Computer & Laptop Hardware

[#1]

I am noticeing that many times, questions are asked as to what computers suit certain needs.  Many people come on these boards, list their requirements, and ask for suggestions.  Usually my answers are the same, so I though that instead of repeating the same thing over and over I can just present all the information here in one place.  I included the date in the subject heding because a year from now, computers will have advanced and this guide will likely not be relevant anymore.

Most laypeople out there are not computer savvy and ar not sure what kind of hardware they need to get the job done.  I have broken down the market demographic into 7 main groups in as simple terms as possible.  This is entirely my original work, and I hope it helps a lot of people pin-point the type of computers they need without breaking the bank.

1. Basic Home User

What you need: You just want to surf internet, e-mail, play solitaire, write-up office documents, and maybe even download some music.  An all-round family home PC.

What You're looking for: A basic laptop or desktop with a DVD burner, not too expensive, but enough hardware for decent performance as a home PC.

What it will cost you: Ranges from about $600 to $800 for laptops, $400 to $700 for desktops (not including screen).

Hardware You should get:

Processor/CPU: a 1.6GHz to 2.0GHz dual core Processor (either AMD or Intel)

RAM: 2 GB of RAM is enough

Graphics: Integrated graphics is more than enough, no big deal if it doesn't have any either.

Hardrive: 160GB should be plenty.

Other: DVD/CD multidrive for burning disks, at least a 15.4 inch screen for laptops

2. Gamer

What you need: A rig that'll play games well in addition to other home use, a huge hardrive and big screen for gaming.  A very powerful machine

What You're looking for: A high-end gaming laptop, or a very decent desktop with a big screen.

What it will cost you: starting from $1500 for laptops and about $1200 for desktops (give or take)

Hardware You should get:

Processor/CPU: At the very least a 2.0 GHz Dual Core (Intel Core2Duo preferably).  Try to get a quad core for desktops.

RAM: No less than 3, 4 GB optimal

Graphics: A powerful discrete 512 MB graphics card at a minimum

Hardrive: 500GB

Other:  a fast DVD/CD multidrive for burning and reading disks, at least a 17 inch screen for laptops

3. Student

What you need: You want to complete all your school stuff like documents and programs, but to leave room for a little light gaming too.

What You're looking for: Something between a basic home PC and a gaming PC, preferably a laptop that you can take with you to school.

What it will cost you: Ranges from $800 to $1200 for laptops, $800 to $1200 for desktops

Hardware You should get:

Processor/CPU: A 2.0 to 2.26 GHz Dual Core Processor (Intel or AMD will do)

RAM: 3 GB RAM

Graphics: Integrated graphics is a asset, though decent integrated will suffice.

Hardrive: At least 250 GB

Other: DVD/CD multidrive for burning disks, a small and light enough laptop to take to school without breaking your back!

4. Media Enthusiast

What you need: A PC that can handle any media you throw at it, fast Disk drive, big screen, huge storage space.

What You're looking for: A desktop or powerful laptop (some may even want a Mac)

What it will cost you: Starts from $1200 for laptops, $1000 for desktops

Hardware You should get:

Processor/CPU: At least a 2.0 GHz Dual core, preferably a quad core for desktops for heavy multitasking

RAM: 3 or 4 GB

Graphics: A very good graphics card

Hardrive: Aim as high as you can, 500 GB at a minimum

Other: DVD/CD multidrive for burning disks, multiple ports from media input.  Those touchscreen PCs from HP are well suited!

5. Bare Minimalist

What you need: You're cash-strapped. need somthing now, anything really.  Don't need to do much, don't care much either.

What You're looking for: a very basic desktop or a netbook PC

What it will cost you: Ranges from about $300 for desktops, $200 for netbooks

Hardware You should get:

Processor/CPU: doesn't matter for desktops, atom processor for netbooks.

RAM: 512 MB to 1GB or RAM (1 GB at least for vista)

Graphics: Not applicable at all

Hardrive: starts from 8 GB SSD

Other: USB ports for future expansion, desktops easily expanded.

6. Uncompromising

What you need: You have an unlimited budget, you want it all no ands-ifs-or buts.  and you're willing to pay through the nose for it.

What You're looking for: Not a laptop but you'll have to go with a desktop for this one, a really big one!!

What it will cost you: Could get up to $2000 to even $3000 and beyond.

Hardware You should get:

Processor/CPU: a 3.0 GHz Intel Quad core, naturally.  As soon as more core processors come out, you can get those too.

RAM: 6 to 8 GB, the more the merrier.

Graphics: Parallel 512 MB top-o-the line graphics cards.

Hardrive: 1 TB otherwise known as 1000 GB

Other: Big screen, lots of ports, a good ventilation system, and a capable power source.

7. Businessperson/Traveler

What you need: Something that can travel with you.  Not very powerful, portable, and will last a long time.  Capable of your business needs. You best consult your employer and IT department as too what you'll need and make sure you're compatible with the company network and programming.

What You're looking for: A thin and light business-class laptops

What it will cost you: Sarting at about $1500

Hardware You should get:

Processor/CPU: A basic dual-core CPU will be more than ample

RAM: 2 to 3 GB for smooth performance on the go and in the office.

