When is the best time to buy a new PC?  Should you wait until next month when the new processor speed or new graphics capabilities launches?  Of course you could play this waiting game forever and you’d never get a computer.  The only thing you should think about is what you want your computer to do for you and then get a computer that can do that.  To help clarify what this means, let’s take a look at some of the aspects of a computer you should be looking for:

• Mac or PC?  This is becoming a tought question to answer.  Apple computers pack a lot of fun and productivity in their computer.  PCs have the familiarity of years of use behind them.  Which is right for you will be based on which programs you need to run and how comfortable you are with staying or switching to a new operating system.
• Processor: Intel or AMD?  Doesn’t really matter.  They both have their camps stating why theirs is better than the other.  Best not to worry about it.  What you should be looking into though is multi-core processors.  Nowadays you can’t get by with just one processor.  You might find that you’ll need more processors to help you get your work done faster.  Currently there are four types of processors: single, double, triple and quad-core.  As you can imagine – the higher the better.  What exactly does better mean – and who would need it? 

• If you plan on only using your computer for surfing the web, basic office documents, viewing photos and videos – then you could get by with any of these.  
• If you plan on challenging your computer a bit more by doing many of these things at the same time (multi-tasking) then start at dual core.
• If you also like to get more creative with your computer and like to edit photos and videos then a triple or quad core is a better bet.
• If you’re a gamer, well – there’s no such thing as a computer that’s too fast for a gamer!

• RAM: RAM helps keep any programs that are currently running, performing as fast as possible.  So if you like to run a lot of programs at the same time (multi-tasking again), or you like to do memory intensive things (those creative tasks like editing photos and videos), then you want more RAM.  2 GB is becoming the standard while some computers are coming with 3 or 4 GB. 

• Video Card: every computer needs a video card.  Some are built right into the motherboard – and some are replaceable.  Motherboard video cards have the advantage of making the computer less expensive while replaceable video cards have the advantage of being...well, replaceable!  This probably is of interest mostly to gamers.  A couple other things to look for in a video card are TV tuner and multiple monitor inputs. 

• TV tuner allows you to plug your cable right into the computer and use it to watch TV.  Combined with Media Centre you now have your own PVR (Personal Video Recorder – see Before You Buy...a PVR). 
• Multiple monitor inputs are becoming popular.  If you haven’t experienced the benefit of working with multiple monitors, then you’re in for a treat!  Check out the Before you Buy...a monitor for more details.

• Vista: Basic or Premium?  Only the absolute entry level computers only come with Basic – and it might be ok for you if you never plan on using Media Centre.  Media Centre is an easy way to view all your media (photos, music, videos) and even allows you to use the computer as a PVR (as long as it also has a TV Tuner built in as discussed above).  If you have an Xbox 360 – then go for the Premium as you will want to connect your Computer to the 360 to take advantage of all that media centre has to offer.

There are more things to look for when buying a computer, but these will get you on the right track.  Manufacturer’s have trained the consumer to fear buying a computer because they are outdated so fast.  Fortunately the days of not having a fast enough computer to play the latest game are pretty much behind us.  The only recommendation I’d like to make is for you to really look at how you might want to use your computer in the future.  While you might not be into video editing right now – will that change?  That will frustrate you if you bought an entry level computer and are now finding everything too slow.  Everyone usually underestimates how much power they need.  Try to buy as much as you can realistically afford.