The computer manufacturers, and the stores that sell for them, offer so many different things to entice you into purchasing their most expensive systems that one can get lost in the details and forget what exactly they need the computer for. Don't get caught and pay too much! In this guide my goal is to help you decide on what you need and what you don't. Let's get started.
1. Audio PCs, Photo PCs, and Video Editing PCs are ripoffs
I'm sure you have seen those advertisements in your Sunday newspaper touting the latest in home entertainment PCs for playing audio and taking it your 'listening experience' to the next level. Any computer can play music, its just how 'clear' and 'pristine' you want it, and quite frankly I can't tell the difference at all. These 'audio experience' computers include nothing more than third party sound cards and speakers that you can usually buy yourself for less. The talk of larger hard drives than 40 or 80GB is pointless as well unless you have tens of thousands of songs.
Photo editing PCs are a complete ripoff because they are really no different from any other PC. They include a few third-rate programs, but nothing that would make them professional grade in the least. There are better programs available for free than what is included with these photo editing PCs. Get Google's Picasa and you got a better Photo editing PC for hundreds less. For basic photo editing, the processing power of a more basic computer will work just fine.
As for the video editing PCs, the line between rip-off and sensible deal is a little more blurry, but there are quite a few issues with them. First would have to be the software that is included with them. Much of the time they give you trial or less featured programs instead of the full programs to suck you in. Make sure you are getting the full version of the software. The Second issue would have to be the hardware on most of these configurations. One time a friend of mine bought such a computer only to have his hard drive run out of space quickly. They neglected one of the most important elements of a real video editing computer, hard drive space. Movie files are huge and require a great deal of space. Make sure you get the space you need.
If you really want to do hardcore video editing what you just need a few things. DVD Burner (DVD+R), lots of Hard Drive Space (200 GB+), decently fast processor (2.5 GHZ or faster), and lots of RAM (1 GB+). RAM and hard drive space are by far the most important parts.
My advice for the video editing software would be to buy the software separately because the included software is usually trash.
I would say that you should not spend extra on a computer just because it is audio ready, or a photo editing supermachine, or a video editing PC. Buy the components later if you need them and put them on a machine that has the base essentials of what you need. Buy a computer for its hard drive, dvd burner, processor, ram, and then put the software on later.
2. Warranties
When looking for a computer make sure that you get a decent warranty package, but make sure they don't charge you an arm and leg. Dell offers a 1 Ltd year warranty with 1 year At-Home Service, and 1 year of technical support with the price of the computer so work from there. If they bring up warranty plans of over $50 I would move on and find one of a better rate.
3. Buying Online vs. Buying At The Store
'The deals online are much better but if the computer has problems you are up the creek' used to be the case but it is no longer, the problems part that is. Dell, the best computer manufacturer for the money, includes 1 year on site support with the price of most computer they sell. This makes the part about bringing in your computer to the local big box if you have an issue versus shipping it away a non-issue, they come right to you. Personally, my favorite part about buying online is that there are no silly salespeople that have no clue what they are talking about. It's much more comfortable and relaxing.
Mom and pop type stores are a little different though as they usually have a high degree of service, but they cost a bit more than a PC you can buy online.
I recommend buying online and if you have any questions, you have this site to ask for some friendly help. :)
4. Processor Speed
Processor speed is a much hyped part of the decision when looking into a new PC but it is not that important of an element to your overall experience of using a computer unless you want to play the latest games or do complicated video editing. 2.5 GHZ should be more than enough power for you to be able to accomplish everything you need to.
5. Extras
Graphics Cards
Integrated graphics will work just fine in most cases unless you wish to play graphically advanced games in full resolution. There are no extra costs associated with integrated graphics but there are extra costs with independent graphics cards. If you are unsure if you need a graphics card or not, just go with the integrated and make sure that the computer has a PCI-X or an AGP slot available for future upgrading if you so choose.
If you want a graphics card please look at our Graphics Card Buying Guide.
Ports
Make sure that your computer has USB 2.0 ports so you can hookup any external devices that you want, like external hard drives and MP3 players. Firewire is a little less useful but a nice thing to have in case you get a device that only supports firewire. Most computers also have USB ports in the front which is very useful, look for computers that offer these.
Software
Avoid buying a computer solely because of the free software it comes with because that software is usually garbage. The software you buy separately will be, on the whole, much more user-friendly and robust.
You can sometimes buy software with the computer for a discount, if you would be buying that software anyways. Make sure you are getting a discount though and not being taken for a ride.
6. Gamers
If you want to play the latest games in their full glory, your strategy for buying a computer will be a little different and you will end up with more of a hole in your wallet. The latest games require a great deal of RAM, a high grade graphics card, and a fast processor. You will also need a big hard drive to install these games as they now take up multiple gigabytes of space. You will at need to spend over $1000 at the very least.
7. Conclusion
If you buy what you need and none of the fluff you likely will be able to buy a computer for under $500 unless of course you want to play the latest games or do very advanced video editing. Good luck on looking for your new computer and if you have any questions at all please post in our forums.