Points to know when buying your first computer

The first question you need to ask yourself is why you need a computer and for what purpose you will use it:

* Surfing the Internet

* Sending and receiving e-mail

* Word Processing

* Spreadsheet and Money management

* Listening and recording music

* Storing and manipulating images

* Playing games

When you are certain that you really need a computer then you need to consider what computer to purchase.

The most common type of computer is the PC. Fewer and fewer people these days use Macintoshes and while Apple still makes them they are used primarily for graphics work at the high end multimedia level.

For home or office use you may be far better purchasing a desktop PC with pre-installed software. And PC prices are on the way down.

Of course notebook computers are really great if you want to take advantage of the portability that they offer, although you really need to weigh this against the cost — as laptops are still much more expensive than your average PC with the same functionality.

You need to determine what capabilities you want your computer to have – the size of the hard drive, the memory and the types of cards – video and audio – that it comes with.

For a standard home or basic office use you should be adequately served by 256Mb of RAM memory with a 80Gb hard drive for storage.

Two other things to consider are that you will need a monitor and software.

For a monitor, try for a 17 inch so that you don’t have to squint to see what is on your screen. Flat panel displays are great for saving space too and the clarity of the displays now are quite impressive.

Most computers will come installed with software. Find what software the PC will come with and work out if this is all you need.

The most common type of computer is the PC. Fewer and fewer people these days use Macintoshes and while Apple still makes them they are used primarily for graphics work at the high end multimedia level.

For home or office use you may be far better purchasing a desktop PC with pre-installed software. And PC prices are on the way down.

Of course notebook computers are really great if you want to take advantage of the portability that they offer, although you really need to weigh this against the cost — as laptops are still much more expensive than your average PC with the same functionality.

Basic word processing, spreadsheet and email/organizer software is adequate for most people and the ability to access the internet will require a modem installed as well.

If you are worried about learning to use your computer, don’t be. There are tutorials within Windows XP to help get you started, and “wizards” are easy to use, step by step programs built into Windows that will help you learn a lot too.

Plus, once you get hooked up and online with your own computer, you will have access to millions of sites ready and willing to help you learn all about your new desktop PC, the software you have, and even learn how to do things you never imagined.

Seventeen-inch laptops are not the most common size. Most laptops range between 12 inch and 15 inch, so there is not a lot of variety when it comes to cases for 17 inch laptops. Many manufacturers do not even bother making their cases in the 17 inch size, because these larger laptops just are not that common yet.

While finding a 17 inch laptop case may be a bit difficult, finding the right one can be even harder! Since there are not that many options available, you may have a difficult time finding a case that meets your needs and has the combination of style and features you are looking for. You may have to shop around for a bit.

It can be especially difficult to find a good case locally. You can try various electronic stores and office supply stores, as well as some department and discount stores, but most of these places will have limited selections. They focus on selling the electronics themselves, and they usually have only a small shelf devoted to the cases.

Its actually far more convenient to shop online. You will find a much wider selection online, and you may even find the prices to be more competitive than they might be locally. By shopping online, you can search for the case that meets your needs without having to drive around to several different stores. Even after spending a whole day driving around you still might not find the right case, so you can save a lot of time and frustration by shopping online.

You will want to look for a few specific features in your case. Not only will you need to be sure your case is large enough to support the width of your computer, but you will also want to be sure it is deep enough. Many laptop cases are designed with saving space in mind, but this can be problematic. Although the case might carry the laptop itself comfortably, it may not be deep enough to comfortably carry the additional accessories.

The AC adaptors that come with most laptops are very bulky. They need a lot of space inside the bag, so this is definitely something to consider. Other accessories may also take up a lot of interior space. Your mouse, external hard drive, portable printer, USB hub, external keyboard, and other accessories must also be considered.

Durability is another factor. You will want to choose a well-known brand or a case with a very good guarantee, especially if you are shopping online. When you are shopping online, you cant test the material, tug on the strap, and perform an up-close examination that could help you determine the quality and durability of the item. While it may be fine to buy off-brand items locally when you can test their quality, it may be a lot of hassle to return items you buy online, so its important to buy a good one from the start.

A 17 inch laptop case can be bulky and difficult to manage, so you may also want to look at a model that has wheels and an extending handle. If your 17 inch laptop happens to be especially heavy and some 17 inch models can weigh 10 pounds or more then the rolling feature will be a blessing!

The 17 inch notebook computers were generally not designed to be carried around much. They are actually more like replacements for desktop computers. This is one reason why its difficult to find cases for them. But if you must carry it, you will probably have to find your case online.