I often get asked by friends and family who are looking for a new computer which one I recommend. With so many options and new models constantly being released, it’s hard to keep up. Here’s the method I use to help them find the right one.
Note: I’m not being paid for these recommendations. These are my honest opinions based on 25 years of experience in this industry.
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Help Them Buy vs. Empowering Them to Choose
When someone asks for help buying a computer, there are two ways I can help.
The first way is to find a computer for them. This might sound easy but it comes with a problem: if they don’t like the computer, I feel responsible. If something goes wrong or if it doesn’t meet their expectations, it feels like it is my fault.
The second way, which I prefer, is to give them the information they need to choose the computer themselves. This way, they are in control of the decision, but I’m still here to help if they need advice. They can look at their options, decide what works for them, and then check with me if they need a second opinion.
I prefer this approach because it helps them learn how to pick the right computer. It also means they take responsibility for the final decision, while I guide them along the way.
Understand Their Needs
The first step in helping someone choose the right computer is to understand what they need it for. This is important because different tasks require different types of computers.
For example, a person who only uses the computer for browsing the internet and creating documents doesn’t need the same specs as someone who plays games or works in graphic design.
Here are some key questions to ask them:
- What will you mainly use the computer for? (e.g., work, gaming, browsing, editing)
- Do you prefer a laptop, which is portable, or a desktop, which can be more powerful and easier to upgrade?
- What is your budget? (It’s helpful to have a price range in mind.)
By answering these questions, they can start narrowing down their choices. Once you understand their needs, you can give them advice and help them find options that suit their specific situation.
Mac or PC?
After understanding their needs, the next step is to decide whether a Mac or a PC is the better choice. This decision depends on their personal preferences and how they plan to use the computer.
Here are some key points to help them choose:
- Mac:
- Works well for people who already use other Apple devices, like iPhones or iPads.
- Easy to use, but often more expensive than PCs.
- Limited options for upgrading or repairing.
- PC:
- Offers more variety in price and features, so it’s easier to find something within their budget.
- Better for gaming and tasks that require specialized software.
- Easier to upgrade and repair compared to Macs.
My Recommendation: I personally use a Mac. However, if the buyer has no preference, I’ll suggest they consider a PC since they are cheaper.
Choosing the Right Specs
Here are the key specs I typically recommend based on how the computer will be used.
Standard Use:
If the computer is mainly for browsing the internet, checking email, and writing documents, here’s what I’d recommend.
- Processor: Intel Core i-series, Intel Core Ultra series, or AMD Ryzen-series Processors. For Macs, the Apple M series.
- RAM: At least 8GB.
- Storage: At least 256GB SSD (make sure it’s a SSD and not a HDD).
- Screen Size: For laptops, 13–14 inches for more portability or 15–17 for less portability but larger viewing area.
- Operating System: Windows or macOS
Gaming, Graphics, and Video Editing:
If they plan to run games, edit high-resolution videos, or work with graphic design software, it’s better to have a dedicated graphics card. Here’s what I’d recommend.
- Processor: Intel Core i5/i7/i9, Intel Core Ultra, or AMD Ryzen 5/7/9 (for PCs); Apple M Pro Series (for Macs).
- RAM: Minimum 16GB.
- Graphics Card (GPU): NVIDIA GeForce RTX series. Macs with the M Pro series have integrated GPUs.
- Storage: 512GB SSD or more (1TB recommended for large game or video files).
- Screen Size: For laptops, 15–17 inches.
- Operating System: Windows or macOS
Business Use:
Business computers need to be reliable, durable, and optimized for multitasking and office work. You can use the specs above as a gauge but I recommend you purchase a computer with at least a 3-year warranty.
Use the Amazon Best Sellers List
Once they are ready to buy, I direct them to the Amazon Best Sellers list for laptops or desktops. These lists are updated often and highlight the most popular computers, based on what others are buying.
They don’t need to buy from this list, but it’s a good place to start and helps them understand the costs.
- Compare to Recommended Specs: Once they find computers on the list, remind them to compare the specifications to what was recommended earlier. Check that the processor, RAM, storage, and other key features meet their needs.
- Check Reviews: Remind the person you’re helping to read customer reviews. Reviews give real feedback about performance, reliability, and any common issues. It’s a good way to learn what people like and what to watch out for.
Use Slickdeals to Find Discounts
Another great resource for finding good deals on computers is Slickdeals. This website collects the best discounts and promotions from various retailers, making it easy to find a computer that fits both your needs and your budget.
Here’s how to use it:
- Search for Computer Deals: Visit the computer deals section and browse the current offers. You can filter the results by category, brand, or price to narrow down your options.
- Compare Prices: Once you find a deal, compare it to the prices you’ve seen on Amazon or other websites to ensure it’s a true bargain. Slickdeals often highlights time-sensitive promotions, so acting quickly can save money.
- Check Specs: Make sure the computer meets the specifications we discussed earlier. A discount is only worth it if the computer has the features you need.
- Read User Comments: Many deals on Slickdeals include comments from other users, which can provide helpful insights about the quality of the product or the reputation of the retailer.
Slickdeals is an excellent tool for finding high-quality computers at a lower price. Recommend it to the person you’re helping as another way to stay within their budget while getting great value.
Use AppleInsider Price Guide for Mac Deals
If the person you’re helping wants to buy a Mac, recommend checking the AppleInsider Price Guide. This site compares prices from different retailers and highlights the best deals on MacBooks, iMacs, and other Apple products.
Here’s how to use it:
- Browse Mac Options: Visit the site and navigate to the specific Mac model they’re interested in, such as a MacBook Air, MacBook Pro, or iMac. The guide lists various configurations and their current prices.
- Compare Deals: The guide shows prices from multiple retailers like Amazon, Best Buy, and Apple itself. This helps them find the lowest price available for the model they want.
- Check for Extras: Some deals include bonuses like extended warranties, gift cards, or accessories. Recommend they look for these extras to add even more value to their purchase.
- Verify the Specs: Remind them to double-check the specs of the Mac they’re considering to ensure it matches their needs, such as storage capacity or processor type.
The AppleInsider Price Guide is a great tool to help someone find the best deal on a Mac while ensuring they get the exact model they’re looking for. Suggest they use it alongside other resources to make their purchase confidently and at the best price.
Visit a Store to Test Out Computers
If the person you’re helping isn’t sure about their choice, recommend visiting a local electronics store, such as Best Buy, Office Depot, Staples, Micro Center, etc., to test computers in person.
Here’s why this helps:
- Test Screen Sizes: Suggest they try different screen sizes, like 13–14 inches for portability or 15–17 inches for more workspace. Seeing the options in person can help them decide what feels right.
- Check Weight and Build: If they’re buying a laptop, they can lift it to see if the weight is comfortable, especially if they’ll carry it often.
- Try the Design: They can test the keyboard, trackpad, and other features to see if the computer feels easy to use for their needs.
Remind them to keep the online prices they’ve seen in mind while testing in-store. Some physical stores will price match online prices, so it’s worth asking about their policy. They don’t have to buy in person, but this step can give them more confidence in their final decision.
Check With You For Advice
Once they’ve narrowed down their choices, ask them to share the options with you for feedback. Look over the specs and prices together to make sure the computers meet their needs. Answer any questions they have, like whether one brand is better than another or if the specs are good enough for what they’ll be using it for.
You can also point out any areas where the specs might be too low or unnecessarily high for their needs. This feedback helps them feel confident in their choice while ensuring the computer they pick is the right fit for what they need.
