Personal Technology » buyer’s guide

Computer Buyers Have to Consider System Upgrades

Walter S. Mossberg — Thu, 23 Apr 2009 01:02:07 +0000

If you’re shopping for a computer now, there’s an added factor to consider. Later this year, both of the major computer operating systems, Microsoft’s Windows Vista and Apple’s Mac OS X Leopard, will be replaced with major new versions: Windows 7 and Mac OS X Snow Leopard. And that affects what PC hardware you should choose.

So, in this annual spring computer buyer’s guide, I’ll pay particular attention to buying a machine for the new OS you may soon want.

This guide covers both laptops and desktops and is aimed at average users doing typical tasks. It doesn’t apply to hard-core gamers or video, audio or photo professionals.

[ See post to watch video ]

Cost: Prices on Windows PCs have plummeted. You can buy a Windows desktop for under $300, without a monitor, and a low-end, full-size Windows laptop for around $500. If you are willing to settle for a so-called netbook — essentially just a small, cheap laptop running the aging Windows XP operating system — you can get a decent one for $350, or less. Even Apple, which has resisted this cut-rate trend, is offering modestly lower prices or higher specs for the same prices as before.

Timing: Despite the bargains, you may want to wait to buy, if you can, until the new operating systems emerge. That’s because it’s usually easier and cheaper to buy a new machine preloaded with a new OS. You don’t have to pay extra for the new OS or hassle with performing the upgrade. Neither Microsoft (MSFT) nor Apple (AAPL) has set a date for their new OS releases, but both are likely by the holiday buying season.

This is especially true if you are thinking of buying a Windows Vista machine. Vista is slow and filled with annoying nag screens. Based on my tests of its prerelease, or beta, version, Windows 7 will be a huge improvement.

Windows vs. Mac: Apple’s hardware is beautiful and durable, and its OS is faster, easier and more stable than today’s Windows. Plus, the Mac isn’t susceptible to the vast majority of malicious software. Windows 7 will narrow this gap considerably, but Snow Leopard could keep Apple ahead, depending on how it turns out.

But Apple computers cost more upfront. The cheapest Mac desktop, the bare-bones Mac Mini, costs $599. And the cheapest Mac laptop is $999. So, if price is your top priority, buy a Windows PC. If speed, ease of use and stability matter more, buy a Mac.

Upgrading: Microsoft promises that upgrading a Vista machine to Windows 7 will be a straightforward process, preserving all of your files, programs and settings.

It’s a different story for Windows XP. Upgrading from that OS will be a cumbersome, multi-step process, requiring users to offload their files, wipe out the old operating system completely, and then reload the files and reinstall their programs. This is a particular problem for buyers of netbooks, nearly all of which come with XP.

In addition, Microsoft’s version of Windows 7 for netbooks, called the Starter Edition, is crippled. It can run only three programs at any one time, and won’t allow any customization of the desktop or the use of Windows 7’s snazzy graphical features. Microsoft says netbook owners also will be able to run the main Home version of Windows 7, at extra cost, but given the weak processors and graphics chips on netbooks, the experience may not be optimal.

Apple, which doesn’t make netbooks, claims Snow Leopard will be an easy upgrade on all currently available Macs.

Memory: Neither company has released the official specs for the two new operating systems, but both are likely to require a minimum of 1 gigabyte of memory. Such specs are usually understated, so I strongly recommend 2 gigabytes, even on cheap machines.

Graphics: In the new operating systems, adequate graphics chips will be more important than ever, because the computers will offload some tasks typically performed by the main processor onto the graphics chip. So, if possible, spring for what’s called a discrete graphics processor, which has its own memory. If you can’t afford this, look for an integrated graphics chip, which shares your main memory, that’s as powerful as possible. One example is the Nvidia 9400.

Processor: Microsoft and Apple say current processors will work fine with the new operating systems. The best bet is a dual-core processor. Some bargain machines use an older single-core model, which is OK for light-duty use. Netbooks, and even some laptops and desktops, come with a much wimpier processor called the Intel (INTC) Atom, which struggles at some tasks.

Touch screens: Windows 7 will include the ability to perform many multitouch gestures on the screen. But this will require a special type of touch screen, different from the ones on most tablet PCs today. A few current models, like Hewlett-Packard’s TouchSmart desktop, support this, but not many. So, if you’d like to use multitouch on Windows 7, ask to make sure your PC can handle it.

The bottom line: Don’t buy more machine than you can afford, or need. But protect yourself by getting one that can be upgraded to the new operating systems.

