The $1000 Computer? Not Yet!

Computer Life column for 9/13/97 by
Richard Gordon

I've written previously about buying a computer. But you seem to want more.

A neighbor stopped while walking her dog to ask my advice about buying a second-hand computer or saving for a few more months and buying a new one.

I repeatedly receive e-mail from friends, relations, and readers asking if such and such a computer is a good deal.

The night before his team whupped my team, a fellow Western YMCA soccer coach called to check on league rules and to ask about buying a computer for his kids.

The Basics

People get a notion in their heads that they want to buy a computer. They then fall in love with a set of numbers or an image from a TV ad and buy something.

But you're best served if you back up and think what you want to use the computer for. Then look for the software will enable you to do those tasks.

As you find out what kind of computer that software requires, keep an eye open for the specific requirements: disk space, operating system, memory, CPU speed, extras.

Because there are lots of good computers on the market, I'm not going to tell you to buy one specific brand. Your preferences come into play here, as they do when you're trying to decide between a Ford and a Chevy. But do check warranties and local service options.

Before handing over your credit card, ask about future upgrades. Some students bringing new computers to UD this fall didn't and, therefore, had a surprise. Their systems didn't have slots for network cards, so they couldn't take advantage of the high-speed network connections in our dorms.

Let's go shopping

Most families want word processing and spreadsheet software and some form of Internet access. You can do all that for under $2,000.

You won't get the latest technology in this price range, and some games may run slowly. But your computer will be faster and more efficient than the system I bought for $3,500 in October 1995.

If all you want to do is surf the net and you already have a TV, consider a WebTV system made by Phillips or Sony (or, soon, the competitor from RCA and Oracle). With an optional keyboard, this will get you online for under $500.

If you want a complete computer, you'll need to spend between $1,400 and $2,000. In this price range, you should be able to find a competent Windows 95 or Macintosh-OS system with at least 16M of RAM, a CPU rated at 166 Mhz or faster, a 1.2G or larger hard drive, a 33.6 Kbps modem, an 8X CD-ROM drive, a sound card and speakers, a 14"-15" monitor, a small printer, and software to do your work.

I know I said you shouldn't fall in love with a set of numbers. But those are bare minimums for a new family system.

Some manufacturers sell complete packages for $1,450-$1,800. You can also start with something like a low-end Compaq computer ($799 or $999), then add software, a monitor, a printer, and other options.

If I were shopping, I'd begin by going to a neighbor's house and visiting Gateway 2000's (www.gateway2000.com) and Dell's (www.dell.com) web sites. I'd figure out how much Gateway and Dell would charge for a complete system, including software, a printer, and shipping. Then I'd try to beat those prices.

Last month, I asked a salesman at Computer City if he could beat the price on a package deal from Gateway.

"Can't beat that," he said. "But two weeks ago we had a great bargain." He then described a cool Hewlett Packard system, adding that, as often as prices change, he might be able to beat that price another time.

Buy your canned corn from the scratch and dent rack? Then you might be interested in remanufactured systems. For example, last week, the Gateway 2000 Warehouse ([800] 846-3614) had a 200 Mhz, 32M system, including monitor and software, for $1545.

Finally, whatever you buy and whenever you buy it, within months, your computer may seem expensive and outdated compared to current models. Just accept that and keep going.

Copyright © 1997, The News Journal Company

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