Guide to Buying a Computer (Information for 2024)

This is a guide to the specifications you should look for to get a decent work/school desktop or laptop in 2024. The computers I am describing would be excellent for web browsing, video playback, office suite applications, Adobe CreativeSuite, basic video editing, accounting software, art and illustration programs, and other similar applications. If you need a computer to do serious rendering (for games, high-intensity video editing, 3D design, CAD, etc.) The recommendations here may not meet your needs.

I am not familiar with the specifications needed for gaming; if you are looking for someone who knows about graphics cards I'd suggest checking GamersNexus.

Overview

Lifespan

Computers have a limited lifespan. This is not a result of planned obsolescence, this is a result of the divergence between hardware capabilities and software requirements over time. While it is frustrating that your computer will slow down over time, this is actually a good thing. Imagine trying to use the modern internet on a dial-up connection. That would be unpleasant. That is why these things diverge. For more information on this, please see Why does my computer slow down over time?.

In the business computer sales industry (my job), we estimate that the average desktop will have a functional lifespan of about seven years and the average laptop will last about five years. It is quite likely that you have computers that are older than this that are still alive and kicking, but my guess is that they're not as fast or easy to use as they used to be, and I know for certain that they aren't as stable as they were when you first got them. Over time, connections to the motherboard weaken, capacitors blow, and drives die. You cannot be certain that your fifteen-year-old desktop that turned on today will turn on tomorrow. Buying computers within their estimated functional lifespan can help to prevent catastrophic losses from drive failures and can save you money in the long run (because you won't have to scramble to get a computer if yours dies on you).

Upgrades

Users should expect to upgrade their computers at least once. Typically this is at around the 3-5 year mark, and a standard upgrade would be adding more RAM and replacing the drive for a newer, possibly larger drive. The RAM will help your computer cope with the needs of newer programs and the drive will possibly increase storage and will definitely reduce the chance of data loss (most drives are rated for lifespans shorter than my estimation of the lifespan of a computer).

For this reason, it is best to purchase a computer that does not have the RAM or storage drive soldered to the motherboard. At a minimum, try to ensure that if you DO have soldered RAM, there is an expansion slot.

Price

The lowest price that I can currently (March 2024) get a reasonably reliable desktop for is $630. That is with manufacturer discounts and before tax. I expect to pay at least $700 for a laptop. I am not saying that you'll never find a better deal than that, but I am saying that you are unlikely to get a decently functional laptop for $400.

While refurbished computers may be tempting, I do not recommend buying refurbished unless the price is very, very low, or unless you are already comfortable repairing and replacing your hardware.

Operating System

This guide is primarily written for Windows users, and is written with the needs of Windows 11 in mind. Any Linux distro you have in mind should run like a champ on the hardware described.

I do not recommend purchasing Apple computers, so this advice does not pertain to them. If you want advice about Apple computers my advice is to stop buying Apple computers. There are a million slim, sleek, lightweight laptops out there and almost every single one will be easier to upgrade and will therefore have a longer lifespan than a modern macbook.