When it comes to choosing a computer, there is plethora of choices before the consumer.  There are many important factors to be taken into account while picking up one by the user. At the outset, it should be kept in mind that the most expensive one may not be the appropriate computer for a specific use. Equally important is that the cheapest one in the market may not be adequate or suitable for the jobs in hand. Therefore the consumer should use discretion in the right perspective in the matter of choosing this expensive gadget.

Many consumers prefer to buy a desktop computer of a reputed brand that is sold widely as they do not want to run the risk of buying inferior quality products assembled and sold by small players in the market. However the fact remains that for the consumers who have limited use like internet browsing or sending emails, such cheaper options are enough. Many fabricated units are available in the market with fool proof warranties offered by the local dealers. Such custom built computers are available in the market to suit the individual requirements.

Price range is very important. Even tough the competitive market is offering computers at reasonable prices, the affordability of the consumer to pay is important in the deal.  Whether it is a cheap unit or an expensive one, the consumer has to make sure about the warranty and after sale service.

The speed of the system is another aspect to be considered. If it is for home use, the shopper need not go for a high speed model. An average speed model sold in the market will be enough for the purpose. In such case instead of going for a fast processor, it is better to get a RAM with enhanced ‘memory’. This will help to make the deal a cost effective one.  Invariably, for home users 256 MB of RAM is sufficient.

As already mentioned earlier, the requirement of the consumer is the deciding factor. For graphic intensive programme like video games or DVD movies, a fast processor is required.  For those who require a computer for office use, it will be necessary to store innumerable files. The capacity of the hard drive is the core issue in this respect. Very often a 20G of disc space will be adequate.

The consumer should not be carried away by the technical jargons used by the dealers to tempt the consumer to buy a more powerful machine than what is actually required. Both hard drive and RAM are to be chosen after assessing the actual requirement. Similarly, choose the monitor of suitable size.

If the consumer is not very conversant with the technical aspects, it is better to consult reliable and reputed dealers regarding the capacity and price ranges. Such dealers will offer not only warranty and after sale service, but also offer options to exchange the unit if necessity arises.  It is important to get anti virus software installed in the unit.

The online dealers offer a variety of models for specific requirements of the individual users. Assessing the actual requirements and opting for a comparatively cheaper unit should be the prerogative of the consumer.