How to Compare LCD Monitors Based on Specifications

Understanding LCD Monitors

LCD or flat panel computer displays are the latest and greatest offerings in the desktop computer industry. They have been used for years in the portable and notebook computing markets, but recent developments have increase performance and size while reducing costs making them viable in the desktop environment. LCD displays are lightweight, extremely thin and use much less power than CRT based monitors.

Screen Size

Unlike CRT monitors, LCD displays are marketed by the actual screen dimensions. This is the measurement of the displayable area of the screen from the lower corner to the opposite upper corner of the display. One of the more confusing aspects with LCD's is their aspect ratio of the screen. Most CRT displays have a 4:3 ratio of horizontal to vertical measurement. Some LCD screens are marketed as a wide screen display that still have the marketed diagonal measurement, but its aspect ratio can be similar to the 16:9 displays used by wide screen TVs.

So be sure to look for the aspect ratio or the vertical and horizontal measurements as well.

Native Resolutions

All LCD screens can actually display only a single given resolution referred to as the native resolution. This is the physically number of horizontal and vertical pixels that make up the LCD matrix of the display. Setting a computer display to a resolution lower than this resolution will either cause the monitor to use a reduced visible area of the screen or it will have to do extrapolation. This extrapolation attempts to blend multiple pixels together to produce a similar image to what you would see if the monitor were to display it at the given resolution but it can result in fuzzy images.

Here are some of the common native resolutions found in LCD monitors:

* 14-15": 1024x768 (XGA)

* 17-19": 1280x1024 (SXGA)

* 20"+: 1600x1200 (UXGA)

* 19” (Widescreen): 1440x900 (WXGA+)

* 20” (Widescreen): 1680x1050 (WSXGA+)

* 24” (Widescreen): 1920x1200 (WUXGA)

* 30” (Widescreen): 2560x1600

Contrast Ratio

Contrast ratios are a big marketing tool by the manufacturers and one that is not easy for consumers to grasp. Essentially, this is the measurement of the difference in brightness from the darkest to brightest portion on the screen. The problem is that this measurement will vary throughout the screen. This is due to the slight variations in the lighting behind the panel. Manufacturers will use the highest contrast ratio they can find on a screen, so its somewhat deceptive. Basically a higher contrast ratio will mean that the screen will tend to have deeper blacks and brighter whites.

Viewing Angles

LCD's produce their image by having a film that when a current runs through the pixel, it turns on that shade of color. The problem with the LCD film is that this color can only be accurately represented when viewed straight on. The further away from a perpendicular viewing angle, the color will tend to wash out. The LCD monitors are generally rated for their visible viewing angle for both horizontal and vertical. This is rated in degrees and is the arc of a semicircle whose center is at the perpendicular to the screen. A theoretical viewing angle of 180 degrees would mean that it is fully visible from any angle in front of the screen. A higher viewing angle is preferred over a lower angle unless you happen to want some security with your screen.

Response Times

In order to achieve the color on a pixel in an LCD panel, a current is applied to the crystals at that pixel to change the state of the crystals. Response times refer to the amount of time it takes for the crystals in the panel to move from an on to off state. A rising response time refers to the amount of time it takes to turn on the crystals and the falling time is the amount of time it takes for the crystals to move from an on to off state. Rising times tend to be very fast on LCDs, but the falling time tends to be much slower. This tends to cause a slight blurring effect on bright moving images on black backgrounds. The lower the response time, the less of a blurring effect there will be on the screen. Now most refer to a grey to grey rating that doesn't do the full on off state that generates a lower normal than the traditional reponse times.

Connectors

Most LCD panels still use the traditional analog VGA connector known as the DSUB-15 or HD15 connector. This is the same connector that is used on all CRT monitors and on most PC video cards. Newer LCD displays and video cards are starting to use the DVI connector. This is a digital interface that is supposed to allow for a cleaner and brighter picture compared to standard VGA connectors. Check to see what type of connector your video card can use before buying a monitor to ensure you get a compatible monitor. Some monitors may also come home theater connectors including component, composite and HDMI for use with TV or DVD sources.

