New PC buying guide

Buying a new PC can be a tricky affair especially with technology getting outdated in a matter of months now. So here is a simple and short guide I have put together for the relatively not so tech savvy

If SPEED is the first thing you need:

You need a decent MIX of the below, just once component of a super cool spec would not do it.

RAM - atleast 2 GB for Windows Visa , Windows 7 and above but dont over do it, 6 MB of RAM doesn't make things better. 4 would be great and enough if you can afford it.

Processor:
2 - 2.5 GHz is more than enuf, but wait there are other things ..
L2 Cache matters - 2 to 3 MB would be cool, you can go upto 6 MB if you can afford it!
2 core processors are also cool. Its like having 2 processors in 1.

and windows has a problem with handling memory and speed so what ever you feed it there are a lot of CPU cycles wasted .. Windows 64 bit handles it better.
but it comes with a (bit huge) cost. You need a 64 bit processor (the majority of the PCs you see now are 32 bit) and you need a 64 bit Windows OS (more $$$) then you can download 64 bit drivers and stuff.

Finally better go for popular brands since they supply updated drivers for the hardware, drivers drive your hardware.

Internet:

Built in wireless card if it is a Laptop.
Built in Network Interface card for Desktops ( they are standard in most PCs ), Wireless card if you are going to connect to Internet wirelessly.

Video :
You need atleast a 256 MB (video RAM) video card else with the advent of operating systems you are going to end up with a slow computer.

Other stuff:
If a Laptop, make sure you have built in webcam, mic and bluetooth

If you want to hook up your laptop to your Digital TV - make sure the computer has a HDMI out slot. Check if your TV has a HDMI slot as well.
Else the old S-Video should do.

Built in TV tuner card , if you want to watch TV on the computer

Built in (Multi) Card reader would be cool to plug in your Memory cards from your phone , camera etc


Drives:

Blu-ray would be cool as it is becoming the in thing
DVD R/W minimum

Ports:
Plenty of USB ports, atleast 4, and in accessible places, like front of your desktop


Thats about what you need to know, the rest are the usuals

Standard USB Keyboard
Monitor that fits your size needs and budget, higher the resolution the better, but remember you need a decent video card too for higher res to really work.
Normal USB mouse, blue tooth wireless mouse are fancy but they can be a pain disconnecting often.

hope this helps