Smart Shopping: Desktop Computers

The desktop computer has become just another appliance you use every day. Replacement sales -- not first-time purchases -- now drive the computer market.

Fully loaded desktops selling for less than $600 are common, even among established brands. When choosing a model, it's hard to go too far wrong; though performance is an issue under the Windows Vista operating system with limited RAM (1GB or less). With performance so consistent, differences in manufacturers' technical support now matter more than ever.

Repair rates for computers are higher than for most electronics products we track, according to the Consumer Reports Annual Questionnaire.

Technical support remains a hot-button issue judging from our latest subscriber survey of computer users. Apple has kept its lead (though it offers telephone support free for only 90 days after purchase), while most other brands continue to show only so-so performance.

Our subscribers still say that PC tech support is dismal. The most serious complaint is that the support people simply can't solve problems. Major complaints about phone support included being kept on hold too long, being bounced around among support staff, and communicationproblems.

Support via e-mail, live chat online, or the manufacturer's Web site is also lacking.

WHAT'S AVAILABLE
There are nine major brands of desktops to choose from. Computers from Acer (which recently purchased Gateway), Dell, Compaq, eMachines, Gateway (which owns eMachines), HP (which owns Compaq), Lenovo (formerly branded as IBM), and Sony all use Microsoft's Windows operating system. Dell owns the high-end gaming brand Alienware, and HP owns VoodooPC.

Apple is the sole maker of Macintosh models. Newer Macs are able to run Windows as well as Apple's own OS X. Many small mail-order and store brands also cater to budget-minded buyers. Price: $300 to $3,000 or more.

IMPORTANT FEATURES The processor houses the "brains" of a computer. Its clock speed, measured in gigahertz (GHz), and the chip's design, termed "architecture," determine how fast it can process information. Within a processor family, the higher the clock speed, the faster the computer. But different processor families reach different efficiencies. The lowest-priced systems probably use processors like Pentium Dual-Core, Celeron D, Athlon 64, and Sempron. More common now, however, are dual-processor desktops. Dual-core processor families from Intel (Core 2 Duo) and AMD (Athlon 64 X2) represent newer technologies developed to increase processing power beyond what a single-chip processor can achieve (and quad processors are now showing up). Macs have transitioned to Intel Core 2-series processors. Quad-core processors are also becoming more common in higher-end desktops. In short, the different types of processors make direct speed comparisons difficult, but any recent processor type will probably deliver all the speed you'll need.

All brand-name computers sold today have at least 512 megabytes of RAM, or random-access memory, the memory the computer uses while in operation. For anyone using Windows Vista or Mac OS X, we recommend at least one full gigabyte of RAM, although 2GB is preferable and becoming more common. Memory upgrades are not expensive.

Windows Vista is available in several versions with different hardware requirements. Vista Basic leaves out several features we liked in this software. Vista Ultimate is costlier, with more features than most home users need. We recommend Home Premium as the right Vista version for most home uses.

All computers have a graphics adapter, which is integrated on the motherboard or on a separate internal plug-in card. In addition to feeding the computer's display with an analog (VGA) or a digital (DVI) connection, a graphics adapter might have an additional output such as an S-video or HDMI port to feed video to an external TV (common), or accept video from an external analog source (rare). But it can always display video from whatever source: a file, a DVD, an external analog feed, or a TV tuner.

All desktops and laptops come with a minimum of integrated graphics suitable for watching TV or playing simple games such as solitaire. To run Windows Vista's 3D interface or play challenging 3D-intensive games we recommend the ATI Radeon X1600, the Nvidia GeForce 7600, or higher.

Video RAM, also measured in megabytes, is secondary RAM that works with the graphics processor to provide smooth video imaging and game play. Gamers might need a dedicated graphics processor with 256MB of memory or more.

The hard drive is your computer's long-term data storage system. Given the disk-space requirements of today's games, digital photos, and video files, bigger is better. Sizes commonly range from 120GB to 750GB.

For removable storage, a DVD writer is standard gear. It also lets you transfer home-video footage or digital photos to a DVD disc, or store as much data as six CDs. The newest options are high-definition disc drives, capable of playing either Blu-ray or HD DVD discs.

There are three competing, incompatible DVD formats -- DVD-RW, DVD+RW, and DVD-RAM -- as well as drives that can create dual-layer DVDs that store twice as much. Some drives can write in more than one format, but all can create a disc that will play on stand-alone DVD players. Now arriving: DVD burners designed for high-definition video, which will allow storing 15GB or more on a disc.

We recommend waiting until the two competing versions -- Blu-ray and HD DVD -- sort out their differences.

Many PCs now come with a memory-card reader for memory cards used in digital cameras. You can also use external drives or a USB memory key to copy files to and from the hard drive.

The computer's flat-panel liquid-crystal display (LCD) or increasingly rare cathode-ray tube (CRT) monitor contains the display screen and renders the images sent from the graphics processor -- internal circuitry that creates the images. Monitors come in sizes from 15 to 24 inches and larger (measured diagonally). Seventeen- and 19-inch LCD monitors are common.