Before You Buy Desktop Computer

Looking to buy a new desktop personal computer system? This guide covers many of the basic items to examine when comparing desktop computer systems so that you can make an informed purchasing decision.
Processors (CPUs)

Processor choices are a bit more difficult now then they were before. It is still really a choice between an AMD and an Intel processor. The difference really comes in how many cores there are in the processor and its relative speed. Each company now has a performance rating system that isn't really easy to compare

Memory (RAM)

Most desktop computers now use a type of memory called DDR2. Some high performance ones might use DDR3, but this is quite expensive. Avoid systems using the older DDR memory standard. In terms of amount, it is best to have at least 1GB of memory in the system and preferably 2GB. Memory speeds can impact performance as well. The faster the memory, the better the performance should be. When buying memory, try to buy as few DIMMs as possible to allow for future memory upgrades if needed.

Hard Drives

Hard drives really boil down to size and speed. The larger the drive and the faster, the better the performance and capacity. In a desktop, it is best to have at least 250GB or more of storage space these days. In terms of speed, they are pretty much all running at 7200rpm now. A few high performance 10,000rpm drives are available. Most drives use the Serial ATA interface now for ease of installation. Performance wise, there is little difference still between Serial ATA and the older IDE standards.

Optical Drives (CD/DVD)

Most systems sold now feature DVD burners, even the budget systems. It is best to make sure that you get a multiformat DVD burner that can support both the +R/RW and -R/RW formats. Speeds should be 16x for the recordable speed. Dual or Double Layer media support is also a common feature although less likely to be used due to media cost. If you don't need a DVD burner, try to at least get a CD-RW/DVD combo drive of 24x recording speed to allow for CD media storage and DVD playback. Options also include LightScribe or Labelflash support for burning labels directly to compatible media.

Video Cards

Video card technology seems to change every three to six months. If you aren't really doing any 3D graphics at all, then integrated graphics may be just fine. Beyond this, there are a wide selection of cards. Things to consider include performance, the amount of memory on the card, output connectors and the version of Direct X supported. Those looking to do any gaming should really consider a Direct X 10 card with at least 256MB of memory onboard. Pretty much all new systems will use the PCI-Express graphics standard.

External Connectors

Many upgrades and peripherals to computers now connect through external interfaces instead of internal cards. Check to see how many and what type of external ports are available on the computer for use with future peripherals. Look for systems that have both USB 2.0 and IEEE 1394 or FireWire ports. It should have at least six USB 2.0 connectors and one FireWire ports. Many times media card readers that support various different flash memory cards for peripherals are also inlcluded.

Monitors

What good is a desktop PC unless it also has a monitor? Previously users would need to choose between a CRT or LCD monitor, but LCDs are pretty much the standard now because of their reduced size and power consumption. The real issue is more about size and cost of the LCDs. The price difference between 17 and 19-inch models make 19-inch the best overall value although 20 to 22-inch models are quickly dropping in price. Wider display screens are also becoming much more common than the tradition 4:3 aspect ratio.

Five Things to Consider When Buying a Laptop Computer

Purchasing a laptop is a large investment, and one that can be complicated by all of the options, manufacturers, and technical mumbo-jumbo that needs to be sifted through. Before you spend a lot of money on a laptop, it is important to spend a little time considering some basics that may affect the decision-making process. This Tech Tip will take a look at five of the innumerous things worth considering when buying a laptop computer.

Ergonomics

If you are going to be spending any significant amount of time working on this laptop computer, you’re going to want to be comfortable. A well-designed interface is essential for comfort, as well as good health. Carpal tunnel syndrome or tendonitis may be some of the more common conditions associated with extended computer usage, and selecting the most comfortable laptop may help avoid them all together.

The keyboards on laptops generally feature compressed layouts with smaller keys, which may place a strain on hands and wrists as users try to adapt to these miniature arrangements. Generally speaking, the larger the laptop, the larger the keyboard, as they are usually designed to span the entire width of the unit.

Most laptops use either a touchpad or tracking pointer (knob) as a replacement for a mouse. These may be adequate for occasional use, but even the best designs can become frustrating and uncomfortable when used extensively. Plus, when used for game play or other applications where precise motion is critical, they just don’t cut it.

Purchasing a separate mouse may be the best bet, as it allows you to place your arm in a more familiar (and comfortable) position, as well as providing something that may fit your hand much better. Notebook mice are available in a wired or wireless version, and generally feature a slightly smaller footprint than your typical mouse.

