A computer is a collection of components that influences the overall performance of the PC and your overall computing experience. The pieces of a computer, or the hardware, include processor(s), hard drives, optical drives such as DVD-ROM drives, and video and sound cards.

Knowing what each component does, and its relative impact on the performance of a computer, allows you to choose the best system for your budget.

Processors

The engine that drives any PC is the processor, or central processing unit (CPU), which executes operations, performs calculations, and coordinates the other hardware components. The processor is also the driving force behind the cost of any PC, as it tends to be the most expensive component. Intel and AMD are the two major players in the industry. While Intel calls its chips CPUs, AMD calls its newest chips accelerated processor units (APUs), as they act as both a CPU and graphics accelerator on a single chip. Intel chips are most prevalent in desktop systems and boast better performance for most tasks. However, AMD chips are generally recognized as offering better video performance.

Theoretically, the faster the processor (as measured by its clock speed), the more quickly the computer will complete tasks. This is true of processors within the same chip line or family. However, across chip lines certain processor designs can squeeze more power out of a lower-speed chip than one with a higher clock speed. In addition, the hardware setup of your PC can also influence its performance beyond the processor. For example, the amount of memory, or RAM (random access memory), in a PC can have a more tangible impact on a computer’s performance than the processor.

Historically, processor manufacturers were able to increase the speed and power of a processor by increasing the number of transistors on the chip die. Eventually, however, chipmakers ran into physical limitations of adding more transistors to a single chip. As a result, the norm today is “multi-core” processors. Today, dual-core processors consist of two independent microprocessors (cores), quad-core processors consist of four cores, etc.

You cannot assume, however, that there is a linear relationship between the number of cores a processor has and the computer’s overall processing speed. A dual-core chip is not twice as powerful as a single-core processor. However, multi-core processors allow for more efficient processing, depending on the tasks you are performing with your computer.

Power consumption is becoming an important consideration for processors, especially for laptops, as lower power consumption equates to longer battery life. The latest-generation processors will consume the least amount of power. Intel designed its latest-generation processor, code-named Haswell, with mobile computing in mind. Specifically, the chip’s microarchitecture allows it to use roughly 25% less power than its Ivy Bridge predecessor, a significant improvement for mobile users.

Most new computer buyers do not need the fastest processor or the one with the greatest number of cores. To save money without sacrificing performance, you may wish to consider a system with a processor that is a generation behind the newest processors.

Most mainstream consumer systems now ship with quad-core processors. Today’s PC buyer will be choosing from Intel’s third-generation (Ivy Bridge) or fourth-generation (Haswell) i-Core chips. Core i3 (dual-core) chips are generally found in budget desktop systems; the Core i5 (dual- or quad-core) chips are generally found in mainstream systems; and the Core i7 (six-core) chip is usually found in performance systems or gaming machines. It is easy to tell which generation Intel Core chip a system has, as third-generation chips have a part number that begins with “3” while fourth-generation part numbers begin with “4.” From AMD, you will generally find A-Series (dual-, triple- and quad-core) and E-model (dual-core) processors on desktop systems.

For laptops, you will generally find Intel’s third- or fourth-generation Core i3 (dual-cores), Core i5 (dual- and quad-cores), and Core i7 (quad-core and six-core), although budget laptop systems may still carry the Intel Celeron and Pentium Dual-Core chips. You may also find AMD’s A4, A6 and A8 (dual-core and quad-core) and E-Series (dual-core) processors in mainstream systems on the market today. As we mentioned earlier, if you are looking to maximize your battery life with your laptop, the fourth-generation Intel Haswell chips are significantly more efficient than previous generation Intel chips and their AMD competitors.

Data Storage

Over the years, operating systems have become more complex and powerful, and software makers have designed products to exploit the latest technology, all of which require greater amounts of hard disk space. In addition, more and more users are getting involved in digital photography, video and music. This, too, requires an immense of amount of hard disk space, both internal and external, to store all of this data and provide room for expansion over time. This section discusses key hardware devoted to data storage.

Memory

Computers have two types of memory: temporary and permanent. Any data saved in temporary memory is lost when you shut the computer down. The most common type of temporary memory in a computer is RAM, or random access memory. RAM is the primary storage for a computer processor: It is the working area used for loading, displaying and manipulating applications and data. Therefore, the amount of RAM your system has impacts several aspects of the computing experience. A system with more memory can load Web pages faster, handle more files that are open at once, open large files more quickly and have more programs open at once.

