Every year about this time we tend to get a lot of requests for computer recommendations. Those recommendations of course change regularly as technology changes but I will try to keep this post up to date with the latest information about what you should be looking for in a new personal or business computer.
Pricing
You can literally spend as much, or almost as little as you want on a computer. In the PC market you will find computers and laptops starting at less than $300. You can also custom build a system that costs as much as $10,000. Generally speaking the more you can spend on the computer, the longer it will be functional through software upgrades and other technology enhancements. We don’t typically sell computers because there is little if any margin in technology hardware. However, if you are willing to spend $1000 or more, we will assist in building configuring a system for you through Dell. If you are going to spend $2500 or more, I do recommend that you go through us so we can help make sure you get what you need.
Make and Model
We only recommend Dell hardware, but there are certainly other good manufacturers out there. Our experience with Dell support has been great, and their hardware has been rock solid over the years.
Business Use
Laptop Recommendations: Dell Latitude or Precision. The Latitude is usually best balance of performance and price and works great for most business applications. The Dell Precision is the true performance line designed to compete with the performance of a desktop workstation. This is for business professionals who need rock solid reliability and performance while using high demand software.
Desktop Recommendation: Dell Optiplex or Precision. The Optiplex is usually the best balance of performance and price and works great for most business applications. The Dell Precision workstations are the work horses of business, ready for almost any application, including resource hungry graphic design, video, and audio production needs.
Personal Use
Laptop Recommendation: Dell XPS or Alienware Laptops. Both these product lines are quality machines that perform very well with most home applications. The Alienware line focuses on graphic performance for entertainment and gaming.
Desktop Recommendations: Dell XPS or Alienware Desktops. Both these product lines are quality machines that perform very well with most home applications. The Alienware line focuses on graphic performance for entertainment and gaming.
Operating System
Windows 10 is recommended for all user types and systems. However if the system is for business use, then we recommend getting Windows 10 Professional rather than home edition. The professional version is required if joining the system to a domain server.
Hard Drive
Always get an SSD drive on any new system, and the size should be at least 512GB. Many of the “cheap” deals include a 256G drive that will run out of space quick.
Memory
We recommend a minimum of 16Gb on any new system. We quote systems with 32Gb or more memory.
Processor or CPU
Pentium i7 process is the best performance and price balance currently. However, the i9 is available and would be the best choice for longevity of the system if you don’t mind spending the extra money.
Summary
Those are the specs that will have the most impact on performance and longevity of the system. If you are interested in a high performance workstation and would like for us to quote for you, just contact us and we’ll be glad to help.