play challenging 3D-intensive games we recommend the
ATI Radeon X1600, the Nvidia GeForce 7600, or higher.
Video RAM,
also measured in megabytes, is secondary RAM that works with the
graphics processor to provide smooth video imaging and game play.
Gamers might need a dedicated graphics processor with 256MB of memory
or more.
The hard
drive is your computer's long-term data
storage system. Given the disk-space requirements of today's games,
digital photos, and video files, bigger is better. Sizes commonly
range from 120GB to 750GB.
For removable storage, a
DVD writer is standard
gear. It also lets you transfer home-video footage or digital photos
to a DVD disc, or store as much data as six CDs. The newest options
are high-definition disc drives,
capable of playing either Blu-ray or HD DVD discs.
There are three competing,
incompatible DVD formats"DVD-RW,
DVD+RW, and DVD-RAM" as well as drives that can create dual-layer
DVDs that store twice as much. Some drives can write in more than one
format, but all can create a disc that will play on stand-alone DVD
players. Now arriving: DVD burners designed for high-definition
video, which will allow storing 15GB or more on a disc.
We recommend waiting until
the two competing versions"Blu-ray and HD DVD" sort out their
differences.
Many PCs now come with a
memory-card reader for
memory cards used in digital cameras. You can also use external
drives or a USB memory key to copy files to and from the hard drive.
The computer's
flat-panel liquid-crystal display (LCD)
or increasingly rare cathode-ray tube (CRT)
monitor contains the display screen and renders the images sent from
the graphics processor"internal circuitry that creates the images.
Monitors come in sizes from 15 to 24 inches and larger (measured
diagonally). Seventeen- and 19-inch LCD monitors are common.
LCD displays are now the
most popular, taking up less space and using less power than CRTs.
Better LCD displays can use a Digital Video Interface (DVI)
connection, found on some PCs with dedicated graphics. You can often
obtain a deep discount on an LCD monitor by buying it bundled with a
new computer at a manufacturer's Web site.
The principal components
of a desktop computer are usually housed in a case called a tower.
A minitower is the typical configuration and can fit on top of or
under a desk. More-expensive machines have a midtower, which has
extra room for upgrades such as more hard drives. A microtower is a
spacesaving alternative but has less room inside for upgrading.
All-in-one computers,
such as the Apple iMac, have no tower; everything but the keyboard
and mouse is built into the monitor. Sony, HP, Dell, and Gateway also
have all-in-one models.
A mouse,
a small device that fits under your hand and has a "tail" of wire
that connects to the computer, moves the cursor (the pointer on the
screen) via a rolling ball or an optical light sensor on its
underside. We recommend spending a little more for an optical mouse.
Most computers come with a
standard keyboard,
although you can also buy one separately. Some keyboards have CD (or
DVD) controls to pause, play back, change tracks, and so on. Some
also have additional keys to expedite getting online, starting a
search, launching programs, or retrieving e-mail. There are also
wireless keyboards and mice that give you cable-free flexibility in
how you work.
Computers for home use
feature a high-fidelity sound system
that plays music from CDs or downloaded music files, synthesized
music, game sounds, and DVD-movie soundtracks. Speaker systems with a
subwoofer have deeper, more powerful bass. Surround-sound systems can
turn a PC into a home theater. There are connections for an external
audio source (such as a microphone) and for headphones.
There are several types of
ports on computers. PCs come with a modem to allow a dial-up Internet
connection, as well as an Ethernet port or wireless network card that
lets you link several computers in the household to share files, a
printer, or a broadband Internet connection. Universal serial bus
(USB) ports provide a connection to many add-on devices. FireWire or
IEEE 1394 ports are used to capture video from digital camcorders and
connect to other peripheral devices. An S-video or HDMI output jack
lets you run a video cable from the computer to a television so you
can use the computer's DVD drive to view a movie on a TV instead of
on the computer monitor. Media-center PCs (equipped with TV tuners)
can also capture video from a VCR and copy tapes to DVDs.
HOW TO CHOOSE
First, decide whether
to upgrade your current computer. Upgrading
rather than replacing it might make sense if your additional needs
are modest"a second hard drive, say, because you're running out
of room for digital photos. Adding memory or a CD burner can be more
cost-effective than buying a whole new machine.
On the other hand, it's
not always easy to upgrade to a new operating system such as Windows
Vista; you might encounter software incompatibilities, or have to
upgrade security software, or install new drivers. If there's
software your system can't run, your wish list is more demanding,
or your computer has become unreliable, a new PC is the logical
answer.
Pick the right type of
desktop. Most manufacturers offer several
lines at different prices. Budget computers are suitable for routine
work, such as e-mail, word processing, Web surfing, and photo
editing. Workhorse computers cost a few hundred dollars more but are
faster and more versatile.
They can run complex 3D
games and edit video. Upgradability is another reason to opt for a
workhorse computer. If you download or record music or video
regularly and don't copy your files to CDs, DVDs, or a portable
device, you'll eventually fill a budget model's modest hard
drive.
Choose by brand.
Our surveys have shown tech support and reliability to be
undistinguished for most brands, with a few exceptions: Tech support
for Apple's desktops and laptops and Lenovo's laptops stand out
from the crowd. In addition, Dell's problem-solving capabilities
are above average. Those factors could help you decide which of two
similarly equipped computers is the better buy.
Choose between
preconfigured and custom-built. You can buy a
PC off the shelf in a store or via the Web with features and options
the manufacturer pitches to average consumers. But you might also
consider purchasing a desktop that you configure to order, either
online or in a store. When you configure a computer to order online,
onscreen menus typically show you the options and let you see how a
change in one affects the overall price.
Be sure to review your
choices before ordering and look for unwanted items that some
manufacturers include by default.
Decide between Windows
and Mac. More software is available for
Windows computers than for Macs. But Apple's computers have
attractions of their own. The brand repeatedly scores best in tech
support and has been consistently reliable for desktops. According to
our surveys, viruses and spyware have targeted Macs less often than
Windows PCs. The newest Macs also let you run Windows as a second
operating system.
Plan for software.
At first glance, virtually any computer you buy will seem laden with
useful software for virus scanning, managing finances, and working
with audio or image files. But much of it is "teaserware" that
works for a limited period or needs to be upgraded for full
functionality. Check before buying that the selected model includes
antivirus and antispyware software that will work (and can be
updated) for at least a year. When comparing computer prices,
consider any other necessary software as adding to the cost, though
you might find that most of your needs are served by free software.
Consider security.
Security should play a part in your decision when shopping for a
computer. Your choice of hardware and software can affect your
ability to deflect intruders and defend your data. Viruses and
spyware are far more likely to target Windows PCs than Macs.
Windows Vista has tighter
security than XP, but it's too new to know how safe it will
ultimately be. If you opt for a Windows PC, you should use antivirus,
firewall, and (for Windows) antispyware programs. Many computers
include software such as Norton Internet Security or McAfee Security
Center, but those are often limited to 30 to 90 days of use. Upgrade
and update those starter packages as necessary or replace them to
maintain protection over the long haul.
Skip the extended
warranty. A subscriber survey found that the
cost of a desktop service contract was not much less than the average
repair cost. That means you might be better off paying for desktop
repairs out of your own pocket.
Copyright © 2003-2008
Consumers Union of U.S., Inc.
For the latest information on this and many other products and services, visit www.ConsumerReports.org.
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