The next time you go out and purchase a computer, instead of endlessly comparing specs between models, ask yourself these questions instead to help you decide.
- Who will be using this computer? How computer savy are these people?
- Where is this computer going to be used?
- Will you need to carry this computer? If so, in what, and with what?
- What will you be doing with this computer? Try to be specific. What software might be required to accomplish these things?
- Will you be needing new accessories(or using old ones)? If so, is this computer suited to the use of those accesories? Do you want to reduce the number of accesories your using with this computer?
- How long do you plan on owning this particular computer?
- How much storage do you figure you’ll need, over the lifespan of this computer?
- How often do you purchase computers? How many computers do you plan on using simultaneously? (Do you really need this computer?)
- How comfortable do you feel performing repairs and upgrades yourself?
- Is this a computer that pleases you aesthetically?
- Does this computer fit into your particular lifestyle and your workflow?
I could probably add some more and I’m sure some of you might have your own questions. The point is, purchasing computers based solely on comparing their specs isn’t as useful as it used to be*. The gap in performance between all computers has narrowed and most of the software people use doesn’t require a huge amount of computing prowess.
People who actually need the most powerful rigs already know who they are, and aren’t looking at anything else but the high end of the market. Purchasing the best computer you could afford made sense 10 years ago, when your computer became obsolete and underpowered almost the minute your bought it.
Alot of customers purchasing computers today still shop in that mindset and end up getting something they don’t need, that they will never use fully and, quite possibly, something they won’t be able to handle.