Even with a top-of-the-line processor, a lack of physical memory can have a significantly negative impact on the performance of the PC. Furthermore, applications such as anti-virus software that are always running in the background can quickly use up a system’s memory (as well as processor) resources. Therefore, if you are on a tight budget, you are better off going with a somewhat less-powerful processor in favor of additional memory.

You may also find memory modules that operate at different speeds. While, like a processor, faster memory is better, it is unlikely that you will notice the difference. Therefore, you can save money by choosing the slower-speed memory, if you have the option.

It is relatively easy to add additional physical memory to your system, if needed. However, it is probably worth it to pay for as much memory as you can afford up front to avoid having to add more in the future.

When looking at the memory specifications for various systems, you will most likely run across mention of DDR2, DDR3 and possibly DDR4. DDR stands for “data double rate,” and the number refers to the generation of the memory. DDR4 is the fourth and latest generation of random access memory (RAM). Without delving too deeply into the subject, DDR3 RAM generates higher speeds than DDR2 RAM, and DDR4 is faster than DDR3. In addition, DDR4, which is slowly making its way into the market, uses less energy, increasing the battery life of mobile devices.

The typical mainstream PC now ships with between 4 GB and 8 GB of memory. Given the low cost of memory, we recommend opting for no less than 8 GB. However, if you plan to perform a lot of high-definition video editing, you may want to consider more memory.

Adding two additional gigabytes of memory when customizing a new system will probably cost you less than $50, while adding four extra gigabytes of memory should cost less than $100. Adding memory to an existing system requires opening up your PC and probably removing your existing memory modules and replacing them with the new memory modules; however, this is a relatively easy process.

Internal Hard Drives

While temporary memory, as we have discussed, plays a vital role in the operation of a PC, it is equally important to have the capacity to store data for future use. This is where permanent storage comes into play, which allows you to retain data even after you shut down the PC. The primary type of permanent storage in personal computers is the internal hard drive.

Hard Disk Drive (HDD) vs. Solid State Disk (SSD)
Solid-state drives (SSDs) have gained in popularity in recent years, especially for portable systems. Just like traditional hard disk drives (HDDs), SSDs allow you to save data, images and music. Where they differ is in the execution. Solid-state drives store data on memory chips, whereas HDDs write data to and read from spinning platters. Simply put, a solid-state drive is a much larger version of the flash drive you may have in your digital camera or the thumb drive you use to transfer files between computers. You will typically find SSDs in Ultrabooks or ultraportable systems such as the Apple MacBook Air.

SSDs have three advantages over HDDs: speed, power, and longevity. Traditional hard drives, no matter how fast they are, still have to move their read heads over the platters—envision a needle on a record. Solid-state drives, in contrast, have no moving parts. This allows them to read and write data at much higher speeds.

Also, since there are no moving parts, SSDs use less power and produce less heat than a traditional hard disk drive. This means it does not draw down a laptop battery as quickly as an HDD, which is why you tend to find solid-state drives in portable systems.

Lastly, the lack of moving parts significantly lowers the likelihood of mechanical failure with a solid-state drive.

Historically, the benefits of SSDs carried with them a price premium that put them out of the budget for mainstream users. Today, there are many 256 GB internal solid-state drives available between $100 and $200. In comparison, one terabyte (1 TB, or 1,024 gigabytes) internal hard drives for less than $100 are plentiful. SSD prices continue to fall, making them a more viable option for consumers. If you do a lot of disk-intensive work or transfer large files between external devices and your computer, an SSD may be a worthwhile option.

Hybrid Drives
Another storage option that is starting to appear is the hybrid drive, which is the combined use of separate SSD and HDD components in the computer. With this setup, the SSD is used as the boot drive, greatly improving the time it takes the system to start from being completely turned off or from sleep or standby mode. They also offer significantly greater storage capacities than SSDs at much lower unit prices. A 1 TB hybrid drive will cost less than $100, while a 2 TB hybrid drive typically costs between $100 and $150.

Hard Disk Drive Considerations
The most important factor to consider when selecting an internal hard disk drive is the size, or storage capacity. The explosion of digital media has also placed greater emphasis on the need for adequate storage capacity. Digital photos, music and video can take up a large amount of your hard drive very quickly.