Connectivity

Being able to connect to common devices is just as important on laptops as it is on desktops, but being able to add these connections down the road is not as easy on a laptop. Upgrades aren’t as easy on laptops due to the basic design, so make sure what you need is included up front.

Wireless networking is almost a must-have feature on laptops now. The cord has been severed to every other shackle confining you to your desk; don’t let network connectivity hold you back. Wireless networking adapters are available as upgrades via either PCMCIA cards or USB adapters, but many now offer it onboard, hidden inside the system’s housing. Integrated wireless is the best option if available, as it requires fewer accessories to carry and to configure, and leaves those expansion ports open for other uses.

USB 2.0 may be the most common peripheral connection, and many laptops may still come with just one port. That’s fine if you don’t mind carrying around a USB hub, but the more you have to carry, the less mobile you are. A good example of the importance of USB is that many people decide they want to use a separate mouse for ergonomic reasons, and generally it will connect via USB. On a laptop with just one port, you now have to juggle the use of the mouse with connecting anything else, like a digital camera, MP3 player, or an external hard drive.

Firewire may not be as popular as USB, and as such, it doesn’t show up at all on many computer systems, regardless of whether they are desktops or laptops. Having this connection may not be necessary for everyone, but for those who want it, keep in mind that its inclusion on any particular laptop is not a given.

Bluetooth is another type of connectivity you may want in a laptop, but its popularity has yet to really catch up to its hype. More and more consumer electronics devices are starting feature Bluetooth technology, but for general computer applications, it may be more trouble than it is worth.

This Toshiba Satellite features a solid assortment of connections with three USB 2.0 ports, a Firewire port, integrated wireless and wired networking, and even a modem.

Power Management

If you are going to use a laptop as it was intended, away from your desk, you’re going to want it to provide as much battery life as possible. The first step is to shop around for a unit that offers the best battery life possible, and then seek out independent reviews to verify this performance. A good laptop should be able to run for four hours or more on a full charge, and as the technology advances, finding units that can double this time isn’t unrealistic.

The operating system on most laptops will allow for the hardware to be configured to utilize the battery as efficiently as possible. It is just up to the user to navigate their way to these tabs and set things like the display to turn off, hard drives to power down, or even the processor to slow down when it isn’t needed to run full speed. Not all processors can provide this speed throttling, but finding a system with a Mobile Pentium/Celeron or Centrino processor may be your best bet to ensure this capability.

Another way to ensure extended life away from a power outlet is to just add a second battery. Although you can obviously carry a charged spare in your bag, some laptops allow for two batteries to be installed at once, with one generally replacing the optical disk drive.

Size / Weight

All laptop computers are not created equal, and the size and weight of the various models reflect that. Some may weigh more than others due to the quantity of components included, but it may also be due to the quality of the components. Larger displays, multiple hard drives, and other integrated components will all contribute to the weight of a laptop. The largest single source of weight in a laptop may be the battery, and systems with two batteries as described above, should be expected to be much heavier.

No laptop may be considered heavy in the grand scheme of things, but just a few pounds more may be noticeable if you regularly have to lug it through a busy airport or across a large college campus.

The overall size of a laptop is generally governed by the size of the display included. You may have seen the commercial where Yao Ming (7’5” basketball player) and Verne Troyer (Mini-Me) compare their laptops with 12 inch and 17 inch monitors. It is an excellent demonstration of the range of sizes available in laptop computers, and how the various sizes may be appropriate for different users. Those seeking a replacement for their desktop computer may insist on a 17” display, while those seeking to minimize size and weight in the name of portability may be willing to select a laptop with a smaller display.

Future Proof

Basically, purchase as much laptop as you can afford, so that a year or two down the road you may be less likely to need a replacement.

Processors in a laptop are generally not upgradeable, or at least quite difficult to upgrade, so picking something with marginally adequate speed for today’s needs will no doubt be obsolete sooner than you might expect. Desktop computers generally offer the convenience of having their processors (and other components) upgraded, making it less of an issue, but it is important to plan ahead with laptops, or to plan on buying another one in a few years.

