Sunday, August 14, 2011

A Buyer's Guide to Computer Equipment

Buying a computer is easy enough, but more often than not you'll have to buy a whole lot of other gear as well. When purchasing or renting computer equipment like printers, monitors and other external devices, it's important to do your homework and make sure you check a few basic things about what you're going to be buying. By researching your items beforehand, you can avoid getting bamboozled by any shonky dealers out there and maybe even strike a better bargain in what you're asking for. Make sure you ask yourself the following questions before you even go to a shop or website to buy computer equipment:

1. Is it compatible? There's no point buying something if it won't work with your computer. Most devices like printers, external hard drives and monitors run on a system called Universal Plug and Play (UPnP) which means all you have to do is just attach them to your computer and they'll work, regardless of operating system or hardware specifications. However, it's very much worth checking beforehand whether the device will be easy to install and have full functionality when used with your computer: in particular, some Mac-friendly devices only run on FireWire ports, while PCs will need to have USB compatibility. Product websites and tech forums are the best place to find out this information.

2. Is it worth it? What exactly do you want out of this piece of equipment? Do you need all those features? Will it fit in your living room? These are the sorts of questions which you need to ask yourself when deciding whether a piece of equipment is worth the money and the trouble of installing. With some devices like graphics cards and monitors, make sure you're paying for actual performance rather than extra frills like Special Edition models or gimmicky technical aspects. With other peripherals, like printers and scanners, size concerns and cabling can be an issue: check that you'll be able to position these in a decent manner before buying a huge all-in-one device or other bulky item.

3. Will it last the distance? Consult tech forums, review sites and your friends to find out before buying whether a piece of computer equipment is a good investment for the long term. Although many devices say they have a life of only a few years, the best-made peripherals will last a lot longer than that and will most likely have a reputation for durability. The best USB drives and external hard-disks should be very sturdy, while energy-efficient monitors and mechanical keyboards will often last a lot longer simply due to how they operate. You should also investigate warranty or rental options which will insure you for equipment changes in the future.

Doing some research and talking to a few people is the best way to make a savvy purchase when it comes to computer equipment. Don't just buy the flashiest thing out there - chances are it'll break down before you can say "Should I turn it off and on again?"

About the Author

It's easy to get computer equipment for home or business – computer rentals are a great way to get your hands on new technology including laptops, desktops and tablets. Find out more from www.flexirent.com.au

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