Even today’s budget desktop systems often offer at least 500 GB of hard-disk capacity, but I strongly suggest you go higher if you can afford it. Many mainstream desktop systems today ship with hard drives of 1 TB in size; unless you have no interest in digital photos or music, we recommend a minimum of 1 TB in hard-disk capacity.

Notebook systems tend to have smaller internal hard drives. This is especially true for “value” notebook computers, which can ship with hard drives as small as 120 GB. Most mid-range notebooks offer hard drives that are at least 500 GB in size, while higher-end notebooks can offer as much as 1 TB of hard disk space.

Depending on the type of system you buy, and the size of its hard drive, you may be surprised to find yourself short of free disk space right out of the box. This is because more and more PC makers are shipping what the industry terms “bloatware” (less politely called crapware). PC makers install bloatware because they are paid to do it. With PC profit margins so thin, manufacturers will gladly accept the extra money. Bloatware also helps subsidize the cost of a new PC, making it cheaper for the consumer. In the process, however, the bloatware takes up disk space and can increase the time it takes for your PC to boot. Examples of Windows bloatware include eBay, Skype, Wild Tangent games and any of a number of anti-virus programs that scream at you to pay for their services to protect your PC. On Windows 8 systems, you will find preinstalled Windows Store apps on the Start tile screen. One of the first programs I install on my new systems is CCleaner, a free PC cleaning utility, and then I spend the hour or so it takes to delete the unnecessary bloatware. When in doubt about whether a piece of software is bloatware or a vital program, perform a Google search.

Beyond size, a secondary consideration for internal hard drives is the speed at which they spin. The faster the drive rotates, the faster it is able to read and write data. While not a major concern for casual computer users, those who are into gaming and other multimedia applications will want to pay attention to drive speeds.

The majority of hard drives in desktop systems spin at 7,200 rpm (rotations per minute), although you may find 10,000 rpm or even 15,000 rpm drives in high-performance systems (though these high-speed drives generally have somewhat limited storage capacities). Many laptop hard drives spin at a slower 5,400 rpm to conserve power and generate less heat.

Optical Drives: CD, DVD & Blu-ray

Another type of data storage device is the optical drive, which uses lasers to read data from and write data to optical disks such as CDs and DVDs. The CD/DVD player is starting to go the way of the floppy drive, however. It is no longer guaranteed that a new PC will ship with an optical drive. Most software today is downloadable, assuming you have a high-speed Internet connection, so the need to have an optical drive to install is declining. Having an optical drive is nice, though, in the unlikely event of a catastrophic system crash. Using a bootable CD or DVD disk, you may be able to repair your computer if something bad happens. So, be sure to double-check the specifications of any computer you are considering to make sure there is an optical drive if you want or need one.

DVD, which stands for digital versatile disc, is the preferred optical drive on the market today. DVD drives can now also read all types of CDs—standard music CDs, CD-Rs, and CD-RWs. The applications for DVDs on desktop systems are limited mainly to storage, unless the computer is a media center offering a cinematic viewing experience for DVD movies. However, many users like the ability to view DVD movies on a laptop while traveling.

Recordable and re-writeable DVDs offer impressive storage capacities of up to 4.7 GB for single-layer (SL) single-sided discs and up to 8.5 GB for dual-layer (DL) single-sided discs, or 9.4 GB for single-layer double-sided discs and 17 GB for dual-layer double-sided discs.

With recordable DVDs, there are two competing standards: DVD-RW and DVD+RW. DVD+RW drives cannot write to a DVD-RW disc and vice versa. However, with the advent of multi-format drives, which can read and write to both DVD+RW and DVD-RW discs, this is no longer an issue. Therefore, we strongly recommend purchasing a multi-format DVD±R/RW drive if you are planning to write or burn DVD discs. The majority of internal drives such as these cost less than $40. Furthermore, standard DVD-R and DVD+R discs, purchased in bulk, can cost between $0.15 and $0.50 apiece.

Blu-ray, the next generation of DVD devices, is a high-definition (HD) format that can store roughly three-and-a-half times more data onto a disc: 50 GB can be stored on a two-layer Blu-ray disc. This makes the Blu-ray drive a good choice for those looking to back up a large number of files to a disc, such as documents, photos, or music.

Combination Blu-ray readers/DVD±R/RW burners are now available for between $50 and $70. Blu-ray DVD burners, on average, cost between $60 and $100.

