If you are shopping for a computer, you are probably trying to figure out what the best deal is for your budget. You are probably also wondering what the best computer is for your degree program. Generally, you want to think about how much you will be using a computer and how you will be using a computer. This is a general rule of thumb when you are trying to streamline your computer search. If you don’t streamline, you may be searching in a million different directions. Of course, many of these roads will lead to one or two brands, and a very specific type of computer – may be a tablet hybrid or a laptop top – but you do want to have a clear idea of what you want before you buy. Here are some basics for computer shopping when you are in college.
Resolution Is Important
Whether you are going to University for your master’s in business administration, you want to purchase a computer with a high-resolution screen. A high-resolution screen is better for your eyes and it will make everything on your screen look clearer, which is important when working with graphics.
Mind the Processing Power
The processing power of a computer is important, especially if you are working with programs that take up a lot of virtual memory. If you are working with editing software or video programs, you will need a computer that has a lot of processing power. Generally, these computers have a large microchip that allows the computer to run multiple types of software at once. If you are only using your computer to write papers, take notes, and send emails, you don’t need anything too heavy-duty.
Screen Size Matters
Ideally, you want to purchase a computer with the largest screen possible, especially if you are purchasing a laptop. When you are working on a computer all the time, you want to be working on a large screen – you don’t want to be straining your eyes to see what’s going on. Of course, a bigger screen will be more expensive, but it will definitely be worth it, especially if you spend a lot of time studying.
Buying Used Isn’t Always Smart
Buying a used computer seems like a smart idea – mostly because you can’t beat the price of a used computer. However, you never know what you are purchasing with a used computer. Moreover, used computers don’t come with a warranty, so you want to be very wary. If you want to save money, you can always purchase a refurbished computer, which means that you are buying a used computer that has been cleaned up and updated – it also usually comes with a warranty.
A Laptop is Better than a Desktop
On top of everything, you probably want to purchase a laptop versus a desktop computer. A desktop computer is not mobile in the least, so you wind up not having computing capabilities in class. In the end, a laptop will allow you to get work done anywhere and at any time.