Sunday, November 16, 1997

Well ... computers, what else?

By BRIAN BETHEL

Staff Writer

Forget the sugarplums. Kids (and adults) today want computers for Christmas, a date which is fast approaching.

It is increasingly easy to decide to jump onto the home PC bandwagon. After all, the things are so darned useful, right?

Well, sure. That is, they are if you have some idea of how you want to use your new-found source of joy.

"That's the first thing I ask someone: What do you want to use it for?" said Stan Marshall, co-owner of Alltex Computers. "If they want it for basic home use, their needs are different than someone who needs a high-powered graphics station or who wants to be cutting-edge."

Of course, the cutting edge gets dulled and then sharpened to even greater levels about every other month when it comes to computer technology, so be prepared to see whatever you buy replaced by something faster and better.

But most retailers say it is best to jump into the fray and get something that meets your current needs, with the option to upgrade later.

THE BASICS

There are four main measures of any computer's prowess: Its clock speed, its available RAM, its video memory and its hard drive storage.

Extra bells and whistles like a snazzy soundcard, an ultra-fast CD-ROM drive, a set of subwoofers, a photo scanner or a handy-dandy Iomega Zip Drive help the overall computing experience, of course.

But it all comes down to the basic four.

Your computer's clock speed, measured in megahertz, is how fast it can "react." Faster is better - meaning that games and applications will run smoother.

If the processor is your computer's nervous system, Random Access Memory RAM) is its short-term memory. More RAM means your computer can "remember" more information while programs are running, and if you have enough RAM you can run several programs at once.

Your hard drive is where you store all of your programs and data until you want to run or otherwise use them. Think of it as long-term memory, there when you need it but otherwise in the background.

Your video card is akin to the optical nerves in your eye. It takes in data sent to it from the processor and converts it to visual data that is displayed on your monitor.

More video RAM means your computer can display more colors in finer detail and can manipulate images much more quickly.

"It's best to come in with a good idea of what you want to use the machine for," Marshall said. "That way, we can concentrate on giving you what you want. It has to make you happy, first and foremost."

TIME TO BUY?

So, you've made the decision. Time to take the plunge and become one of the computerized.

To help you choose a system that is right for you, find the statement below that most matches up with your own knowledge and experience, then cross-index what is written below with the accompanying chart.

1. "WHAT IS THIS STUFF?"

A newbie, eh?

As a general rule, your first PC shouldn't be the demigod powerhouse of computerdom. First-time users are often not exactly sure what they want to do with a personal computer, and a bells-and-whistles-laden beast can be confusing to say the least.

A first computer should contain balance of good components that you can later upgrade if you so choose. Don't go for the best of the best, but don't settle for second-rate.

"You really want something with a good warranty that you can rip apart and upgrade later," said Bill Brown, technician with Computerware. "Never be afraid to ask questions about anything having to do with the computer. Know what you're getting."

Right now, an Intel 166 Mhz processor is a good entry-level machine, with a moderate amount of RAM (16 megabytes is the bare minimum you can get by with these days).

Since beginners tend to be a bit cautious about spending $50 a pop on software, a moderate hard drive, 1.2 gigabytes to about 2.5 gigabytes, should be enough.

Hard drives are one of the easiest components to upgrade, since most PCs can handle two or more with little trouble. Instead of replacing your existing drive, you can just add another on as your storage needs increase.

Look for at least 2 megabytes of video memory, more if you can get it. At this level, a card with 3D features is nice, but not essential.

Many manufacturers that have traditionally been fairly high dollar, such as Compaq and Hewlett-Packard, now have machines that cater well to the needs of the first-time customer.

Expect to spend somewhere in the neighborhood of $899 to $1,300, without a monitor. A good, 14-inch monitor costs anywhere from $199 to $250.

The primary caution to keep in mind with low-end PCs is to not buy yourself into a trap. Some popular brands, such as Packard Bell, are notorious for using "proprietary" technology.

What that means is simple: Upgrading becomes a pain. It often becomes more practical for an end-user to simply buy another machine.

One of the more insidious tricks includes cards that are actually built-in as part of the computer's central circuit board - and thus, cannot be removed. Or upgraded.

Be sure to ask a manufacturer about whether or not a particular system is proprietary and how "upgrade-friendly" it is.

2. 'I KNOW MY WAY AROUND.'

Want a bit more power in your PC? More punch in your processor? Then a medium-level system is probably more your speed.

With a slightly faster clock speed, more RAM and storage, this option is naturally more expensive. But the power you receive is generally worth it.

For this level, concentrate on how fast the machine runs and how much ram it has. Hard drive space comes next, with video memory still fourth but much more important.

At this point, most people start becoming dissatisfied with pre-packaged machines and set about converting their old PCs into essentially new machines - or buy new ones altogether.

"You need more of everything at this point," said Paul Stevenson, computer guru at Office Depot. "Generally, it requires a lot more planning when it comes time to buy. If you want or need a medium-level system, you generally have a good idea of what you want to do with a computer, and how to go about it."

Your processor should be an MMX-capable 200 Mhz, preferably a bit faster. You <I>need<I> 32 megabytes of RAM. And a 3.5 gig or greater hard drive becomes a must.

Try to get at least 4 megabytes of video memory, although you can settle for 2 megabytes. Since you're paying a bit more for the power, though, you really want a video card that can keep up.

A "built" computer has some advantages in terms of future upgradeability, but may cost a bit more. A pre-configured machine usually has some nice software bonuses. Again, ask questions.

Bottom line: Expect to spend between $1,400 and $1,900, without a monitor. You probably want a nice 15-inch monitor at this level, so tack on $250-$350.

3. 'I WANT IT ALL!'

For most computer owners, one of the two preceding levels of technology will work just fine.

But there are those still unsatisfied. Power is what users at this level crave, and it is available for the taking - up to the limits of your credit card and bank account, that is.

Right now, the current king of all processors is Intel's Pentium II series. Faster than pretty much anything else out there, they're guaranteed to get even faster in the coming years.

Although the company plans to hit 450 mhz and possibly above in 1998, the fastest model currently available runs at 300 mhz, a speed that will put you way ahead of the game for at least a few months.

At least 64 megabytes of RAM is necessary at this level, with 128 megabytes considered an impressive amount.

Accessories are much more important at the power-user level.

Want sterling audio? How about an AWE64 sound card from Creative Labs. Just $199 for the high-level Gold version. Don't forget a $200 stereo speaker/subwoofer system to go with it. Waking the neighbors is fun.

You want good games, right? Then get a really sharp video card, like an 8-megabyte Matrox Millennium II. That will run you somewhere around $300.

Why not have two video cards? Make one a good 2D performer like the Matrox, the other a 3D powerhouse like the Orchid Righteous 3D or the Diamond Monster 3D. That'll add at least another $150, but the difference is real.

Hard drive? Go for the new 7 gigabyte model. Modem? Don't even contemplate less than 56k. CD-ROM? That new 24-speed one may have to do, but that Digital Video Disc (DVD) drive is way, way cooler.

"You're talkin' big bucks," said Jeff Jolly, director of technical support with CCIA Computers. "Basically, as much as you want to spend, you can.

"If you need a little cheap word processing system, you can get a good one for $500. If you want a powerhouse, well, there is no limit. It just depends on what you want and need."