The most compelling reason to opt for a Blu-ray player on your PC is if you have Blu-ray movies and wish to watch them on your system.

External Storage Devices

All of the hardware components we have discussed thus far have been internal in nature, meaning they reside within the case of the PC. However, in this age of portability, many PC users do not want their data “tied down,” so they make use of portable storage media, such as external hard drives and flash memory devices, that they can connect to their systems via a variety of port types.

USB vs. FireWire vs. Thunderbolt
Universal Serial Bus (USB) is a high-speed method for connecting all sorts of peripherals to a PC, such as mice, keyboards, printers, external hard drives and CD/DVD drives, and compact flash drives.

In November 2008 the USB 3.0 “SuperSpeed” specification was completed. The major new feature was improved data transfer rates, with maximum throughput of 4.8 Gbps (gigabits per second), several times faster than USB 2.0. In July 2013, USB 3.1 was announced with a faster transfer mode called “SuperSpeed USB 10 Gbps.” As the name suggests, it increases the transfer rate to 10 Gbps, double that of USB 3.0. This increased transfer mode puts USB on par with Apple’s Thunderbolt (see below), with availability scheduled for 2014.

No matter what type of system you purchase, make sure it has several USB 2.0/3.0 connectors, including some on the front of the case for easy access. USB 3.0 ports are easy to identify because they are blue, and they are backward compatible with USB 2.0. Desktop systems, typically, have several USB ports, both on the front and in the back, so it is rare that you will run out of ports. With laptop/notebook systems, however, you are lucky if you get more than two. Depending on what devices you are connecting, you may find yourself wanting additional ports. You can buy a four-port USB 3.0 hub that you can plug into an open USB port (for a net gain of three ports) for, on average, less than $40.

USB’s main high-speed competitor, which Apple developed, is IEEE-1394, or FireWire. FireWire offers data transfer speeds of up to 3.2 Gbps for FireWire 800. While it has failed to achieve the same mass-market appeal as USB (Steve Jobs declared FireWire dead in 2008), FireWire is typically found with digital cameras for high-speed transfer of digital media files.

In February of 2011, Apple introduced a new connection interface with its updated MacBook Pro lineup called Thunderbolt. Designed in conjunction with Intel, Thunderbolt supports throughput of 10.0Gbps. In addition, you can daisy-chain up to seven devices from a single Thunderbolt port. Currently, the available Thunderbolt-ready devices include the Apple Thunderbolt Display as well as a several external hard drives and video capture devices.

Flash Memory Devices
For secure and highly portable data transfer and storage, there are a number of flash memory devices available today. Unlike an internal or external hard disk drive, flash-based devices store data on a chip instead of writing data to and reading it from a “platter”, like a hard drive. The lack of moving parts makes flash memory much more durable. In addition, flash memory devices require very little power to operate, so they do not require their own power source. This is the same technology used with solid-state drives (SSDs).

Flash media cards have long been the removable media choice for digital cameras, handheld devices such as personal digital assistants (PDAs), and the like. Flash technology also has been integrated with a USB interface to arrive at USB flash drives, which are small enough to fit on a keychain yet offer storage capacity far greater than CDs or even DVDs. A 16 GB USB 3.0 flash drive, on average, costs under $20.

Ultraportable Hard Drives
Just like their internal cousins, the capacities of external hard drives continue to climb, with capacities of one terabyte (1 TB; one trillion bytes, or 1,024 GB) or higher. Such large amounts of storage are also available in relatively small packages in the form of external 2.5-inch drives. A 500 GB external 2.5-inch drive, on average, costs less than $130.

The price per megabyte for these drives is only a fraction of the cost of flash memory. A Western Digital 1 TB My Passport Ultra external hard drive, which supports both USB 2.0 and USB 3.0, is currently available for $70 from NewEgg.com.com, or $0.000066 per megabyte. By means of comparison, a 32 GB SanDisk Cruzer Ultra USB 3.0 flash drive costing $19.50 at NewEgg.com has a per-megabyte cost ($0.00060) that is more than 800% higher than that of the Western Digital My Passport Ultra external drive.

Video & Sound

Nowadays, computers are as much personal entertainment systems as tools. Some PCs allow you to watch and record TV programs. Even if your multimedia desires are not that ambitious, the chances are good that at some point you will still listen to streaming audio from Spotify or iHeartRadio or watch YouTube video clips or movies with your computer.