Graphics: None needed usually.  Again, consult your employer and IT department.

Hardrive: 200 GB is usually enough.

Other: Wireless Networking, a port docking station is a plus, fingerprint reader for security, thin and light laptop.

That basically sums up the most obvious types of users.  Hopefully, this will direct a lot of unknowing people in the right direction.  If I have missed something or got something completely wrong, I profusely appologize, I have done my best in every way.  Remember that this guide is a little bit subjective and opinions vary.

[#2]

It was brought to my attention of a few minor errors:

For the Student user, I meant "Discrete Graphics is an asset, but a decent integrated will suffice."

And for the Gamer, not just any graphics card will give the best gaming, you should go for nVIDIA GeForce 8800/9800 series or ATI Radeon HD 3850/3870/4850/4870.

Thanks Morfanos.

[#3]

Desktop Available at Futureshop, for the Computer Hardware Buying Guide

I'm going to list off some desktops that fit under each of Chris' categories. Feel free to list off some laptops.

1. Basic Home User

Compaq Pavilion AMD Athlon LE-1640 2.7GHz Computer (SR5413WM) $299.95 Lowest priced desktop in Futureshop

 

HP AMD Phenom X3 8550 Triple-Core 2.20GHz Desktop $549.99

HP Pavilion Slimline Intel Pentium Dual-Core E5200 2.5GHz For the basic Home User concerned about the amount of space a computer takes up $599.99

2. Gamer

HP Pavilion Elite Intel Core2 Q9300 Quad Core 2.5GHz Computer (M9450F) The desktop that seperates the high-end class with the non-gaming computer, at a mainstream price. $1299.99

3. Student

  

HP Intel Core 2 Quad Q8200 2.33GHz Desktop Computer (M9405F) $969.99

HP Pavilion AMD Phenom X4 9350e Quad-Core 2.0GHz Computer (S3650F) $ 999.99

4. Media Enthusiast

HP Pavilion AMD Phenom X4 9100E Quad Core 1.8GHz Computer (S3530F) $1049.95

HP Pavilion AMD Phenom X4 9350e Quad-Core 2.0GHz Computer (S3650F) $ 999.99

For some reason the more powerful HP's do not have TV Tuners(Which they used to), but all the Slimlines do, anyways I'm sure the Media Enthusiat are concerned about space at their home theatre, so its still a win-win. The slimlines are good computers, always getting high ratings on Cnet Reviews.

5. Bare Minimalist

Compaq Pavilion AMD Athlon LE-1640 2.7GHz Computer (SR5413WM) $299.95

Acer Aspire AMD Athlon LE 1600 2.2GHz Desktop  $299.99

I would go with the Compaq just because it has 2 gb of RAM, the 1 GB on the Acer just doesn't cut it

 

6. Uncompromising

HP Blackbird 002 Intel Core 2 Quad Core Q9450 2.66GHz Computer (BB5140RP) $2999.99 For the uncompromising gamer

HP Pavilion Intel Core2 Duo T8100 2.1GHz Computer (IQ816) $2199.99 For the touchscreen lover

Those are the best that fit the category, Chris.

7. Businessperson/Traveler

For a home office computer a small desktop will fit your needs, but for people who travel you will need a laptop

Here is a small form desktop computer for the office.

HP Pavilion AMD Phenom X4 9350e Quad-Core 2.0GHz Computer (S3650F) $ 999.99

But it is always better to get a laptop if you move around the office, or travel.

[#4]

Awesome, bet that took you a while

Everything fits really well, well done.  I sure wish I could have that HP Blackbird....

[#5]

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Credible_Chris wrote:

Awesome, bet that took you a while

Everything fits really well, well done.  I sure wish I could have that HP Blackbird....

---

A little, your post was longer

I wish I could get that Blackbird too, I fit under the Gamer category though, and the HP desktop I posted in that category is the one I'm going to buy.

I think this thread should have a copy in the Holiday forum to help holiday shoppers, but it also fits in the Hardware section.

[#6]

The Blackbird is nice... But I prefer to build my own computer. Better hardware, better customer support and better warranty(most hardware normally come with a 3 years warranty when you buy it separately).

Anyways, that's just me. Nice list Nightwraith40k.

And Chris, I was wondering why you decided to make a second post with my suggestion and not just edit your first post? Right now it's a little confusing to have "Graphics: A powerful discrete 512 MB graphics card at a minimum" and "Graphics: Integrated graphics is a asset, though decent integrated will suffice." on the first post only to be corrected in the next.

[#7]

The problem is that for some reason they've started blocking edits after a certain amount of time.  Mods, we want that back!!!!  I'm guessing Chris simply couldn't do the edit any longer.

[#8]

You'r absolutely right Krypto, I think the time limit is about an hour before you can no longer edit you own posts.  I would never double post unless I had no other option!

[#9]

I will bring this up at our next team meeting. The reason why we blocked edit was because we started noticing abuse.

[#10]

Well, let us know the results of that meeting, it would be nice to edit collosal mistakes when others point them out to me on a big post.  hopefully somwhere along the line i've earned your trust...