Buying a Computer
Buying a computer can be a bit like buying a car-it's a major purchase decision. There are many makes and models, and many people willing to give advice about what to buy and where to buy it. To make the most of your shopping experience, and sense of the variety of choices facing you, you’ll want to do your homework first.

Mac or Windows
Computers can be categorized into two basic operating systems or types-those designed primarily for graphics work and those primarily intended for word processing. Although both can do either function, certain programs are designed for that OS.  To help you decide between the two operating systems, determine whether you will use the computer more for graphics or mainly for producing text, the type of software you want to run and which type of computer it runs on (although most software has versions for both Mac and Windows). In general, Windows systems are less expensive for similar processing speed. Macintoshes can be easier to set up, to learn, and to use.
If you're buying the computer for your child's use, see what kind of computer is used in his or her classroom. Both systems are great, one is not better than the other.  But it helps to know what you want to do with your computer before you commit to either type.

Buy from a Reputable Dealer
We do a lot of work with Dell, Apple, HP, Lenovo, Toshiba and Sony Computers and Laptops.  What you want to look for is the warranty; you will more likely get a better warranty from one of the dealers we just mentioned than others. 

Laptop vs. Desktop Models
After you've made all the decisions about what you want in a computer, you also can choose what type of model you'd like: laptop or desktop. Laptop models are portable, and if you travel a lot and need to bring your computer along, this is the obvious choice. Desktops have larger screens (although you can use a larger screen with a laptop model) and are easily expandable. Laptops are generally regarded as companion computers to desktops, but they are sophisticated enough to be your primary computer.

Suggested Buying Specs