Depending on how much multimedia usage you intend for your PC, you will want to be sure to buy audio and video capabilities to match.

Video

Earlier we discussed the CPU, which controls much of what goes on with the PC. However, computers also have a GPU, or graphics processing unit; these chips create the images you see on the display. Most mid- and high-end desktop systems today have dedicated or discrete video memory that offers better graphics capability compared to “integrated” video memory. The latest-generation chips from Intel and AMD are starting to merge discrete graphics with their central processing units: AMD APU processors from the A- and E-Series and Intel processors with HD 400 graphics.

Some value desktop systems and many notebook systems still have integrated video memory, where the system uses the primary memory for video and other operations. When looking at a system, inquire as to whether memory is dedicated specifically to the video system or whether the video memory is integrated with the main memory.

If you plan to use your new PC for gaming, graphics, high-definition video or Blu-ray disc viewing, or other serious multimedia applications, a dedicated graphics card is a must. Upgrading a desktop PC from integrated graphics to a 1 GB dedicated video card should cost less than $75. For laptops, depending on the line you are looking to buy, you may not have the option to upgrade from integrated graphics to a dedicated video card. When such upgrades are available for the laptop, the cost is usually under $100.

Audio

The vast majority of new systems today come equipped for stereo sound, although you have options that will affect the overall sound quality. Some desktop systems and many notebooks have integrated audio, which should suffice for listening to MP3s and CDs or for performing general computing tasks. However, if you are looking for enhanced audio, you may have the option to upgrade either to software-enhanced audio or to a dedicated sound card.

Software-enhanced sound, which typically costs around $20, is a step up from basic integrated audio. Furthermore, it is usually the only internal audio upgrade available for notebook systems.

If you want the highest quality sound, especially for watching video or recording audio, hardware-driven sound is the best option. This requires a dedicated sound card, which is typically an option only for desktop systems. An upgrade to a dedicated sound card direct from the manufacturer will cost under $100.

Displays

While the computer itself does the heavy lifting as far as running software and performing calculations, the monitor is equally vital since it allows you to view the fruits of your PC’s labors.

When shopping for a new desktop system, you can usually get a better price on a monitor by bundling it with a new computer. When getting quotes for new systems, be aware of whether or not the price includes a monitor. As you compare prices of new systems, do not look to the monitor as an area where you can save a lot of money. The increased viewing area and clarity of a larger display is well worth reduced eyestrain through the years.

When shopping for a new monitor you are bombarded with a series of specifications and terms, some of which are important to consider.

Pixel Response Rate

The pixel response rate (PRR) is the time it takes for a pixel to change from black to white or transition from one shade of gray to another. Measured in milliseconds, the lower or faster the PPR, the better the monitor is at displaying video without blurring moving images. This is a very important factor for gamers, but also something to keep in mind if you plan to watch a lot of video on your computer. The typical mainstream display will have a PRR of 5 ms (milliseconds), but you can find displays with PRRs as fast as 2 ms or less.

Resolution

The resolution of a monitor refers to the number of pixels it displays both horizontally and vertically. Today’s liquid crystal displays (LCDs) have what is called a “native resolution,” generally the highest resolution that it can best display. The higher the resolution, the more information can be displayed on the screen. In order for a display to be truly “high definition,” it must have a minimum resolution of 1,920 by 1,080. This is the typical resolution of most of today’s widescreen displays. You will find higher resolutions for Wide Quad HD (WQHD), 2,560 by 1,440 pixels, and Ultra HD (4k) displays, 3,840 by 2,160 pixels.

Screen Size

Almost all new consumer desktop systems today offer widescreen displays that are at least 20 inches in size, with 22-inch displays seemingly the current “sweet spot.” However, upgrade options up to 24 inches or even larger are not uncommon. At the manufacturer level, upgrading from a 19-inch to a 22-inch LCD monitor is under $100. We recommend this, especially if you plan to use your PC for extended periods.

For laptop users, there is a trade-off between screen size and portability. Today’s ultraportable notebook systems, which weigh less than five pounds, have screen sizes that average around 13 or 14 inches. Desktop replacement notebook systems with screen sizes ranging from 17 to 20 inches often weigh over seven pounds, an important consideration if you plan to travel with such a system.

