Know Your Stuff

Before spending $2,000, know what to look for in a computer

Buying a new computer isn't easy. Reading through the Sunday paper, loaded with sales, it's tough to differentiate a bargain from a scam. That's why you need to know what to look for in a computer and what price range to expect. By knowing that, you can save yourself some major headaches.

Brand Names

Stick with the brand names. They're the most reliable and provide the best support for all your problems. Prices will vary depending on the system you get. Hewlett-Packard (Pavilion model) computers start at around $899 for computer, monitor and printer with Dell's start at around $1099. Gateway's are about $799 for a new system while IBM brand computers begin at $899.

If you're looking for a Macintosh, an iMac will run you $799 to $1499. Laptops will run more, starting at $1,299 for anything decent. An iBook (the laptop version of the iMac) costs $1499 to start. Keep an eye out for rebates when shopping — some computers offer $200 or $300 rebates.

What to Look For

It's what's on the inside of your computer that counts — hard drive, RAM, modem, software package, etc.

The hard drive holds everything in your computer in gigabytes (gig). Files and programs are all measured in gigs. The bigger the hard drive is, the more it can hold.

If you're going to download a lot of MP3s or like to play computer games, get a hard drive that is about eight gigs or better. Those machines will be a bit more than the prices listed above, but it's worth it if you'll need the space. If you are doing minimal amounts of Internet browsing, e-mail and word processing, four or five gigs will suffice.

RAM (Random Access Memory) gives you the ability to have a certain number of programs open at a particular time. It gives each program "space" to work individually within the computer. The more RAM you have — 32-64 megs is standard — the more you can have open at the same time without conflicts (i.e. crashes or freezes). It is also a factor in how fast the computer will work. Just remember, the higher the RAM, the more it will cost you.

Getting on the Internet requires one of two things — a modem to dial up from home or an Ethernet card for use in the dorms. All new computers should come with a 56K modem, but check when you buy to make sure. An Ethernet card serves the same purpose as a modem, but as opposed to dialing in, you have a constant connection to the Internet.

Most computers come with a software package that includes some word processing program like Microsoft Works or Word. If it doesn't, don't get it. Buy a computer that comes with either Works or Word. If not you'll end up spending a lot of extra money, about $150-200, which is unnecessary.

Monitors and Printers

Most computers come with a monitor and printer as some part of a package deal. This package will come with rebates and all sorts of incentives — so shop around to see what will save you the most money.

If you have to buy a monitor separately, go with the same brand name as the computer to save yourself potential headaches.

Printers are another story. Bubble jet printers are the least expensive and are typically for people who just need to print out papers for class. They use up their ink cartridges quickly, but are the cheapest printers out there. Canon bubble jets start at $100 but almost always have rebates of $50 with them. Epson, Hewlett Packard and Lexmark all make quality ink and laser jet printers. Those printers are pricier (starting at about $150) and are good for printing out photos and graphics (especially in color).

The only problem with printers is that they need their ink cartridge replaced. You'll need to replace it a few times a semester at least. Canon's cartridges are fairly cheap, around $15 each. Epson's and Lexmark's cartridges start at about $20 while HP's are a bit pricey at around $25. The cartridges can be bought at CompUSA and even CVS, which carries Canon and HP cartridges for late night print sessions when CompUSA isn't open.

All right, let's review: The higher the number of the processor or RAM, the faster and more expensive the computer will be. Think about what you are going to use the computer for. If it's simple things, then keep your purchase simple, you can always add on later. Look for rebates and full system deals, but be careful of them and read the fine print.

Make sure you know what you're buying. Don't buy what you don't need. Be smart and ask many questions, that's what computer salespeople are there for. Happy hunting.

Where To Go

Circuit City 232 E. 86th Street 212-734-1694 www.circuitcity.com

Hewlett Packard hp.com 1-888-999-4747

IBM ibm.com 1-888-SHOP-IBM

Dell Computer Corporation dell.com 1-800-WWW-Dell

Gateway gateway.com 1-800-Gateway.