What should i look for in a new computer?

[raptorsfan29]

I have been looking around for a new computer and i wanted to ask any tech savy person on here on what i should look for.

I really only use my computer for browsing the web, watching videos, excel work usually managing my personal expenses and such. I don't play video game on it. but i do use it everyday.

Is it safe to buy electronics from Amazon.com? Only asking since i got a fairly decent amount of money from my job in the form of amazon gift cards from picking up shifts and coming in early for other shifts.

[Pappy13]

Why don't you tell us what you are looking at and we can probably give you some advice on if it's a good buy or not and why. That will help you figure out what you should be looking for.

[Dave Gray]

Spider is someone I would listen to about computers.  He's smart about those things.

In my experience, which admittedly isn't as deep in the weeds as it used to be, it doesn't matter as much as it used to.

Either you're gaming or you're not.  If you're not, most stuff isn't happening on your PC and the processing is on the other side of the Internet connection.  You don't even need a physical drive.  I don't really think it matters and I usually just buy something that's affordable.  I also believe in the "bathtub curve" for technology and thus, often will buy open-box or refurbished models. 

My last several PCs have come from the Lenovo outlet.  I believe if you buy on 8/1 or before and you're in Florida, there is no tax added to the purchase: https://www.lenovo.com/us/outletus/en/laptops/?orgRef=https%253A%252F%252Fwww.google.com%252F

[pondwater]

I have been looking around for a new computer and i wanted to ask any tech savy person on here on what i should look for.

I really only use my computer for browsing the web, watching videos, excel work usually managing my personal expenses and such. I don't play video game on it. but i do use it everyday.

Is it safe to buy electronics from Amazon.com? Only asking since i got a fairly decent amount of money from my job in the form of amazon gift cards from picking up shifts and coming in early for other shifts.

Most newer processors from Intel and AMD should handle what you're using it for. But don't get less than 16gb of ram. I put 32gb in my last build and I'm at 80% load with all the tabs and windows open. I'd stick with 32gb or more with any other systems I get in the future.

[Spider-Dan]

When shopping for a new laptop, my general recommendation is to figure out how much you're comfortable spending and then buy the most expensive laptop under that limit.  In my experience, I've had the best results with Lenovo laptops.  If you're not gaming, there isn't a whole lot else to it.

[raptorsfan29]

I think i was mainly looking in the line of PCs towers not necessarily laptops. But my computer is so old its on windows 7 that ceased updates 4 years and really i guess the only main thing i need to look for is windows 11 then. Maybe i could get a refurbished model but wouldn't know if i'm getting a good one or not.

[MyGodWearsAHoodie]

When shopping for a new laptop, my general recommendation is to figure out how much you're comfortable spending and then buy the most expensive laptop under that limit.  In my experience, I've had the best results with Lenovo laptops.  If you're not gaming, there isn't a whole lot else to it.

My advice would be just the opposite.  There isn't a laptop on the market today that can't handle your modest needs.  Buy the least expensive one you can find that has a reputable warrentee.   

[Pappy13]

My advice would be just the opposite.  There isn't a laptop on the market today that can't handle your modest needs.  Buy the least expensive one you can find that has a reputable warrentee.    

That doesn't necessarily mean you'll see the same performance from every laptop. I can't recommend getting an underpowered laptop even if it will run Excel. That PC may work today, but you'll find yourself increasingly disappointed with it in the future. I'd agree with Spider here, you want to set your budget first and then try to find the best PC for that budget which is what I was initially getting at.

[Spider-Dan]

I think i was mainly looking in the line of PCs towers not necessarily laptops. But my computer is so old its on windows 7 that ceased updates 4 years and really i guess the only main thing i need to look for is windows 11 then. Maybe i could get a refurbished model but wouldn't know if i'm getting a good one or not.

If you do not need to install extra components - specifically, an updated graphics card for gaming - there really isn't any point in buying a tower PC today.  You can get a USB-C port replicator like this one that will allow you to connect a keyboard, mouse, and multiple monitors to your laptop.

My advice would be just the opposite.  There isn't a laptop on the market today that can't handle your modest needs.  Buy the least expensive one you can find that has a reputable warrentee.

Barring component failure: the more money you spend on a laptop, the longer you'll get to use it before you need to replace it.  You're better off just setting your budget and then buying the best (usually: most expensive) PC you can get under that limit.

[Downunder Dolphan]

Even if you don't do gaming as such, a decent level gaming computer will future proof yourself to an extent because it will have a good processor, memory and graphics equivalent to what's being marketed as top end business computers (for less cost), and they will handle a decent amount of multi-tasking.

Usually it comes down to: when you need to upgrade your OS, you need a new PC, and then you lean on that as long as you can until you need to upgrade your OS again.

I've got an Acer tower setup with Win 10 and Intel i7 five years ago that still seems to cope with everything thrown at it. I'm getting continual offers to upgrade to Win 11, figure I have to do it sometime, but have resisted for now.