Touch Capability

Touch screens have made their way into the mainstream via tablets and smartphones. As these devices, especially tablets, have eaten into the demand for traditional PCs, manufacturers have started adding this functionality to laptop and desktop systems. The touch screen enables the user to interact directly with what is displayed, rather than using a mouse or touchpad.

For desktop systems, touch capability is most prevalent on all-in-one systems, while the number of touch-screen laptops is on the rise as well. As market penetration of the touch-optimized Windows 8 operating system increases, expect more touch-capable systems to come to market. The only reason you would purchase a touch display with a desktop system is if you are running Windows 8.

Interestingly enough, Apple does not offer touch screens for any of its Macs, choosing instead to leave that capability to its line of iOS devices.

Panel Types

LCD (liquid crystal display) is now the norm for both desktop and laptop/notebook systems. However, manufacturers including Apple, Dell, HP, Lenovo, and Toshiba have been adding LED (light-emitting diode) displays to their product lines and adding LED-backlit displays to their laptop lines. While LED does not change the overall viewing experience, it does allow for much thinner systems overall compared to traditional LCDs, and LED displays consume less power, two definite benefits for portable systems. LED-based monitors are still LCDs; they just use a different type of backlight than what is normally used. Monitors that do not use LED backlighting are using cold cathode fluorescent (CCFL) tubes as their backlight of choice.

There are also different types of panels in the LCD arena, and you will probably run across LCDs that have twisted nematic (TN), vertical alignment (VA) or in-plane switching (IPS) panels. TN panels have been the norm because of their low manufacturing cost. However, they suffer from narrow viewing angles, relatively low brightness, and inaccurate color reproduction. They do have, however, the fastest (lowest) pixel response rates of 2 ms or less.

Vertical alignment (VA) panels have better viewing angles than TNs, better color reproduction, and typically a much higher maximum brightness. Also, they tend to have the lowest black levels. However, they are significantly more expensive than TN displays and have wider profiles, which may be a consideration depending on how much desk space you have. The response rates of VA panels also lag those of TNs.

In-plane switching (IPS) monitors are usually the most expensive; but they have the best viewing angles and produce the most accurate colors, although their blacks are not as deep as those of VA panels. IPS monitors are also the slowest in terms of pixel response rate.

Plane-line switching (PLS) is a new panel technology from Samsung that sports viewing angles as wide as IPS, while offering higher brightness at a lower cost in power consumption. Furthermore, Samsung says that production costs are significantly lower for PLS panels relative to IPS.

Display Connections

New computers, especially desktop models, are often bristling with video ports. If you buy a bundled computer/monitor package, more than likely the computer will have the appropriate connector into which you will plug in the display. However, if you are buying a computer and display separately, make sure the two are compatible or you will need to buy an additional adapter.

Video Graphics Array (VGA) is an old-school video connector that is in its sunset years. It is rare to find new computers that support VGA, and with good reason: It is an analog signal in a digital world. Although it can support high resolutions, if you try to connect a new LCD monitor into a VGA port, you are not likely to get a pixel-perfect image.

It is rare to find a TV or computer monitor that does not support HDMI. You probably have HDMI cables stashed away in a junk drawer and setup is easy. An HDMI connection is used to connect a display to a high-definition source, such as a Blu-ray player, video game system, or DVR-based HD cable/satellite set-top box. HDMI is more than adequate for typical high-definition video, but things start to break down at very high resolutions.

Digital Visual Interface (DVI) is a video display interface used to connect a video source, such as a display controller to a display device, such as a computer monitor. It was developed with the intention of creating an industry standard for the transfer of digital video content. However, some newer monitors forgo DVI in favor of HDMI, so if you have a computer with only a DVI connector you will need a DVI-to-HDMI cable in order to connect the two.

DisplayPort is a higher bandwidth connection that is being touted as the successor to DVI and HDMI. It does not require special circuitry, or the hardware to run that circuitry, so it can support thinner and lighter monitors. Mini DisplayPort (MiniDP or mDP) is a miniaturized version of the DisplayPort, with identical functionality and signals. MiniDP is found on all new Mac computers as of November 2013 and is also fitted to some PC notebooks and desktop motherboards. With an adapter, the Mini DisplayPort can drive display devices with VGA, DVI or HDMI interfaces.

Internet Connectivity

Nowadays, very few people use a home computer without accessing the Internet. There are several on-ramps to the information superhighway: dial-up modems or high-speed connections such as DSL, cable or satellite.

