A fellow columnist recently sought my advice, feeling the need to buy a new computer after milking the old one for all that it was worth. My standards for replacing old computers are simple: (1) will the old computer have good performance running a valid, modern operating system, and (2) will it have good performance running the programs and applications that I need to use? If the answer to either question is, “No,” then it’s time for a new machine. You may want to reference my previous article, “Should you buy a new computer?” for information about continuing to use older machines.
My client’s requirements were fairly simple: he had money to spend, and wanted speed, capacity, and more speed. He wanted the best that he could possibly afford. When “sizing” a new computer, I like to figure out my minimum requirements, and then get twice as much. That way, I know that it will give me a good 4-6 years of service before becoming “obsolete.” I only recently replaced my main desktop computer, which had been in use since the year 2000, originally costing over $1,000. As I’m fond of saying, computers are not an investment; they’re an expense.
When I first built my recently-replaced computer, I knew that I wanted to run Windows 98, and, perhaps later on, Windows 2000. I decided that my client’s new computer should run Windows XP Professional, and, perhaps in the future, Windows Vista. Like it or not, Microsoft will someday drop support for Windows XP, just like they did for Windows 98 and ME. I wanted his new computer to not suddenly become obsolete when that day comes.
Computer specifications can be a bit confusing, and manufacturer marketing hype usually doesn’t do much to clear things up. Processor speed, RAM, graphics capabilities and hard drive size are only a few of the items to be considered. A complete discussion of these items would take more space than this column allows, so I’ll simply describe the minimum and preferred configuration of a new computer running Microsoft Windows that should serve you well for at least the next 5-6 years.
Processor (CPU): minimum 64-bit AMD 64 or Intel Core 2 Duo in excess of 2 GHz (GigaHertz). Preferred: as many GHz as you can afford. Random Access Memory (RAM): minimum 512 megabytes (MB) dual channel. Preferred: two gigabytes (GB). Video/graphics: 256 MB Vista-ready. Preferred: as many MB as you can afford. Hard drive: minimum 160 gigabytes (GB). Preferred: 500 GB or greater. Optical drive: minimum 16X DVD/CD reader/burner. Preferred: as above, with dual-layer/LightScribe capability. Required: built-in Ethernet network interface, Universal Serial Bus (USB) ports.
Be advised that your new PC will likely have no modem, no floppy drive, no PS/2 ports for your current keyboard and mouse, and no serial or parallel printer ports. All of these items can be had as add-ons, but the current trend is to have everything use USB connectors.
If you’re on an unlimited budget, consider this: minimum “preferred” Windows computer, as described above, about $1,500. Truly preferred: an Apple Mac Pro, basic configuration, $2,500. Fully loaded and tricked out, about $14,000.