The graphics processor is another integrated feature that should be considered before making a purchase, as there is no upgrading. Many laptops may offer somewhat basic graphics intended for good 2D display and 3D displays that may be hit or miss as far as the quality is concerned. In general, laptops were never intended for 3D gaming, but things are changing and many manufacturers now offer higher performance graphics solutions that can rival many desktop computers. ATI is well known for their high performance graphics products, and offer the Mobility Radeon X series of graphics processors based on their popular desktop solutions.

Laptop memory is less of a bottleneck, as it is readily available and can be upgraded rather easily. That said, many notebooks offer a base configuration of memory that may not be adequate for your particular needs. It is suggested that a Windows XP system have a minimum of 256MB of memory, and you may find that this is what is offered on many systems. 512MB is the recommended amount of memory for smooth operation on Windows XP, and many users with more intensive applications to run may insist on 1024MB. If you intend to run serious business applications or want to play some modern 3D games, it may be worth having that base 256MB upgraded before the laptop ships to you.

Final Words

Picking a laptop computer will probably be more involved than reviewing five simple steps, but you have to start somewhere! Each of these steps will hopefully guide other decisions and make the process less frustrating, while also leading to the selection of the best laptop possible.

Portable MP3 Player - Part 2

This Tip is geared towards simplifying MP3 players for the casual consumer by addressing eight key topics. In the first part of this series, we looked at storage technologies, capacities, file formats, and displays, and in this part, we will wrap things up by looking at batteries, extra capabilities, computer interfaces and size.

Batteries

Battery type and expected life are key features when considering any type of portable electronics device, and MP3 players are no different. Many devices now come with rechargeable batteries included, and the more convenient arrangements allow for the batteries to charge while still in the unit, eliminating the hassle of having to remove them to be placed in a stand-alone charger. Even more convenient are devices that recharge via USB, so all you need to connect is one cable that serves both to transfer files, as well as to transfer power from the computer to the device.

Many devices do not come with rechargeable batteries, but it is always an option to consider since most support a standard format, such as AA or AAA. A charger and a set of batteries can be picked up relatively inexpensively, and over the course of the devices life the savings will add up when compared to the number of disposable batteries that would be used.

Speaking of the number of disposable batteries that will be used, the life expectancy on one charge (or one set of batteries) is of great interest, but generally harder to gauge from the manufacturer’s information. Many devices do not publish a life expectancy, and those that do may need to be taken with a grain of salt. The conditions may vary from the manufacturer’s test to the real world, so it is always a good idea to find an independent review of the device to see how it fared.

Some devices with a single AAA battery may run for up to 30 hours on one charge, while a device using two AA batteries may only make it to 10 hours.

The iPod includes a rechargeable battery that provides a good amount of run time on each charge, but unlike the ones discussed so far, it is not readily available as an aftermarket replacement. If the battery dies, the unit needs to be shipped back to Apple for replacement, which proved to be quite unpopular with owners of previous generations of the device, as it seemed to be one of the device’s few flaws. That issue has been addressed, but the battery in the new generation iPod is still proprietary, and can not be replaced by the end user.

Extra Capabilities

Many MP3 players offer greater value and convenience to users by doing much more than just playing MP3s. Some devices, such as the MSI MegaPlayer 515, include FM radio tuners and voice recorders for greater appeal. There are numerous other handy features found on some devices that some people may find useful. Some will double as portable storage for any file type, some include basic e-mail clients, while devices with expansion slots can be used as a card reader when attached to a computer.

Some devices are more appropriately called portable media centers, as they offer far more than just digital audio playback. Although a device such as the Creative Zen Portable Media Center does play MP3 files, it also can play videos and show still pictures on its 3.8” color screen. Sony’s new PSP is an exciting new portable device that takes things even farther by adding video games to the list (while still offering digital audio playback).

Computer Interfaces

The means for getting the files from the computer onto the MP3 player deserves consideration in respect to the protocol used, as well as the connection provided. Most devices utilize USB for file transfers, but Firewire is also an option, and this 40GB Apple iPod actually supports both protocols.

