The Internet on a Budget - Part 2

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Getting a Computer for the Internet:

Most new computers today come with the tools you need to connect to the 
Internet already installed. If you don't have a computer yet, or have an 
older model, the system requirements will vary depending upon the computer 
platform (DOS, Windows 3.1, etc.):

DOS

* CPU: 
* RAM: 
* VIDEO: 

Windows 3.1

* CPU: 386DX or better (386SX computers need not apply.) 
* RAM: at least 6MB (4MB won't cut it here.) 
* VIDEO: SVGA with 16 colors minimum (256 colors preferred.) 

There are many ways to buy a computer today. If you're on a budget here 
are some of the best:

* Local Dealer

This is your best bet if you are a newcomer and you can find a dealer who 
actually will take the time to talk with you about your needs. Ask the 
dealer if he has any trade-in's or used computers that fit you 
specifications. Ask also if he offers a money-back-if-not-satisfied 
guarantee and has classes in the areas of computing you are interested in. 
You should be able to get a used 486 with monitor for under $500 and a new 
Pentium for about $800 (less monitor.) Try to stay away from the big 
discount stores with household appliances and electronics all under one 
roof. You'll seldom find knowledgeable salespeople and they have an 
interest in selling you "what's in stock."

* Mail-Order

There are two vendors that have consistently rated at, or near the top, 
both with Consumer's Reports and the computer magazines -- Dell Computer 
and Micron Electronics . They will custom-configure a system for you and 
offer optional on-site service and extended warranties along with a 
money-back policy and leasing options. You'll pay a little more here 
($1200-1500) but you'll get a good product and reliable technical support. 
They also have "factory stores" that offer reconditioned or discontinued 
models at a good discount.

* Dell Computer, 800-283-1480, URL:http://www.dell.com/buydell/ 
* Micron Electrronics, 800-486-2062, URL:http://www.micronpc.com 

* Computer Show

This is a choice if you have a knowledgeable friend, or know enough about 
computers yourself, to allow you to make intelligent choices about the 
items offered. You'll need to make a list of exactly what you want before 
hand. You usually wont get a return policy if you make a mistake and 
purchase the wrong item. You can usually exchange defective items as long 
as you can either get to the dealer's store or the next computer show he 
attends.

* Classified Ad

This is generally the worst way to buy a computer as most items for sale 
this way are not going to have any return policy and you won't know if 
there's a defect until you've had it a while. Most sellers have an 
inflated idea of the worth of their computers and price them way too high. 
You shouldn't pay over $350 for a 486 (add $100 for a working SVGA monitor 
and nothing for a plain VGA one) and be wary of any 386 computers from 
Packard Bell, IBM, Aptiva, Gateway 2000, Compaq, NEC, AST, and some other 
manufacturers as they are often proprietary and not easily upgradeable. 
All "slim-line" desktop systems also contain proprietary motherboards so 
stay away from these too unless you never plan on upgrading.

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Prepared by Peter Conrad Cumminsky, consultant, ASEE, CET, Team OS/2 
(707) 987-9484
Visit my Computer Taming web site at 
URL:http://www.angelfire.com/biz/taming/ 


(C) Copyright 1993-1998 peterconrad@hotmail.com