Project 1 - Buying a Computer?

Deciding what computer to buy is a daunting task no matter who you ask. The more technically savvy a person is the more complicated it becomes. Because with the knowledge comes a multitude of choices. After much research into this hypothetical purchase, I decided to use my real-life budget and needs as a practical guide. I do a lot of graphic design and photo work in my current job. I usually have a minimum of two Adobe programs and the internet running at the same time, so I need at least 1 TB of hard-drive space, a good amount of RAM and a fast processor. I don’t do any online gaming and rarely watch movies on the computer. With these needs in mind, and much research, I decided upon the HP Pavillion Elite HPE-250f. This computer was ranked as the “Best All-Around Desktop” and the “Best Graphics Desktop” by Mark Kyrnin, of About.com PC Guide.

Some of the key features that helped me to choose this system are its Intel Core i7-860 quad core processor and it’s 8GB of DDR3 memory. The processor and RAM are a large component to how fast a computer works and saves files. Since I toggle back and forth among programs and save large files frequently, I decided that this top of the line processor and 8GB of DDR3 memory would be a good investment. Also, it has 1TB hard-drive and 64-bit Windows 7 OS. It has plenty of ports too, which I like. The system has a keyboard and mouse included and retails for approximately $1100. It does not include a floppy drive. I don’t have any important data on old floppy disks so I have no use for a floppy drive. I don’t know anyone other than my father, who still has floppys around. They are almost obsolete. In fact, Sony, the main producer of floppy disks, will soon stop selling them in Japan.

As for the monitor, I have selected a 22 inch NEC Multisync P221W-BX-SV. What attracted me to this monitor was the fact that it includes the SpectraView II color calibration unit to ensure that the screen has the closest to actual print colors possible. In my current job, small color discrepancies have caused long delays with approving proofs and many headaches. The price of the monitor is expensive at $750 but considering the time it will save me with color matching and preventing printing problems, the investment will pay off. I can also use the monitor with my laptop to double-check the colors before sending any job to the printers.

In terms of desktop computers, there are many choices out there ranging from desktop style and price to details like what type of processor, motherboard, and even cooling fan to use. The best approach is to do a lot of research and access your needs and most importantly your budget. I chose an HP prebuilt system because I trust the brand and I liked the reviews that I read online. This configuration and monitor should last me at least four years…hopefully even longer.

Kyrnin, Mark. "Best Mainstream Desktop PC’s."
      About.com. 20 April 2010. 
<http://compreviews.about.com/od/maindesk/tp/MainDesktop.htm>.

Musil, Steven. "Sony delivers floppy disks last rites."
      CNETNews.com. 25 April 2010. 
<http://news.cnet.com/8301-1001_3-20003360-92.html>.