17 of 19

Write now Article Tools

I want the latest computer with the fastest processor, the biggest storage, the highest memory, and the biggest screen. This is often on our mind when we want to shop for a new computer. After all, we planned' to use it for the next 5-10 years, so it will be a worthwhile' investment now, or so we tell ourselves. But do we really need that latest high end computer? And spend all our hard earned money (or our parent's) for a machine that hardly ever last us for 3-5 years (some even 1-2 years).

Based on the October 2003 Current Population Survey (CPS) Report on Computer Use and Ownership by the U.S. Census Bureau* the 3 most popular usage of computer at home for those 17 and under are gaming, working on school assignment, and surfing the Internet. Whereas for those 18 and over, the 3 most popular usage of computer at home are surfing the Internet, email, and word processing. So we ask ourselves, do we need the latest and greatest computer system for these tasks? With the exception of those graphics intensive computer games, the rest of the task can be easily accomplish by the old computer that is sitting at your desk right now. And if your computer has broken down and you are shopping for a new computer, go with one that suits your usage rather than the most expensive one in the store.

There are of course exceptions to the case. For example, if you are into computer animation, computer added designing or other very specialized usage that requires heavy computer power, than it may be justifiable to purchase a high end computer. If you are just an ordinary folk like me and using the computer for ordinary task, than a less expensive computer system will suffice.

So the next time you shop for a new computer, ask yourself this question, do I really need to buy the best computer system out there? Or am I better off buying one enough to meet my needs and save the differences. Happy shopping!

*See http://www.census.gov/populati on/www/socdemo/computer.html

Learn more about this author, KELTONG.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

Add your voice

Know something about Why you don't need to buy an expensive new computer?
We want to hear your view. Write now!