Buying a computer for a freelance business can be a highly complex thing. For example, IF you are a graphic designer or video editor, you will need to spend a lot of money to buy a quality computer.
You can find so many options on the market. Modern technology and hardware manufacturing can provide you with decent experience in computing. So, it is hard to get confused while entering the world of computers. You may ask the experienced person who wants to BUY A COMPUTER in this field. WHAT DO I NEED? They can guide you thoroughly. But you should follow a trick. It would help if you correctly balanced the rice of the computer and your requirements.
You may find it challenging to select the right one. But we are here to guide you properly. You should not lose money on something that will stop meeting your requirements within a year. For a worthy buying option, you need to follow some tips.
Questions to Ask Before You Buy a Computer?
- Do I need a computer at this moment at all?
- Will I work from home to buy a desktop computer, or will I move around and need a laptop?
- Do I need An all-in-one, mini, or tower design?
- How will I use the computer after purchase?
- Will I use the computer for gaming? (processor and graphic card are essential)
- Will I use the computer for video editing and production? (I have a lot of hard disk space I will need)
- Should I buy a New, Used, or Refurbished computer?
- Is computer cooling fan noise an essential condition for me?
- What software will I use on the computer, and will I need special hardware requirements?
What to consider when buying a computer?
Before buying a computer, the buyer needs to determine the computer’s budget and usage. Next, the buyer must choose whether to buy a laptop or desktop computer in the next step. The next step is processor, hard disk, and RAM, the three most important things to consider.
People purchasing computers for the first time can get confused due to the wide range of options available. As a result, the computer buyer may not choose the right computer, costing more than he planned. So, the computer buyer needs to know for what purpose the computer is being purchased and the applications and software used. He should then budget for it accordingly and arrange for funds.
Before you read about the details, here is a list of the top computers in 2020:
One of the most important considerations while purchasing a computer is determining how it will likely be used. Of course, the budget has also been finalized accordingly. So, what should you look for on a home computer?
1. Computer usage and budget
It is still necessary to decide how much you can spend on buying a laptop or computer. It would help if you decided first. Cheaper computers are powerful enough to fulfill your everyday work. But you must choose mid-range computers if you have to depend on them for your job.
So, you will have to assess your budget before choosing any model and buying it. However, these tips are handy, and you have already found the proper balance between cost and computer and laptop performance.
The first factor to consider is that most people can only afford to spend a limited amount of money on the computer they purchase. Everyone wants to buy the best computer, yet most people cannot afford to spend a considerable amount. Hence, the budget should be finalized, and then a suitable computer should be selected.
2. Desktop or laptop
Should I get a computer or a desktop?
Laptop vs. desktop computers: Laptops use less power than desktop computers because of their smaller components. However, desktop computers have easily removable pieces, making upgrading easier. In addition, a desktop computer with similar parts to a laptop computer works faster and smoother. In 2020, desktop computers tended to be significantly less expensive than laptops.
The computer buyer should then decide whether he requires a desktop or laptop. This depends to a large extent on how the computer will be used. A desktop is preferred if the computer is used only in the office or home and is not required elsewhere. A laptop is more suitable if a portable computer is needed, especially for business purposes. After this, it is also essential to review the budget and confirm it is adequate. If the budgeted amount is insufficient, the budget will have to be revised. The computer type must also be changed if the budget cannot be increased. Other important considerations while purchasing a computer are also discussed.
3. Processor
If you want to know about the processor, you need to know that the processor is the computer’s brain. It would help if you bought a solid processor to make your computer fast and boot up the programs within a flash. The strong processor will complete the task as soon as possible and will not keep you waiting long. So, while looking for a processor, you need to know the details.
Higher clock speeds and processor core counts can significantly improve performance. As a result, today, AMD and INTEL processors are equal in quality, speed, and price. For example, if the buyer is primarily interested in high-end gaming performance, he should pick a mid-range Intel Core i5 or AMD Ryzen 5 CPU. In 2020, the essential cost for the processor in the world market is around $50-$100, but for gamers and video creators, the price goes up to $350.
You need to know about the number of cores and the overall speed of the processor. The chip’s speed will determine how much data it can process in how much time. So, you will have to go for the more significant number, as the more considerable the number is, the better. For example, a single-core 2GHz processor is less powerful and slower than a four-core 2GHz processor. If you want to do simple and basic tasks on the computer, then Intel Core i3 is the one you should go for. However,t the i5best suitsr people who want to balance price and performance. If you are looking for the best computing processor, you should go for the Core i7. It is one of the best options available on the market, but it requires more money.
