Every once in a while, I like to get back to basics. Today I want to talk about a few tips for purchasing a new PC. Purchasing a new PC can become very stressful to someone who does not know all the “ins and outs” of what to purchase. Especially if the PC is for someone at the Practice. I get quite a few phone calls from clients, friends and family about what to look for when purchasing a PC. You always want to make sure you get the best buy for your money.

Tips for purchasing a new PC

Even though the prices have dropped over the years, a PC is still an expensive purchase. My first suggestion is to do your homework. Know what you want to do with your computer before you purchase it. Do you want to view DICOM images, run your EMR, Quickbooks or Microsoft Office? Do you just want to edit videos, play games, or just surf the net? You may need a lot of power, or you may just require something basic with a fast internet connection. If you know what you want, it will help the salesperson at the store steer you in the right direction. Do you want a tower or a laptop? If you want a laptop, how big of a display do you need? Is the weight of the laptop important to you? Will you need a docking station? If you are purchasing a tower, do you have the proper desk space for it? One monitor or two? Will the PC accommodate 2 monitors?

Second, do some research on the different brands, and get familiar with the various warranties they offer. Especially if you are using the PC in the office. You never want your PC to crash and have your management find out you purchased it without a waranty. You can easily find this information online, or by calling the manufacturer like Dell or HP directly. Read reviews and check ratings.

Lastly…the price! Look for sales and discounts like you would anything else! Should you shop online, or at a brick and mortar location? Computer makers are very competitive. If you do your homework, you should be able to find a pretty good deal.

Oh…and be careful of the PC’s that come with free printers. Don’t let that be the deciding factor for you. The printer may be free, but the ink cartridges could end up costing you more than you bargained for! I hope you enjoyed my tips for purchasing a new PC!