LCD displays are now the most popular, taking up less space and using less power than CRTs. Better LCD displays can use a Digital Video Interface (DVI) connection, found on some PCs with dedicated graphics. You can often obtain a deep discount on an LCD monitor by buying it bundled with a new computer at a manufacturer's Web site.

The principal components of a desktop computer are usually housed in a case called a tower. A minitower is the typical configuration and can fit on top of or under a desk. More-expensive machines have a midtower, which has extra room for upgrades such as more hard drives. A microtower is a spacesaving alternative but has less room inside for upgrading.

All-in-one computers, such as the Apple iMac, have no tower; everything but the keyboard and mouse is built into the monitor. Sony, HP, Dell, and Gateway also have all-in-one models.

A mouse, a small device that fits under your hand and has a "tail" of wire that connects to the computer, moves the cursor (the pointer on the screen) via a rolling ball or an optical light sensor on its underside. We recommend spending a little more for an optical mouse.

Most computers come with a standard keyboard, although you can also buy one separately. Some keyboards have CD (or DVD) controls to pause, play back, change tracks, and so on. Some also have additional keys to expedite getting online, starting a search, launching programs, or retrieving e-mail. There are also wireless keyboards and mice that give you cable-free flexibility in how you work.

Computers for home use feature a high-fidelity sound system that plays music from CDs or downloaded music files, synthesized music, game sounds, and DVD-movie soundtracks. Speaker systems with a subwoofer have deeper, more powerful bass. Surround-sound systems can turn a PC into a home theater. There are connections for an external audio source (such as a microphone) and for headphones.

There are several types of ports on computers. PCs come with a modem to allow a dial-up Internet connection, as well as an Ethernet port or wireless network card that lets you link several computers in the household to share files, a printer, or a broadband Internet connection. Universal serial bus (USB) ports provide a connection to many add-on devices. FireWire or IEEE 1394 ports are used to capture video from digital camcorders and connect to other peripheral devices. An S-video or HDMI output jack lets you run a video cable from the computer to a television so you can use the computer's DVD drive to view a movie on a TV instead of on the computer monitor. Media-center PCs (equipped with TV tuners) can also capture video from a VCR and copy tapes to DVDs.

HOW TO CHOOSE
First, decide whether to upgrade your current computer. Upgrading rather than replacing it might make sense if your additional needs are modest -- a second hard drive, say, because you're running out of room for digital photos. Adding memory or a CD burner can be more cost-effective than buying a whole new machine.

On the other hand, it's not always easy to upgrade to a new operating system such as Windows Vista; you might encounter software incompatibilities, or have to upgrade security software, or install new drivers. If there's software your system can't run, your wish list is more demanding, or your computer has become unreliable, a new PC is the logical answer.

Pick the right type of desktop. Most manufacturers offer several lines at different prices. Budget computers are suitable for routine work, such as e-mail, word processing, Web surfing, and photo editing. Workhorse computers cost a few hundred dollars more but are faster and more versatile.

They can run complex 3D games and edit video. Upgradability is another reason to opt for a workhorse computer. If you download or record music or video regularly and don't copy your files to CDs, DVDs, or a portable device, you'll eventually fill a budget model's modest hard drive.

Choose by brand. Our surveys have shown tech support and reliability to be undistinguished for most brands, with a few exceptions: Tech support for Apple's desktops and laptops and Lenovo's laptops stand out from the crowd. In addition, Dell's problem-solving capabilities are above average. Those factors could help you decide which of two similarly equipped computers is the better buy.

Choose between preconfigured and custom-built. You can buy a PC off the shelf in a store or via the Web with features and options the manufacturer pitches to average consumers. But you might also consider purchasing a desktop that you configure to order, either online or in a store. When you configure a computer to order online, onscreen menus typically show you the options and let you see how a change in one affects the overall price.

Be sure to review your choices before ordering and look for unwanted items that some manufacturers include by default.

Decide between Windows and Mac. More software is available for Windows computers than for Macs. But Apple's computers have attractions of their own. The brand repeatedly scores best in tech support and has been consistently reliable for desktops. According to our surveys, viruses and spyware have targeted Macs less often than Windows PCs. The newest Macs also let you run Windows as a second operating system.

Plan for software. At first glance, virtually any computer you buy will seem laden with useful software for virus scanning, managing finances, and working with audio or image files. But much of it is "teaserware" that works for a limited period or needs to be upgraded for full functionality. Check before buying that the selected model includes antivirus and antispyware software that will work (and can be updated) for at least a year. When comparing computer prices, consider any other necessary software as adding to the cost, though you might find that most of your needs are served by free software.

Consider security. Security should play a part in your decision when shopping for a computer. Your choice of hardware and software can affect your ability to deflect intruders and defend your data. Viruses and spyware are far more likely to target Windows PCs than Macs.

Windows Vista has tighter security than XP, but it's too new to know how safe it will ultimately be. If you opt for a Windows PC, you should use antivirus, firewall, and (for Windows) antispyware programs. Many computers include software such as Norton Internet Security or McAfee Security Center, but those are often limited to 30 to 90 days of use. Upgrade and update those starter packages as necessary or replace them to maintain protection over the long haul.

Skip the extended warranty. A subscriber survey found that the cost of a desktop service contract was not much less than the average repair cost. That means you might be better off paying for desktop repairs out of your own pocket.