When considering a new computer, in order the decision priorities are:  1. decide if you really need a new computer, then assuming you need a new one...  2. decide what you want the computer to do for you, 3. find the software that will accomplish those tasks, and 4. select which computer can best work with the software you've chosen.  (When selecting the computer, be prepared for sales pitches (hype) at the computer store.)

Six Reasons for Replacing Your Working-But-Older Computer

1. Software: The software you want to use can't be installed on the computer.

2. Processor: Your computer processor speed is less than 500 MHz.

3. Repairs: Repair costs of more than $200 are anticipated.

4. Upgrades: A computer upgrade will cost more than $300 in parts and you'll have to hire someone to do the work.  (Buy a new computer!)

5. Features: Features you need can't be installed on the older computer.

6. Optional Port: Your computer doesn't have an Ethernet port.

My Baker's Dozen of Distracting New PC Sales Pitches

1. Top-of-the-Line: The newest, top-of-the-line computer in a store may be fine for you, but the computers a few notches below them work almost as well and are usually considerably cheaper.

2. RAM: A lower-cost machine with 128 or 256MB (megabytes of random access memory) may not deliver all that RAM when working if 10% it must be used to drive the video processing of the computer.

3. Megahertz Speed: Most of the megahertz speed of a computer processor is unused if you mainly use word processors, spreadsheets, database applications, e-mail, web surfing and simple photography tools.  You need the higher speeds if you are using a computer as a server, or as a high-speed, game machine with many joy-stick controls merged with the games.  (Higher priorities for the game player include:  lots of RAM, a fast video card with 8 or 16 MB memory, a high-quality sound card, better speakers and a USB port.)

4. Screen Size: Most computer screens are measured diagonally and this measurement includes the black border of the screen that is not used.  Check the fine print to find out the Visual Image Size (VIS).  Note that notebook computers don't usually have a black border anymore.  My preference for people doing lots of word processing with a PC is a 17" screen.  I prefer a 14.1" active-matrix screen for a notebook computer, though a 12.3" passive-matrix screen brings the notebook cost down dramatically.  (Notebook replacement screens cost in the minimum neighborhood of $900.)

5. CD-ROM Speeds: A CD-ROM player with a 40X rating won't perform much better than one with an 8X for most audio and software.  The higher speeds are usually only possible from some parts of the CD-ROM.

6. Internet-Ready: Most computers sold today have either a telephone modem, an extra ethernet card for other kinds of modems, or both.  Any other features such as keyboard internet buttons are just frills.  To be internet-ready, the Windows software, which is already part of the system, needs to be configured for the particular user.

7. High-Speed Modem: 56K (56 kilobits per second) modems work at usually far less kilobits per second and can only attain about 44K with a phone line.  If your computer is connected at the considerable distance from the phone company, you may only get 26.4 kbps most of the time.  DSL or cable will give improved performance if you really need the extra speed--but at greater cost.

8. Bundled Software: This kind of software usually consists of stripped down versions of software without manuals that you'll prefer to abandon fairly soon.  Purchase the software you really need instead.  Bundled anti-virus software usually expires in 90 days!

9. The Extra, On-Site Warranty: Computer technicians are usually loath to visit your computer on-site, without first going through lots of hassles by phone.  The regular warranty that comes with the computer is usually good enough.  (MadMod Computing is a better option for you to use after the original warranty runs out.)

10. Notebook Weight: If you're on the road, you'll need to carry the electrical adapter unit to recharge your notebook's battery. (weighs over a pound)  Bring the removable CD-ROM bay unit which weighs about 10 ounces. (It swaps with the floppy drive usually already in the computer.)

11. Notebook Battery Life: The hard drive and CD-ROM players both use motors that drain batteries.  A fully lit active-matrix screen takes power to be bright.  These active players in a laptop usually drain a battery faster than the hyped values would indicate.  Most users would not be able to work satisfactorily with all power saver features enabled and a dimmed screen.  A couple of hours of operation without a recharge is about all you'll get.

12. Printer Speed: Most printers can't deliver the ppm (pages per minute) claimed when using the high quality printing mode that most users require.  Economy or draft printing is probably what the printer ppm ratings refer to, but most users don't select the draft printing option very often.

13. Scanner Resolution: Many applications with scanners require only a resolution of 300 dpi (dots per inch), which means that inexpensive scanners will do most jobs quite well.  For professional photographic work, you'll need somewhat higher resolutions, but then make sure that your printer can keep up with the higher resolutions required of the scanner.  Beware: high resolution documents and photos use a lot of hard disk storage and put higher demands on available RAM.

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