When selecting a device that utilizes USB, be sure to note whether it supports USB 2.0, or the much slower USB 1.1 standard, as units are still available using this older format. If you anticipate rotating your files regularly, or have a large capacity player to fill, the speed of a USB 1.1 device may frustrate you. USB 2.0 offers transfer rates up to 40 times faster than USB 1.1 (480 Mb/s versus 12 Mb/s), so keep that in mind when preparing to move a few thousand files!

In addition to the protocol used, the physical connection may be worth paying attention to. Many devices, such as this Perception Digital player, offer a mini connection on the body for connecting a somewhat special USB cable for data transfer. If you want to add files to the device, you need to carry the cable with you, or take a chance that this type of cable would be available at any computer you may wish to connect to. Other devices, such as this Z-Cyber Zling player, feature a standard USB male connector right on the body of the device. With this design, the player can either be plugged directly into an available USB port, or if the size/shape of the device prevents this, a more typical USB cable is all that is needed.

Size

The size of an MP3 player will be in large part determined by the combination of other features included with the device. Hard drive-based players are generally going to be larger than flash memory-based players due to the physical size of the drive. The type and quantity of batteries, the size of the display, and the type of computer interface provided may all impact the size of the device as well.

MP3 players are generally quite small, and for the most part are only as large as they are for two simple reasons: so the users don't lose them, and due to other technologies involved. For example, some MP3 players that utilize two AAA batteries for power are barely wider and slightly longer than the batteries themselves, providing just a little thickness up front for the flash memory, circuitry, and display. If a smaller, reliable power source was available, who knows how small these devices could be.

Someone seeking a miniature device with a modest amount of storage for use while jogging may be able to find something about the size and weight of a pack of gum. And although an iPod can in no way be considered a large object, in the world of MP3 players it is bigger than most, and is geared towards a different application.

Final Words

MP3 players come in a wide variety of shapes, sizes, and capabilities, all of which need to be addressed while considering what may be the most important feature… Price. Given the great number of devices on the market today, there just may be a device out there to fit everyone’s needs, and hopefully this Tech Tip will serve as a guide to what a user’s basic needs may be.

Portable MP3 Player : Part 1

MP3 players are everywhere! It seems that the number of makes and models in this market is growing daily, with features and capabilities intended to appeal to just about anyone shopping for one of these devices.

MP3 players have been around much longer than Apple iPod, but there is no arguing that this one device opened the market to a much larger customer base. In addition to Apple's own success, the iPod paved the way for dozens of other manufacturers to offer their own twist on this technology.

This Tip will attempt to simplify things by taking a look at eight basic features of a typical MP3 player that may be important to a potential buyer, including: storage technologies, capacities, file formats, displays, batteries, extra capabilities, computer interfaces, and size. Part 1 of this series will handle the first four topics, and the second set of four topics will be covered in Part 2.

Storage Technologies

In general, portable MP3 players will utilize one of two formats to store the files on the device, either flash memory or a hard drive. Flash memory similar to that used in digital cameras is also found embedded in many lower capacity MP3 players. Due to the basic capacity limitation of flash memory, hard drive based units are required by those who need to store thousands of files on one device (or fewer files of higher quality).

It may be feasible to find flash memory based players with capacities that range from 128MB to 1GB (or maybe a bit higher), and the MSI MegaStick 511 is an example of a 1GB flash memory based device. Hard drive-based units can provide much more space, and your typical Apple iPod and Creative Zen will use a hard drive in order to achieve their capacities of up to 40GB.

One of the key advantages of flash memory-based players is that they are "solid state", an old electronics term which used to mean "contains no tubes", but now basically means that a device contains no moving parts. No moving parts means fewer hardware breakdowns, longer battery life (playing time), and it means that the devices can be bounced around with no skips or damage to the device. If you're looking for a durable MP3 player to go jogging with or take to the gym, you probably want a flash-based player.

There are other formats that may be used for portable MP3 player, and the Classic CM343R is an example of a device that plays MP3s from recordable CD media.

Capacities

The capacity of these MP3 player was already touched on in the previous section, but there is more to consider. Determining the capacity desired can have an impact on price and physical size, but the main thing to consider is how many files need to be stored on it.

