7 Things to Consider When Getting a New Computer to Avoid Buyer’s Remorse
Have you ever bought a new computer for your business and then had buyer’s remorse a few months later? Maybe you didn’t pay attention to the storage capacity and ran out of space. Or you may have glossed over memory and experienced constant freeze-ups.
An investment in a new PC isn’t something you want to do lightly. Ensuring you do your research and consulting with a trusted friend or IT professional can help. It will keep you from making significant mistakes that could come back to haunt you later.
Here is J700 Group’s list of several things to consider before you spend your businesses hard-earned money on a new computer.
The Amount of Memory (RAM)
One of the big mistakes that people make when looking for a new computer is to ignore the RAM. Random access memory may be called RAM on the specification or “memory.” If your system has low memory, you run into many problems.
In J70o Groups experience these issues can include the below:
- Browser freezing up when you have too many tabs open
- Issues whilst watching videos
- Some of your software not working properly
- Sluggish behavior of your device
- Inability to open multiple applications at the same time
- Constant freezing
Memory is the “thought process” of the PC so if there is not enough, it can’t take on another task until it completes the current processing tasks. This can cause frustration and ruin the productivity of the user.
People often choose to opt for those low-priced computer deals when looking for a new device. However, these can include only 4GB of RAM. That’s not a lot if you do much more than staying in a single application or opening only a few browser tabs.
The higher the RAM, the more responsive the performance of the device. J700 Group always recommends you look for PCs for your business with at least 8GB of RAM. Or higher if you use your device for graphics or video or other activities that are intensive on processing power.
User Reviews for Longevity
Buying a new computer for your business is an investment, its natural to want that investment to last as long as possible. You don’t want to spend £700 on a new computer, only to begin experiencing problems when it’s just two years old.
Take your time to research user reviews on the specific models you’re considering. You’ll begin to see patterns emerging. Steer clear of models that have consistent complaints about breakdowns sooner than expected.
You may have to pay a little more for a system that has a better track record of performance. But it will save you in the long run when you have more years of usable life before that device needs replacement.
Whether the PC is for Personal or Business Use
If you have a small business or are a freelancer, you may try to save money by buying a consumer PC. But this could end up costing you more in the long run.
Consumer PCs aren’t designed for continuous “9-to-5” use. They also often lack certain types of firmware security present in business-use models. The price gap has also shortened between good consumer computers and business versions. If you’re not looking at the cheap systems, you’ll find that it’s not that much more to get a business-grade device.
The Processor Used
It can be confusing to read through the processor specifications on a computer. How do you know if Intel Core i7 or i3 is best for your needs? What’s the performance difference between AMD and Intel processors?
If you don’t want to do the research yourself, you could call up your local IT shop. We will be happy to steer you in the right direction. We’ll explain in layman’s terms the differences. As well as which processor makes the most sense for your intended use.
For Laptops: The Case Type
If you’re looking for a laptop computer, it’s important that it is durable. Laptops have some unique characteristics that differ from desktops. For example, the screen is often folded down one or more times per day. Additionally, the keyboard is part of the case and is not easily replaced by the user.
If you get a laptop with a cheap plastic case, it’s bound to break during normal use. Keys could also easily pop off the keyboard, requiring a trip to a computer repair shop.
You want to consider the materials used for the case. Paying an extra £20 – £40 upcharge for a better casing is definitely worth it. It can help you avoid unneeded headaches for your.
Storage Capacity
Storage capacity can be a pain point that you experience after the fact. If you purchase a computer without paying attention to hard drive space, you may regret it. You may not be able to transfer over all your programs and files from your old system.
Storage capacity can also be an area where you can save some money. If you store most of your files in the cloud, then you may not need a need as much hard drive space. The less space you need, the lower the price of a new computer will be.
Hard Drive Type
If you can get a computer with a solid-state drive (SSD) rather than a traditional hard disk drive (HDD) you should as SSDs are faster and less likely to have read or write issues. They have no moving parts so are quieter as well.
Solid-state drives have come down in price quite a bit recently. There are many affordable options, and you’ll also find some PCs with both a hard drive and SSD.
Come to J700 Group Before You Spend Money on a New Computer
We recommend you don’t just invest in a new computer without some expert guidance. Contact one of J700 Groups IT experts today for a free consultation to save you from a bad new PC experience.
You can always complete our IT Hardware request form for a quote
J700 Group are a Lancashire-based, family-run, professional and responsive, Managed Solutions Provider helping Businesses, to utilise Innovative IT Consultancy Services, Cloud Solutions, Cyber Security, Microsoft 365, Telecoms, Web Design and SEO solutions to propel their organisation to the next level and beyond.
As an experienced IT Support Provider, helping businesses across Lancashire & Manchester, contact us if you need any assistance with your IT including IT Hardware, a Disaster Recovery Policy or Managed Backup Solutions
Where to find us: Prinny Mill Business Centre, 68 Blackburn Road, Haslingden, Lancashire, BB4 5HL
#PCBuyingTips #NewPCTips #PCBuyingGuide #lancashirebusiness #b2b