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Almost every client I meet with asks me the same question: “Should I upgrade my computer?” My answer always depends on what they do with their computer, what they WANT to get done with their computer, and how well it meet their needs. With the speed at which new and faster computers are introduced and older models deemed “obsolete,” most computer users feel pressure to keep pace with new technology. If they own a computer that’s more than two years old, people usually feel they are behind the times and must spend a thousand dollars or more on a new model. The fact is it’s not true.
Consider what it is you ultimately want, or need, to do with your current computer. If you are only using it for email, surfing the web, using a word processor, and burning CDs, a “faster” computer isn’t going to improve any of these tasks. It can’t make you type faster It isn’t going to make your Internet connection run any quicker if you’re already running through a cable or DSL modem. Also, a task like burning your own CDs actually relies more on the speed of the CD burner, not your computer.
Today’s new PCs and Macs with the fastest processors and graphics cards are overkill for most computing tasks. Video and photo manipulation software and video games, however, benefit the most from faster computing power.
One of my regular clients, an amateur photographer, asked me to evaluate what it is he needs to enable him to manipulate the hundreds of large images he takes with a high-end digital camera. He was interested in upgrading his 450 MHz Macintosh G4 to match currently available models. After pricing out the dual processor (CPU) upgrade, larger hard drive, extra RAM, video card and DVD burner, the total came to a whopping $2900. He decided it would be wiser to buy a new model and sell the old one.
Of course, there usually comes a time where a new computer makes sense for anyone. Companies like Apple and Microsoft are good at creating new, and arguably better, software that will only run on newer computers. Other software and hardware companies usually follow. For example, if you want to take advantage of Apple’s iPhoto, you need a Mac that can run the latest OS X — or Windows XP, which won’t run well, if at all, on an old Pentium PC.
So before you spend your hard-earned money on a new computer, ask yourself why you want one in the first place. If your current model isn’t able to complete the tasks you need efficiently, constantly breaks down, or your graphics software is crawling along at an irritatingly slow pace, then by all means consider a new computer. Otherwise, spending a lot less money on a simple memory (RAM) or hard drive upgrade may put new life into what you currently own.
If you are in fact looking to buy a new computer, please click on one of the links below. Thank you!
All Material property of Devin Comiskey. No material is to be used or copied without expressed written consent. ©Devin Comiskey 2003-2004