Several variables determine the quantity of music any given player may hold, namely file type and compression encoding bit rate. MP3 files, for example, may be encoded at bit rates ranging from low quality (64kbps) to high, up to 320kbps. Lower bit rates use less disk (or memory) storage space, but offer sound quality comparable only to a telephone call or AM radio. Higher bit rates, up to and exceeding that of CD quality sound, may be used, but of course take more space. As with all things, there is a trade-off between quantity and quality - think of it in the terms of the number of hours of TV you can record to a VHS tape in SP, EP, and SLP modes.

For the sake of discussion, we will use a decent bit rate of 128 kbps, which will turn 5 minute long songs into files of approximately 5 MB in size. Some simple math shows that a 128 MB device, such as this Egoman unit, will only hold about 25 such songs, while a 40GB iPod can hold about 8000. A device intended to be used only for jogging may do just fine with 128 MB of storage, while a device used in the car, at the office, and elsewhere may benefit greatly from more storage space%u2026 unless you like listening to the same handful of songs over and over again.

Some players offer a base of onboard memory, plus the flexibility of adding more memory through the use of an expansion slot. These slots will accept flash memory, usually SD or MMC, and it can be a cost effective way to add 512 MB to a 128 MB device, such as this one from Ultra Products.

File Formats

Calling these devices MP3 player may be a bit unfair, as most will actually read a few different file formats. MP3 is definitely the most popular, but other common formats include WMA (Window's Media Audio) and WAV (Microsoft's Waveform Audio).

Less common formats are also supported by some devices, such as AIFF (Audio Interchange File Format) and AAC (Advanced Audio Coding). In addition to MP3,the iPod supports these two formats and a few others that most other players do not support, which makes sharing these files with any other device just about impossible without conversion software.

Software is available for creating MP3 files from audio CDs, as well as for converting digital audio files from one format to another. Titles are available for purchase from many companies, including the likes of Nero and Roxio, and other titles can be found as downloads, either free or as free trials.

Displays

Most MP3 players include some sort of display to help the user interact with the device. The size of the display will have an impact on the overall size of the unit, but larger displays can obviously contain more information, and may be easier on the eyes.

Basic information regarding the status of the device and its files are generally shown on the display, and settings for things such as the volume and equalizer can be manipulated with ease.

The LCD display on the iPod is one of its great features, due to its large size (2" diagonally), and its LED backlighting for comfortable viewing in any lighting condition. The iPod is a larger device, however, and it can afford to have a larger display to convey information on menus, song artists/titles, volume, date/time, equalizer, battery status, and so on.

Smaller devices obviously have smaller displays, but they still need to convey some basic information. Using small fonts and symbols, allows devices like this one from Perception Digital to display a good deal of information at any one time. What is lost is the ability to view menus and playlists, as seen on the iPod, and you may need better vision to see the smaller characters.

Displays are a convenience item though, and some players have eliminated the display in the name of simplicity (and hopefully savings). The iPod Shuffle doesn't include a display at all, and their slogan "enjoy uncertainty" expresses the fact that you'll just have to go with the flow as your interaction with the device is quite limited.

Final Words

For such small devices, there are many variables to consider when shopping for an MP3 player. The first part in this series covered four key items, and in the second part we will cover four more, including; battery, extra capabilities, computer interface, and size.

Top 5 Budget Desktop PCs

Finding a budget desktop computer is a bit more difficult these days. The number of companies offering desktops for the budget market has decreased dramatically. This is why I've adjusted the criteria to be considered a budget desktop PC to be priced at under $650. If the system includes a monitor, that price maximum is increased to $750. With this in mind, here are my latest picks for the best budget desktop computer systems based on my research and experience.

1. HP Pavilion a6200n

In terms of the budget systems, the HP Pavilion a6200n is the most well rounded. It's AMD Athlon 64 X2 5600+ is definitely one of the stronger processors you will find in this price segment and the 2GB of memory allow it to run Windows Vista very well. Storage is a bit above average with its 260GB hard drive and LightScribe compatible DVD burner. It is nice to also see that HP didn't skimp on peripheral connections by including FireWire ports, something many budget systems remove to save on costs. On, the whole this system would work well for pretty much any task one might have for it.

