Rambling Words, Rambling Wheels

The Basics

With advertised prices around $300 to $400 and less, it’s easy to get excited about new PCs. Understand, though, that the systems offered at these prices are basic. In some cases, they’re “four wheels and an engine” basic. They typically have Intel’s Celeron processors, a cousin of their Pentium chips (but not be to confused with their Centrino laptop chipsets). You’ll get a moderate amount of RAM or random access memory, about 128 or 256 MB. Hard drive space will be sparce at around 30 to 40 GB. And, you’ll get Microsoft Windows XP Home.

Beyond Basics

These basic systems are good for simple tasks like Internet browing or e-mailing or basic word processing. You might find, though, that basic PCs don’t include familiar Microsoft Office Suite software, including Word, Excel and PowerPoint. Instead, another type of word processors, like WordPerfect, is included. One option is to pop for the Microsoft Office Suite, which usually adds about $150 to $200. The other route is to go with the free open-source OpenOffice (http://www.openoffice.org) [cq] An upcoming version of OpenOffice even includes a database similar to Microsoft’s Access, which is only included in Microsoft’s higher end Office offerings for $350 or more.

Hardcore gamers know that the right graphics card makes games come to life. A graphics card translates the programs on your computer into images displayed on your monitor. Basic systems have the moral equivalent of a four-cylinder, normally-aspirated engine. Games want a V-12 with quad-turbo. Not everyone’s a gamer, so you might not think you need a screaming graphics card. However, you could find yourself underpowered for some games or other graphics-intensive programs.

Speaking of graphics, most basic systems either don’t include a monitor or include a simple CRT-type monitor. Watch the manufacturers closely as they occasionally offer free upgrades to LCD flat-panel displays.

Buying Up

Basic systems may provide decent performance now at a low price, but they may become outdated faster. This might be a good time to look at “buying up” to more power and performance. You’re likely going to have your computer for three or more years. Why not buy power for farther into the future? Consider these upgrades when looking beyond the bargains:

• Processor: Consider the option with the higher speed, shown as greater gigahertz or Ghz. While some folks are also pushing the move to 64-bit chips, I would stay away for now. There are some outstanding issues with software running on these chips.
• Memory or RAM: Three words: more, more, more. Systems may start you with 128 or 256 MB. Jump straight to 1 GB (gigabyte) or more. As programs grow “fatter”, more memory will help them run faster.
• Hard disk space: Drives are cheap, so buy big. Photos, movies and music all sap disk space. A quick word about backing up large drives. It can be a challenge to back up these larger drives in a home computer. One option is to buy a second, matching hard drive, and create either a mirror or regular back up on the second drive.
• Monitors: Digital flat-panel displays provide brilliant graphics. Watch for deals on flat-panels.
• Sound: You can now install 5.1 and 7.1 Surround Sound, audiophile-grade speakers and floor-thumping sub-woofers. If you use your computer for music, movies or games, get sound to match your needs.