1. 8th Grade Computer Technology Mr. Minger January 2014
Buying a Computer
8th Grade Computer Technology
Mr. Minger
January 2014

2. What are you looking for?
Laptop or Desktop?
PC or Mac?
Tablet?- What kind?
What are you going to use it for?
What programs do you need to run?

3. Laptops Advantages Disadvantages All-in-one Portable Wireless Internet
Can connect almost anywhere
Most come with network cards
More expensive
Ergonomics
Usually smaller
Mouse and keyboard might be different
More prone to accidents
Theft

4. Desktops Advantages Disadvantages Provides more of a “home-base”
Cheaper cost
Easier to upgrade
More components
Cannot carry with you
Not as accessible to wireless Internet

5. PC vs. Mac Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ByCyqSROGf0 PC’s
Personal computer
Refers to computers that run Microsoft operating system(Compaq, Dell, Gateway, etc.)
Mac’s
Short for Macintosh
Line of computers made by Apple
Run Mac OS X as an operating system

6. What’s better- Mac or PC?
Activity:
Go to Internet
Type the web address below
Find Advantages/disadvantages for Mac’s and PC’s by filling out a Venn diagram

7. Venn Diagram- Example

8. What Does This Mean???
Key Features and Benefits of the HP 2000 Laptop:
Intel Premium 2020M Processor 2MB L3 Cache
4GB DDR3 SDRAM system memory (expandable to 8GB)
500GB 5400RPM hard drive
SuperMulti DVD Burner
10/100BASE-T Ethernet LAN (RJ-45 connector) Connect to a broadband modem with wired Ethernet or wirelessly connect to a WiFi signal or hotspot with the b/g/n connection built into your laptop
15.6" diagonal HD BrightView LED-backlit display

9. Specifications (Specs)
RAM
The more RAM- more smoothly your computer will run
Most new operating systems (Windows 8) will require 2 GB of RAM
CPU
The higher the GHz – the faster your computer will run
Dual better than single, Quad better than Dual
Look for 2.0 GHz
cpubenchmark.net

10. Specs (Continued) Hard Drive USB Ports
Measured in GB or TB (remember units)
Look for at least 500 GB
Can always buy external Hard Drive
USB Ports
How many???
Look for 3.0 ports

11. Other Factors Monitor Peripherals- (keyboard, mouse, speakers, etc.)
Battery Life
Sound Card
Graphics Card
Other Memory slots (SD Card)
Anti-Virus Software

12. Where to Buy? Major Retailers Online Refurbished? Best Buy Walmart
Direct from company
Refurbished?
Make sure you have protection plan (warranty)