50 Top Tech Tools and Tips. David Sandy
rel="nofollow" href="http://www.techradar.com">www.techradar.com. (These are just some of many.)
Finding the right price
Buying online
If you’re buying a higher value item (over £200) and have found it for sale at a discount of greater than 15% than other retailers, then double-check the product you are agreeing to buy is the right one.
In particular, check if it is the latest version of the product and not old stock of a previous model.And do some research into the retailer themselves. Try searching online for the company name plus the word “reviews” – even “problems”, “scam”, “complaints” if you’re feeling suspicious – and see what, if anything, independent consumers are saying about them.
If a deal sounds too good to be true it probably is; you could end up buying counterfeit goods, or your payment might be taken and no product actually sent.
Buying from the high street
Online shopping is so easy you may wonder why you should consider hitting the high street to make your technology purchase. Shopping online certainly has its benefits. But when it comes to seeing, feeling and trying out technology, you can’t beat shopping in person.
Don’t forget to take your list of requirements and any reviews you have found with when you go. Visit some of the major technology shop chains but don’t forget about the independent shops on the high street too. These guys might not have the huge marketing budgets of other retailers but are well worth a visit. You will often find that they are willing to compete with the big-name high street stores, and more importantly you are more likely to receive high quality dedicated advice about your purchase. (This does, however, vary on a shop-to-shop basis.)
Buying a Desktop Computer
A desktop computer is generally sold as a bundle containing the base, monitor, mouse and keyboard. It requires mains power supply for both the monitor and base.
If you have a fixed office space and don’t think you’ll need to use your computer when you are out of the office, then a desktop computer may be the best bet for you.
There are two varieties: the PC and the Apple Mac. Apple are the sole manufacturers of Macs, which means a narrower product range, but the products are of the utmost quality and design. PCs are manufactured by a large number of companies and so the number of varieties available to buy is huge and prices are driven down in the marketplace by the competition.
Is a desktop computer right for me?
A desktop computer will be right up your street if the following sounds like you:
You are going to be in a fixed location for most or all of your time. In this situation, a larger screen, full-sized keyboard, and plenty of room to swing a mouse could make working on a desktop faster than working on a laptop.
You are on a tight budget. You will get more performance and a larger screen size for less money buying a desktop computer.
Look out for these features
Keep an eye out for these features when looking to buy a desktop computer:
If buying a bundle, does this include monitor, mouse and keyboard? Check the small print!
Monitor size – these can look bigger in-store than on your desk. Measure up first. Consider a minimum of a 22-inch screen if you’re going to be in front of the screen for prolonged periods of time.
CPU – Intel’s i5 or i7 processors for current best performance.
RAM – a minimum of 4GB of RAM.
Graphics card – avoid integrated graphics cards if you want improved performance for things like video and design work.
Hard disk – 500GB will cover most needs, especially as an external hard drive is recommended for backing up your important data.
DVI or HDMI output if you are planning on connecting it to a high-resolution monitor.
What you should expect to pay
PC desktop computers vary greatly in price, from £350 for a basic model including a monitor, mouse and keyboard up to well over £1,000.
Apple Mac Minis start from around £500 and are just the base unit – so you would need to purchase a separate screen, mouse and keyboard. Apple iMacs are well worth considering, starting from around £1,000, and have the base unit and screen integrated together. Apple Mac Pro computers are for high-end usage and start from £2,000 for just the base unit, with screen and peripherals extra.
Buying a Laptop
A laptop computer will provide you with similar basic functionality as a desktop computer (though they are often somewhat less powerful), but with the added bonus that it is compact enough that it can be transported around with you. Laptop screen sizes tend to range in size (measured across the diagonal) between 13 and 20 inches (although 15 and 17 inch are most common).
Is a laptop for right me?
Laptops aren’t necessarily right for all types of business or business owner. But they are incredibly flexible – and ever-more powerful. Consider:
Is a screen size of up to 17 inches going to be enough visual space for you to be productive?
Are you seldom going to be out of your fixed office? If so, a desktop PC may be faster at the same price and more cost effective, and could be coupled with a smartphone for when you are occasionally on the move.
How will you connect to the internet? All new laptops should be Wi-Fi enabled nowadays, but if you are out and about you may not be able to guarantee access to a Wi-Fi hot spot. A 3G card for your USB port, providing mobile internet, is your solution here. But don’t forget to factor in this cost. Have a read of the mobile broadband section of this eBook for more information.
Look out for these features
CPU – Intel’s i5 or i7 processors for best performance.
RAM – a minimum of 4GB.
Graphics card – avoid integrated graphics card if you want to do video and design work. Hard disk – 320GB will cover most needs, especially as an external hard drive is recommended for backing up your important data.
Webcam and built-in microphone – essential if you use video and call-conferencing services such as Skype.
Battery capacity – will the laptop be able to stay off mains power for long enough to suit your needs?
What you should expect to pay
PC laptops vary in price from around £300 up to £1,500. Apple’s range of Mac laptops are of superb quality but range from £850 to over £3,000, depending on specification. For an average specification PC laptop with 15-inch display, 320GB hard drive, 4GB RAM and Intel i5 processor, you should expect to pay around £500–£600.
Buying a Netbook
A netbook computer is smaller than a laptop, with a screen size of less than 13 inches and commonly weight of less than 1kg. Netbooks can run full applications, just like a laptop, but are less powerful – so running multiple applications, power-hungry or graphically intensive programs is not really possible.
The major benefit of a netbook is its portability and battery life. If you want quick