Dial-Up Connection

These days, those of us with high-speed Internet connections take them for granted. However, a number of people live in areas where connecting to the Internet with a traditional dial-up modem is the only option.

Depending on where you live, there may not be providers of high-speed Internet such as DSL/ADSL and cable. Even if satellite Internet is available, for many the costs are too high. If you fall into one of these categories, you will need either an internal modem card, which usually costs less than $25, or an external modem. An external USB modem can be purchased for less than $50.

High-Speed Internet

High-speed or “broadband” connections offer data transfer speeds that are vastly superior to dial-up but, again, their availability is tied to where you live. Ranked in descending order based on data transfer speeds are fiber-optic, cable, DSL/ADSL, and satellite.

In order to access the Internet using either a cable or DSL/ADSL modem (or if you are considering networking multiple computers at home), you will need a PC with a built-in Gigabit network adapter. On average, an internal Gigabit network adapter costs under $30.

Wireless

Wi-Fi technology offers wireless high-speed access to the Internet using Wi-Fi–enabled devices such as PCs, cell phones, personal digital assistants (PDAs) or mobile wireless hotspots. Wireless access points, or hotspots, have sprung up in almost every place imaginable over the last several years, from coffee shops to hotels and airports. If you are planning to buy a new laptop, make sure it has a built-in wireless network card so you can make use of these hotspots when on the go.

Cellular phone companies—including Verizon, AT&T, and Sprint—are also entering the high-speed Internet market by offering Internet access over their cellular networks (where they are available). You are able to purchase personal hotspots and a data plan and connect multiple devices to them at the same time. Some laptop makers offer built-in mobile broadband adapters, but the rise in popularity of these personal hotspots, as well as the ability to use your mobile phone as a hotspot, has led many PC makers to abandon this option. Please note, however, that these services require a wireless subscription, similar to a cellular phone plan.

For those with broadband Internet connections at home, you can also set up a wireless network and use Wi-Fi to connect to it. In order to have wireless at home, you would need broadband Internet access, such as DSL/ADSL or cable, a wireless router to connect to your cable or DSL/ADSL modem, as well as a wireless card for your PC.

Bluetooth

Many of today’s computers, as well as mobile devices, are equipped with Bluetooth, a wireless technology standard for exchanging data over short distances. Bluetooth and Wi-Fi have some similar applications: setting up networks, printing, or transferring files. A personal computer that does not have embedded or built-in Bluetooth can be used with a Bluetooth adapter that will enable the PC to communicate with other Bluetooth devices. While some desktop computers and most recent laptops come with a built-in Bluetooth radio, others will require an external one in the form of a dongle. If you have a computer without a built-in Bluetooth radio, you can purchase a USB Bluetooth adapter, on average, for less than $15.

Printers

While not technically part of the computer itself, printers, like monitors, play an important role and should be considered a part of a complete PC system. It is highly unlikely that you can use a computer for any length of time without having to print something, whether it is an email message, a Web page, a digital picture, or a price chart.

Printers, like computers, come with numerous options and issues to consider and have varying price points. Keep in mind that the quoted price for a computer system rarely includes a printer. This is usually an add-on or something you need to purchase separately.

In addition, keep in mind that you will need a place to put your printer. If you are short on space, you may want to look for a mobile printer or one with a relatively small footprint.

Resolution

When looking at printers, print resolution is an oft-quoted statistic. Reported in dots per inch (dpi), the higher the resolution—all else being equal—the better the image quality. However, resolution is not as important as it once was, as manufacturers have found ways to manipulate resolution without actually increasing the number of dots per inch.

Inkjet versus Laser

Inkjet printers are the most common printers on the market today for the average PC user. They are inexpensive, reasonably fast, quiet, and achieve good print quality.

If you are spending the money for a printer, color is the way to go. This is especially important if you want to distinguish between data on printed graphs with multiple lines or bars, often a concern when printing reports from investment software and information from the Internet. Inkjet printers also are also quite good for printing pictures.

You can find color inkjet printers that cost as little as $35, but remember, “You get what you pay for.” For standard color printing, expect to pay around $100 for a good-quality color inkjet printer.

Compared to inkjet printers, laser printers offer superior printing speed and text quality. The prices of laser printers have fallen to the point where, depending on your needs, a personal laser printer may be an option.

Personal monochrome (black and white) laser printers start at around $100, while personal color laser printers tend to run between $200 and $350.