Choosing a suitable processor is an essential factor in selecting a computer, and there are many considerations. Intel is one of the major manufacturers of chips like processors. The core processor range is fast and affordable; hence, buyers can use this for their computers. In addition, new processors with more processing power are introduced regularly.
2. Computer Memory or RAM
Computer memory is random access memory (RAM), which determines how many applications and browsers can be opened at a time. 4 GB is usually the minimum amount of memory required. 8 GB memory is generally adequate for most applications. For a person who wishes to do CAM/CAD work, photo or video editing, or gaming, at least 16 GB of RAM will be required. The latest Windows version should be installed on the computer for the operating system.
The computer’s motherboard determines RAM capacity because it has limited DIMM slots (dual in-line memory module slots), which the buyer can plug in the RAM. In 2020, the RAM standard was 16 GB, with at least two modules enabling a dual-channel mode on platforms.
The random Access Memory or RAM can decide how much multitasking it can handle and how fast it can do for you. RAM is a small and extra-fast device for your computer. You may know that RAM is measured in gigabytes. As RAM is smaller, you may buy more RAM if you want to multitask. If you’re going to open too many web browsers simultaneously without any hurdles, then more RAM will make your job so much easier. If you want to do your multitasking job without barriers, you should use the 16GB RAM.
3. Hard disk
Most computers in the market have a hard drive of 250 GB to 750 GB. Since more people are storing their data files and other information online using cloud storage, purchasing a hard drive with more storage may not be necessary. Google offers at least 15 GB of cloud storage free and then charges a monthly fee for storing more information. Mega, McCloud, Mediafire, and Dropbox are some companies offering free cloud storage. Cloud storage costs have usually decreased over the last few years, so checking the cloud storage providers’ websites is advisable to get the latest offers.
SSDs are hard disks that read and write data faster, draw less power, have no moving parts, so they make no noise, and have longer lifespans.
Now, you need to think about storage. Your computer needs a proper storage facility. Your RAM will do some of this, but the primary task will be your hard drive. So, it would be best to think a lot before buying your hard drive. If you plan to store all your files and programs on the computer, you should use the big hard drive. But if you do not intend to have so many applications, files, and programs, you can go for the smaller option.
You can get a computer with 250GB and 750GB space on the hard drive. Nowadays, many people store their information using the cloud storage option. If you plan som, you should rethink buying additional storage for your computer.
4. Graphics
All computers usually have a built-in graphics card. However, enhancing the graphics by using graphic cards from either AMD or NVIDIA is advisable, improving the computer resolution. NVIDIA is preferred if Adobe software is used, and AMD cards are ideal for data mining applications
The resolution will depend totally on your budget. A better resolution will give you better visibility of power. There are so many budget-friendly laptops that come with 720p. It is enough for small-sized laptops. But for the best visibility, you must go for the 1080p display.
Some high-quality computer screens come with 4K and an HD visibility display. These were expensive enough.
5. Monitor
It is the most critical decision to make if you plan to purchase a laptop. But you should also know that the computer’s bigger screen will make it less portable. These have less battery life as well.
But in the case of desktops or computers, it will not work. You can buy up to 24 inches of the monitor or more significant than that as well.
6. Wight and size
For desktops, it does not matter at all. But a laptop matters a lot as you need to carry it for work. So, for notebooks, portability is the main factor. Ultra-books are high-end laptops. These are slim and very light in weight. So, you can carry it easily. But if you want to prefer the laptop’s overall performance, you should ignore its slim style. It would help if you went to the thicker and heavier option. It will give you a better working facility, and you will feel satisfied after spending money on it.
7. Operating system
A majority of the computers available have the Microsoft operating system installed. The latest version of Windows released is Windows 10.
If it is too hard to get accustomed to the new operating system, you should stay with the usual operating system. On the other hand, if you want to use an easy operating system, you should choose the Mac. But above all, Windows is excellent all-time and user-friendly as well.
8. Internet connection
Ideally, a fast broadband connection should be used to get a reliable internet connection. Many of a computer’s features can only be used with a high-speed internet connection.
Without proper connectivity, your computer cannot work perfectly. There are so many evolving connections nowadays, and they can be a little bit confusing as well. For a better and more secure connection, it would be best if you used USB-C and USB 3.1 ports. However, it would help if you put the Wi-Fi on the side.
What to look for in a new computer in 2020? More ports are better for easy and unstoppable working. Hopefully, this list will help computer buyers make the right decision while purchasing a new computer.
Learn more about authors in Nimblefreelancer's team biography page.