Cyber Monday Deal and New Computer Specs
At this time of the year, especially today, Cyber Monday, I get tons of calls from clients asking what specs they should be looking for in a new computer.
I wrote about specs a few weeks ago here:
“What I recommend is getting a minimum:
- Core i5
- 8-16GB of RAM
- 512GB or higher SSD or a 7200RPM 1TB disk
- Hybrid SSD/regular drives are okay, but look up the reviews!”
Another feature that is now showing up in computers is the Intel Optane memory boost. This provides a boost to regular hard drives as it stores cached data and sits between the hard drive and the RAM, increasing the slower storage speed.
The original post is here: https://mac-pc-assist.com/black-friday-what-you-need-to-know/
One other consideration is whether to purchase the higher end Windows 10 Pro or the Windows 10 Home offering. Each has different levels of networking support. If you are buying for a business, Win 10 Pro is the best choice.
I also suggest this article at Consumer Reports which can help you make a decision about what size you want to get for screens and laptops, and if you are a member, there are ratings based on the annual survey that rate the various manufacturers’ support. You will have to login to the site to view those specific ratings. (https://www.consumerreports.org/cro/computers/buying-guide/index.htm)
Tech support ratings are here: https://www.consumerreports.org/products/manufacturer-tech-support/ratings-overview/
Summary: Apple leads the way in tech support; next is Microsoft (but their Surface Pro laptops and convertibles are a DO NOT BUY at this time due to their high rate of failure), Dell, Lenovo and then HP, followed by Asus, Samsung, Acer and Toshiba.
Apple has deals on phones, iPads and computers here: https://www.apple.com/shop/gifts/shopping-event?afid=p231%7Ccamref%3A11lGwS&cid=AOS-US-AFF-PHG
Apple products are generally more expensive than their Windows-based counterparts. I use both regularly and there are times when MacOS frustrates me and times when Windows makes me want to become an Abacus Consultant…
Dell has sent me emails for their stuff, and I am sure that Costco is also offering deals today as well.
On the Dell website (https://deals.dell.com/?VEN1=ff6a9a26-ac6e-4b2f-963d-8e16c94836ca&VEN2=25d8c05a26b6695a04663211eb275c42&SUB=10169409708&dgc=em&cid=230467&lid=25987&acd=12309230467259870) there are more choices and selections available that you can scroll through at the top.
The benefit of Costco is that a second-year warranty is included with the purchase through the Costco Concierge service.
Costco will also let you return the machine if it fails within 90 days. That is a huge factor to be considered when making a new computer purchase.
Avoid Chromebooks, they are not Windows based machines yet, and from my experience, I cannot recommend one for serious computer usage. I tired one just for usage while I am gaming to manage items inventory and it was beyond frustratingly SLOW.
Costco’s sale is one now. I suggest sticking to Dell, Lenovo or HP products and you can set that filter up on the left side of the page. When filtering, also add Intel Chips starting with the i5 and up to the i7.
That leaves about 19 choices; all are laptops except two: the Lenovo IdeaCentre All in One and the Dell desktop. (https://www.costco.com/computers.html?brand=dell+hp+lenovo&processor=intel-core-i5+intel-core-i7&keyword=computershpf1126&refine=ads_fbrand_ntk_cs%253A%2522Dell%2522|ads_fbrand_ntk_cs%253A%2522HP%2522|ads_fbrand_ntk_cs%253A%2522Lenovo%2522|ads_f142534_ntk_cs%253A%2522Intel%2BCore%2Bi5%2522|ads_f142534_ntk_cs%253A%2522Intel%2BCore%2Bi7%2522|)
Lenovo was originally IBM until IBM sold off their manufacturing units. The original IBM ThinkPads were tougher than anything I have ever seen. One of our production assistants at Viacom had a NY City BUS run over the laptop in a case.
The screen was destroyed, but we plugged a monitor into the VGA port and it booted up fine. Wow! Since I have not battle tested most computers since, I don’t recommend running any laptop over with any vehicle….
Of course, if you are offered the extended warranty for three years TAKE IT. Apple offers Apple Care for their products and Dell has extended warranties available as well.
If you need help with specific choices or moving data to a new machine, gimme a holler!
Scott (760) 550-9496