Recommended Page Volume

If you do a lot of printing, you will want to check the recommended (not maximum) monthly page volume, quoted by the manufacturer. If you are looking at a printer and cannot find this information, move on to a different printer. Then, try to estimate how often you refill your printer’s paper tray and in what amounts to get a gauge for how much you print each month, and pick a printer with a recommended monthly page volume of at least that amount. Looking at the page yield of a printer’s ink cartridge(s)—how many pages a cartridge can print before running dry—will give you an idea of how costly a printer is to operate.

Cost of Operation

Over the life of a typical inkjet printer, the greatest cost will be for ink. Sometimes, printers that are more expensive are actually less costly to run in the long term because they often have higher-capacity ink tanks and separate tanks for each color (instead of multi-color ink cartridges).

Cost-per-print is an important factor taken into account when determining which printer to purchase. These calculations vary by printer and manufacturer, so determine this information before beginning your calculation. You may be able to find these details from the manufacturer’s website or they may be located directly on the printer. For example, I was able to go to the HP website and see the print yields for the cartridges I use in my HP Inkjet:

• HP 61XL Black Ink Cartridge: 480 pages
• HP 61XL Tri-color Ink Cartridge: 330 pages

Once we have the yield number, we then find the retail price of each cartridge. I always order my replacements from Amazon.com, so that information is easily accessible:

• HP 61XL Black Ink Cartridge: $32 per cartridge
• HP 61XL Tri-color Ink Cartridge: $34 per cartridge pages

The next step is to divide the price per cartridge by the page yield:

• HP 61XL Black Ink Cartridge: $32 ÷ 480 pages = $0.067 per page
• HP 61XL Tri-color Ink Cartridge: $34 ÷ 330 pages = $0.103 per page

If my printer used individual cartridges for cyan, magenta and yellow, instead of the single tri-color cartridge, I would have had to calculate the cost per page for each color cartridge and add them together to arrive at a total cost per color page.

In my case, however, my cost per color page will undoubtedly be higher than my calculation. If I print color graphics or pictures that favor one color over another, I will see lesser page yields than if my color pages were spread more evenly across the color palette. That is because I have to replace the entire cartridge when only one of the colors runs out, even though there is probably ink remaining for the other two colors. If you print a lot of color images, think about getting a printer that uses individual cartridges for the three colors instead of the single tri-color cartridge.

Armed with the cost of printing black-and-white and color pages, I can then set about calculating my annual cost of ownership for my HP Envy printer. I guesstimate that I print about 20 black-and-white pages a week and about 10 color pages a week. Over the course of a year, that translates into about 1,040 black-and-white pages (20 × 52) and 520 color pages (10 × 52). My estimated annual cost of ownership for my HP Envy printer is then:

(1,040 black-and-white pages × $0.067 per black-and-white page) + (520 color pages × $0.103 per color page) = $69.68 annual black-and-white pages cost + $53.56 annual color pages cost = $123.24 a year.

Therefore, my $70 HP Envy printer costs me roughly $124 a year in ink.

General Purpose versus Multifunction

When you go to the printer section of an electronics store or a website such as Amazon.com, you will see that printers can fall into several categories, including general purpose, photo and multifunction. For the purpose of our discussion here, we will skip over photo printers and focus on general-purpose and multifunction.

General-purpose printers are pretty much what their name indicates. They are for everyday printing of text (email, Web pages, etc.), graphics and photos. Unless you are looking for professional-grade photo printing, a general-purpose printer will fit your needs.

There are also multifunction (also called all-in-one or three-in-one) printers that combine printing, scanning and copying into a single piece of equipment. These printers are more suited for offices or home offices. Given their complexity and added functionality, you will pay more for a multifunction printer: on average between $75 and $200 for an inkjet model and between $250 and $400 for a color laser model.

Connection

You have several options for connecting your printer to your computer. For a wired connection, there is USB and Ethernet. If you are connecting a printer to a newer laptop/notebook, Ethernet may not be an option since few laptops now offer that wired connection. If you are going to connect your printer via USB, make sure you have an open port.

Like computers themselves, many printers have built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, so you can print wirelessly from your computer and other devices. At home, I have my Wi-Fi-enabled printer connected to my personal wireless network. Outside of not having to set up my printer within a cord’s distance of my laptop in my home office, anyone who connects to my wireless network can also print wirelessly to my printer.