2. Gateway GT5622

Gateway has come a long way with its retail lineup of computers. The GT5622 is really unique for a budget system. They have included 3GB of memory in the system that lets it run Vista and multiple applications without much problem. It also features a larger 400GB hard drive that provides extra space for applications and data. This makes it a strong choice for those needing storage or running memory intensive applications. The Pentium Dual-Core E2160 is a bit behind what can be found from AMD processors but still quite good. There is no FireWire ports on this model though.

3. Dell Inspiron 531 Budget

Dell's Inspiron 531 is very different from their past systems. First, it uses the Inspiron name that previously was used for their laptops. Second, it uses the AMD processor that makes a better budget processor. The Athlon 64 X2 5000+ may not be as fast as the HP's, but it still gets the job done quite well. Dell only includes 1GB of memory base, so Vista will be a bit slower without an upgrade. Storage is about average and it does lack a FireWire port. But, Dell does include one of their very strong 19" LCD monitors in the package.

4. Acer AcerPower FH 4401

The AcerPower FH4401 is really a business system rather than a consumer one, but it does have some merits. In particular, it uses the Intel Core 2 Duo E4400 dual core processor that far exceeds the performance from desktops found in this price range. With its 2GB of memory, it can really plow through applications without any troubles. The drawbacks to this are the small 160GB of storage space, no media card reader or FireWire ports. At least it comes with a DVD burner unlike many other business systems. (Monitor is not included)

5. Compaq Presario SR5262NX

Compaq is pretty much a name that stands for budget systems. The Presario SR5262NX is about average for what one can expect in this price range for a desktop PC. It certainly isn't the fastest or have the most storage space, but it gets the job done. The Pentium Dual-Core E2160 processor is sufficient and thankfully it comes with 2GB of memory which is more than can be said of most similarly priced systems. Of course it lacks a FireWire port that is becoming pretty much the standard for a low cost PC. So, if you are looking for digital video editing, you probably want to look at another system, but its fine for just about everything else.

Top 5 PC Shopping Mistakes

Personal computers have become another appliance common to the household as a TV or DVD player. The problem is that unlike most other home appliances, computers can vary greatly in terms of their features, performance and price. Without the proper information when shopping for a computer consumers can end up spending too much or coming away with one that doesn't meet their needs. Here are some of the common mistakes people tend to make when buying a new computer system.

1. Buying the Least Expensive System

We all want to save money when buying stuff, but with computers this can lead to problems. Often times the spectacular deals offered on systems have hidden caveats that users are unaware of. A common deal was low cost computers if purchased with a year of ISP service, but if you don't use the year of service, you don't get the rebate. The most common issue though is older outdated systems sold for minor savings instead of spending a bit more to get a dramatically better PC. Always price compare and look at the individual components to be sure that it really is a good deal and not last year’s tech at low prices.

2. Not Budgeting For Peripherals and Software

While most computer systems tend to come with a little software and may be bundled with items, the prices do not cover all the items you may need to use your computer effectively. Often times there are peripherals such as a printer, power strip or cables that you might need to protect and use your computer. The software is a bit trickier though. PC manufacturers typically include limited software that might meet some needs but not all. For example, anti-virus packages tend to include 90-days of updates, but after that it is necessary to purchase the subscription updates.

3. Extended Warranties

Retailers really are pushing these and for good reason. The margins are quite low on consumer electronics and computers but extended warranties are worth a lot. When consumers buy this, they are essentially betting that there computer will fail before the given date. Consumers tend to end up on the short side though as most failures will happen long after the warranty periods and by the time they do, the items in question are outdated. The money can be better saved for future replacement costs. Even organizations such as Consumer Reports recommend against purchasing such warranties.

4. Waiting for Something Better Later

Newer and better technologies are always coming. The problem is that knowing when such technologies are going to come out is not an easy thing to do. No matter what technology you buy into with a computer, it will be outdated in the future. The problem with waiting for that next technology to come out is that you generally end up spending more for the newest thing or you are left without something that you could be using now on the promise of something better later on.

5. Unbalanced System Components

Have the latest and greatest processor but not enough memory to run your applications? What about having enough RAM to run you programs smoothly but not enough drive space to store your programs and data? This is something that consumers have a hard time judging as they might not know their needs until they start using the computer. The problem is that with some computers these items may be hard or impossible to upgrade. Always try to research and be sure you are buying what you need now or that it has the ability to be upgraded in the future.