Did you know the personal computer space in the U.S. generated revenues of $35 billion in 2023?
The economic slowdown impacted the market as U.S. PC revenues declined by north of 5% in 2022. Tighter spending due to economic pressures will likely persist into this year as revenues in the PC market are on pace to remain south of $35 billion in 2024, according to Statista.
Considering that a computer is “old” within four or five years, you may find yourself in the market for a new machine sooner rather than later. It’s not that a computer won’t be useable as it nears the five-year mark — it’s that it will lag behind newer models arriving in the marketplace.
Here are five things to consider before purchasing a new computer for work or personal use.
- Consider What Type of Machine You Want
Do you have a preference for the sort of machine you get? There are desktops, laptops, Chromebooks, tablets combined with keyboards, and other machines. If you need something as mobile as you are, consider a laptop. You don’t have to overspend to get a suitable machine — especially if you know where to look for deals. Look for laptop deals in Canada or anywhere else to find a selection of capable machines that’ll serve you well for years with minimum problems.
- Consider How Much You Can Spend
While computers are available at various price points, focusing solely on the cost is the wrong move. You shouldn’t overspend and jeopardize your financial well-being, but obsessing over the price tag could leave you with a barely usable machine. You can spend hundreds to several thousands of dollars to buy a new computer. If it costs several hundred dollars, the machine likely won’t be good for more than checking email, navigating the web, and doing other basic things. You don’t have to spend thousands to get a good computer, but ensure what you’re spending gets you a machine that’ll meet your needs now and in the future.
- Consider the Memory
RAM, the memory on a computer, is vital since the RAM tally will impact speed and overall performance. Buying a laptop at a higher price point usually means getting more RAM. Focusing on cost at the expense of all else will get you a sluggish machine. While a laptop with eight gigabytes (GB) of memory is acceptable, one with at least 16 GB is preferable. That’s especially true if you want to give your machine more longevity and usefulness for years to come.
- Consider the Hard Drive
Some sources suggest getting a hard drive with between 500 GB and one terabyte (TB). That’ll afford sufficient space for documents, files, programs, and more. While 500 GB is plenty, going with one TB will make your computer more helpful and extend its shelf life.
- Consider Video and Graphics Cards
The video and graphics cards are more vital if you’re buying a machine for heavy gaming. But if you just need a computer for word processing, printing, emailing, and streaming, most computers are equipped with what you need. It won’t hurt to upgrade the video and graphics card for a more capable machine, but doing so isn’t necessary unless you’re a gamer or have requirements that demand better-than-average video and graphics cards.
Are you looking for a new computer? Remember these five points when considering your options. A computer is a tangible investment — especially if you need it for school or work. Ensure you get a machine with the right specs so your computer serves you well over the long term.
