What to buy.
WHAT TO ESTABLISH FIRST
What you will actually do with it.
WHAT DIFFERENT WORK NEEDS
- Office work and browsing: modest specification, adequate memory
- Design and video: a capable processor, substantial memory, good display
- Development: memory above everything
- Occasional use: almost anything current
WHAT MATTERS MOST FOR GENERAL USE
Memory, and solid-state storage.
WHY THOSE TWO
They determine how the machine feels far more than processor speed.
WHAT NOT TO OVERSPEND ON
Processor, beyond what your work needs Graphics, unless you need them
WHAT TO CHECK
Whether memory can be added later Whether storage can be replaced What connections it has Battery capacity, for portable machines
WHAT TO PRIORITISE FOR PORTABLE USE
Weight, battery and durability.
WHAT TO ASK
What support is available locally.
WHAT TO AVOID
Buying the cheapest, which is replaced sooner Buying far more than you need
WHAT TO PLAN FOR
A replacement cycle, budgeted.
