Chapter 18 Buying a PC

2Practical PC 5 th Edition Chapter 18 Getting Started In this Chapter, you will learn: − Where to begin − Where to find prices and specifications − How much computing power you need − Where to find the best deal − Whether it is OK to “mail order” a PC − About Hardware: Accessories and add-ons

3Practical PC 5 th Edition Chapter 18 So many options – where do I begin? A good deal on a computer means you pay a reasonable price to a reliable merchant for a dependable computer Successful buyers follow these strategies: – Choose a platform – Decide whether you want a notebook or desktop computer – Browse magazines, catalogs, and Web sites to get an idea of current pricing and features – Make your final selection by comparing prices, features, technical support and warranty – Buy It

4Practical PC 5 th Edition Chapter 18 So many options – where do I begin? A computer platform is a category of computers – PC platform includes computers that run Microsoft Windows – Mac platform are Macintosh computers Decide between a desktop or notebook model – Notebooks are portable – Notebooks can be more expensive for the same specifications – Desktop computers are more expandable because you can swap out components inside the case

5Practical PC 5 th Edition Chapter 18 Where can I find prices and specifications? Research prices and specifications to get a handle on the current market in three ranges: under $1,000, $1000-$2000, and over $2000 Make sure to look at – Microprocessor manufacturer and model – Microprocessor speed – RAM capacity – Hard disk capacity – Display screen size – Price Create a comparison table Find info in ads, computer magazines, and online

6Practical PC 5 th Edition Chapter 18 Where can I find prices and specifications? Creating a table can help organize your information

7Practical PC 5 th Edition Chapter 18 How much computing power do I need? PC priced higher than $2,000 is the equivalent of a luxury automobile – State-of-the-art components – Generous amount of RAM and disk storage space PC $1000-$2000 is the equivalent of a “four-door sedan” – Most popular and provides ample computing power PC under $1,000 is like a compact car – Technology is a few years old – Reduced processor speed and memory capacity Used computer is also an option

8Practical PC 5 th Edition Chapter 18 Where can I find the best deal? Conventional stores – Computer superstores allow you to see the PCs first hand and also have trained sales people – Office and mass-market stores may provide a smaller selection at a higher price and the sales staff may have little computer background Independent computer resellers – Likely to pay a premium price and may have to wait for the PC to be in stock – Many also assemble generic PCs Manufacturer direct sales – You can place your order over the phone with manufacturer and customize features Computer catalogs are an option with competitive pricing and many brands and models

9Practical PC 5 th Edition Chapter 18 Is it OK to “mail order” a PC? “Mail Order” is one of the most popular ways of buying a computer On the phone, a salesperson can answer your questions On the Web, you typically follow prompts on the screen, provide a credit card payment, and receive an confirmation Make arrangements for someone to be home to receive shipment, or you can pick up the computer at the courier’s office Keep your purchase receipt handy for warranty coverage. You may also purchase extended warranties

10Practical PC 5 th Edition Chapter 18 Hardware: Accessories and add-ons? Notebook accessories and add-ons include: – Extra batteries, an A/C adaptor, a D/C adaptor, an external battery charger, and a docking station – Buy these accessories why you buy your notebook to ensure that you get the correct model and to avoid discontinued models later on – Add-ons include extra RAM or a larger hard disk Desktop computers tend not to offer accessories, but do offer add-ons – Faster processor, extra memory, larger display screen – Usually economical to get these add-ons at the time of purchase since it includes skilled installation

11Practical PC 5 th Edition Chapter 18 Hardware: Accessories and add-ons? An ad offering accessories and add-ons

12Practical PC 5 th Edition Chapter 18 Hardware: Accessories and add-ons? An add-on trend is task-related packages – Digital photo package would include camera, software, printer, and CD/RW drive – Add-on packages can be great deals Bundled software is included with PC – Computers with bundled software are priced higher than those without software, but at a discount over list prices – May be able to get similar software free of charge by using freeware and open source applications – Some preinstalled software are trial versions that you will have to buy to continue to use

13Practical PC 5 th Edition Chapter 18 Ethics and computer users What do you think? – Would you follow your boss’s orders to install unlicensed software? – If you went ahead and installed the software, but it was later discovered by the software publisher, do you think you should be held responsible? – Have you read a code of ethics published by some professional organization?

14Practical PC 5 th Edition Chapter 18 Chapter Summary You should now: − Understand computer options − Know where to find prices and specifications − Know how much computing power you need − Know where to find the best deal − Know whether it is OK to “mail order” a PC − Know about Hardware: Accessories and add- ons