Find all of Walt Mossberg’s columns and videos online, free, at the All Things Digital Web site, walt.allthingsd.com. Email him at mossberg@wsj.com.

Shopping for Basics and Saving Money on Your Next PC

Walter S. Mossberg — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 01:06:02 +0000

It’s time for my annual fall PC buyer’s guide. As always, this guide covers what average consumers doing typical tasks should look for in a desktop or laptop PC. That excludes heavy-duty gamers, corporate buyers, techies, or enthusiasts.

But this autumn, we find ourselves in a serious global economic slowdown. So I will focus this edition of the guide on how folks whose PC budgets have shrunk can still get something adequate for light use.

The guide below applies to both desktops and laptops, since the latter, at least in the consumer market, have achieved rough parity in performance and versatility, and are now more popular than desktops.

[ See post to watch video ]

Windows vs. Mac: I consider the Mac operating system, Leopard, to be faster, easier and more stable than Windows XP or Windows Vista. It isn’t susceptible to the vast majority of malicious software that circulates on the Internet. And Macs also include Apple’s superb built-in iLife multimedia suite. Macs can even run Windows, though that costs extra.

However, Apple (AAPL) has consciously chosen not to offer machines in the bargain category. The cheapest Mac desktop, the minimalist Mac Mini, which doesn’t even include a monitor, speakers, keyboard or mouse, costs $650 for a model with a hard disk I consider adequate. The cheapest Mac laptop, the base model of the prior-generation MacBook (which Apple has retained in its lineup) is $999.

Both are good values, mainly due to the software. And Macs can save you money over time. But if the lowest upfront cost is your objective, you can pay hundreds less for desktops and laptops from Windows PC makers.

Which Windows: Windows Vista is too often slow, and incompatible with older peripherals, such as the printers you might not want to replace in this economic climate. It also can cost more because it demands beefier, and thus costlier, hardware to run well than does the older Windows XP.

Budget shoppers should look around for a computer that still runs XP, either one of the dwindling number of models built with XP in mind, or one that has been “downgraded” by the manufacturer to XP. This downgrade “feature” can cost $50 or more upfront, but permits you to buy a cheaper machine.

Dell Inspiron 530

For instance, I recently advised two of my budget-minded friends to buy a low-end Dell desktop, the Inspiron 530, at Micro Center, a small but very good national chain of computer superstores. This Dell (DELL) runs XP, and has a low-end Intel (INTC) processor. The store is currently selling a version with a 250-gigabyte hard disk — more than enough for an average user — and 2 gigabytes of memory, generous for XP, for just $400 after instant rebate. You can get a similar good deal directly from Dell.

These particular friends, one on each coast, each bought a nice LCD monitor for $100-$150, and were out of the store for very little money. Since they only wanted to run Microsoft (MSFT) Office, browse the Web, do email and manage photos, this machine met their needs.

Another option is a low-cost machine with the Home Basic version of Vista, which also tends to cost less and to require less-expensive hardware than the more-common Vista Home Premium. If my friends had wanted laptops, I could have steered them to a 15-inch Acer Aspire laptop at the same store. This machine runs Vista Basic, with 1 gigabyte of memory and a 120-gigabyte hard disk, and costs $380.

You can often buy an even less-costly computer if you opt for the Linux operating system, but I still don’t advise this for average non-techie users.

Memory: For XP, or a Mac, I suggest 2 gigabytes of memory, but you can get away with 1 gigabyte for light use. For Vista, I recommend 3 gigabytes, but 2 gigabytes will do on a tight budget. You can always add memory later.

Hard disk: On a laptop, 160 gigabytes is the minimum I usually suggest, but you can get by with 120 gigabytes and upgrade when economic times are better. On a desktop, 250 gigabytes is easily obtainable, but 160 gigabytes will do.

DVD drive: If you never record DVDs, you can save money by buying a cheaper combo drive, which plays both DVDs and CDs, but records only the latter.

Processor: Look for a dual-core processor, but to save money, don’t worry about the speed, model number, or brand.

Video: A separate, or “discrete,” video card is best, especially for Vista Home Premium, but budget shoppers should stick with lesser “integrated graphics.”

Other features: If your home lacks the fastest “n” version of Wi-Fi, spend less for a laptop with the older “g” version. If you don’t need to do video chats or recording, don’t pay for a built-in camera and microphone.

Netbooks: If you don’t mind a tiny screen, cramped keyboard and limited file storage, these popular new mini-laptops can save you money. Some sell for under $400, even equipped with Windows.

Remember, pay only for the computing capabilities you need.

Find all of Walt Mossberg’s columns and videos online, free, at the All Things Digital Web site, walt.allthingsd.com. Email him at mossberg@wsj.com.

