June 2019
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This is a bi-monthly compilation of some of the questions that our clients have asked us recently!
I've decided that it's time to replace my computer. What kind should I get and how much should I expect to pay for it? This is a very common question but not always easy to answer because there are a number of inter-related considerations to wrestle with. The first consideration is whether you want to get a PC or a Mac. As most client's know, Terri and I are both longtime Mac users. While candidly admitting our Mac bias, we always tell clients that they should use whatever kind of computer they are comfortable with. Pound for pound, Mac hardware is almost always substantially more expensive than similarly outfitted PC hardware. The majority of our clients run Windows PCs, a smaller group uses Macs and a small handful have opted for Google Chromebooks. Many clients also have iPhones and iPads in their homes. Chromebooks are generally very low-cost alternatives to PCs or Macs, but are fairly limited in their functionality and we rarely recommend them except under specific circumstances. Once you have made the "Mac or PC" decision, then you need to choose between some kind of desktop computer that doesn't travel or a portable unit that travels between rooms, cities or continents. Historically, desktop units have tended to be a bit less expensive than portables for a given set of features (screen and harddrive size being the most important for most of our typical clients), though that margin can easily evaporate. Other specifications (memory or "RAM", processor type and speed, other features and available warranty coverage) can easily affect final price substantially. By far the most common Mac desktop unit is the iMac with it's all-in-one combination of two large screen size options and processing hardware in one attactive case. In the last few years, PC manufacturers have taken note of Apple's success consolidating screen and computing hardware and also have started making all-in-one products. Some PC manufacturers also have offered touch-sensitive screens (even an optional screen-based keyboard!) as a bonus, making navigation potentially more like using a smart phone. Apple has yet to offer a touch-sensitive device outside of the iPhone and iPad, largely because research suggests that most desktop computer-users still prefer a separate keyboard and mouse to interact with their computer. The classic tower-style computer, with its separate display, keyboard and mouse is now almost solely the province of Windows computers, as Apple's last tower (the Mac Pro) is a very elegant but expensive piece of hardware almost exclusively used professionals in the visual and audio media. How much money should you spend? Broadly speaking, you can expect to spend $1300-$3000 for a Mac portable unit (12-15 inch screen sizes) and slightly more for an iMac (21.5 and 27 inch screens, only). There is an iMac "Pro" version but like the Mac Pro, is more expensive than any of our customers wanted to pay. By the way, Apple is the sole manufacturer of Mac hardware. With a much wider selection of manufacturers and available features, PC portables can range between $400 and $2500. PC all-in-ones typically cost between $1000 and $2000. A new PC tower can run you anywhere between $500 and $2000, with a new display adding another $100-$300, if you don't reuse an old one you might already have. There are a lot of factors to take into account when buying a new computer and we obviously don't want you to spend more than you need to. We can help you assess how you will use a new computer and assist you in making a sound decision for your particular situation. What do you want to know more about? There are still many other topics we could talk about here or in a personal consultation. We welcome your comments and questions for future issues of the OCW Insider. You also can give one of us a call or shoot an e-mail and we'll set up an appointment to meet with you! Important announcement! Terri and I are very pleased to announce that longtime Clemson IT colleague and friend, Bryan Lee, has agreed to join One Click Wonders as an associate. In that capacity, Bryan will work with our clients when Terri and I are traveling together (with respective spouses!) or otherwise unavailable. As he still works fulltime for the University and has other personal commitments, he will only be able to work with OCW clients on weekday afternoons. Not only is Bryan well-versed on both Macs and PCs but also he exceeds OCW's high standards for personalized customer service! We are VERY fortunate to have him join us and look forward to introducing him to clients as time permits. |
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phone: 864.710.7009 email: dave@oneclickwonders.com |
phone: 864.633.6707 email: terri@oneclickwonders.com |