Spring Buyer's Guide: PC Prices Get Cheaper, But Complexity Grows

Walter S. Mossberg — Thu, 07 Apr 2005 00:01:00 +0000

If you’re in the market for a desktop PC this spring, there’s good news and bad news. The good news is that you can buy a lot of computer for a surprisingly small sum. The bad news is that you have to take more factors into account than ever.

Your new desktop computer, in many cases, will be asked not only to run productivity programs and get you online, but to hook up to a constellation of other devices, such as digital cameras, camcorders and portable music players. And it will have to withstand mounting security threats.

So here’s my annual spring buyer’s guide to desktop PCs. As always, my advice is aimed at mainstream users doing the most common tasks. Hard-core gamers or folks doing massive video production need bigger, faster computers than those specified here.

You should be able to get a bare-bones Windows computer, with a monitor, for well under $500 after rebates. Three different chain stores this week were advertising an entry-level eMachines model for $339, after rebates, with a monitor and printer. It was decently equipped, with an 80-gigabyte hard disk. And for $60 more, you could double the memory and add a DVD recorder. Midrange Windows models with better features are $500 to $1,000. Even some Media Center models are under $1,000.

Windows or Mac: Because they are beautifully designed and so far haven’t attracted viruses or spyware, Apple Computer’s Macintosh models are getting more consideration than they have in years from Windows users. You can now buy a full-fledged, decently equipped Mac, called the Mac Mini, for just $499. It doesn’t include a keyboard, mouse or monitor, but it can use the ones you already have on your old Windows machine. Doubling the memory adds $75.

Apple’s iMac G5 models, starting at $1,299, are an even better choice. They use a powerful processor called the G5, and they have a brilliant built-in flat-panel screen. The Mac does everything a typical user needs at least as well as a Windows computer, and it’s about to get a major new upgrade of its operating system, which already bests Windows in some respects.

But switching to the Mac isn’t right for every user, and it requires buyers to master new software, some of which must be bought separately. Plus, the cheapest Windows PCs still cost less. So most Windows owners will likely stick with Windows.

Security: If you do go with Windows, you will need to immediately install an array of security programs. These include a firewall, an antivirus program, an antispyware program and an antispam program. For a full list of my recommendations for Windows security add-ons, take a look at http://ptech.wsj.com/archive/ptech-20040916.html.

Most of this isn’t needed on a Mac, but Mac buyers may want to get an antivirus program because the Mac isn’t invulnerable.

Memory: Memory, or RAM, is the most important factor in computer performance. Insist on 512 megabytes, especially if the PC’s main memory is shared with the video system, as it often is on low-priced models.

Hard disk: Even very cheap PCs now offer 60 or 80 gigabytes of hard-disk space, and 250-gigabyte disks are offered in costlier models. Get as much hard disk as you can, especially if you plan to store a lot of music or video content.

Processor: Processor speed is overrated. On Windows machines, any Intel Celeron or Pentium microprocessor chip, or any AMD microprocessor, regardless of speed, will do fine at the most common computing tasks.

Device connectors: For connecting music players, cameras and other peripherals, get a PC with plenty of USB 2.0 connectors, including at least one on the computer’s front. If you have a camcorder that can’t use USB, you’ll need an extra high-speed port called 1394, or FireWire.

Memory-card slots: Look for a model with slots that accept the various types of memory cards used by digital cameras, PDAs and music players.

Video system: Cheaper PCs use something called “integrated video.” But the best route is to invest in a PC with a separate video card and dedicated video memory.

Audio system: If you’re a music fan, spend extra for a subwoofer and good speakers.

Monitor: Flat-panel screens are best for most uses. The 17-inch flat panels now cost less than $300. Many 19-inch models can be had for $400 or less.

Mass storage: Look for a CD-RW drive that lets you record your own CDs for playing music, storing photos or backing up or exchanging files. If you do a lot of home video or photos, you may want to invest in a DVD recording drive.

Media Centers: A Windows Media Center PC is designed to be operated with a remote control from across the room to play music and videos, view photos and watch TV. But be careful with the cheapest of these machines. They may omit the TV, and even the remote.

Brands: All Windows desktops are similar, but unless you’re a techie, stick with names like Hewlett-Packard, Dell, Sony, Gateway and eMachines. For greater control over your configuration, buy on the Web.

One more thing — my most important tip: Don’t let a salesperson talk you into more, or less, machine than you need. If you’re confused at the store or Web site, walk away until you can get the answers you need to make an informed purchase.

Write to Walter S. Mossberg at mossberg@wsj.com