Anyone who has worked in the IT world for long enough to have a cup of coffee has been asked the question by a friend, colleague, neighbor or long lost relative: “What kind of computer should I buy?” It sounds straightforward, but the answer isn’t always simple, and the right computer for one person may be totally wrong for someone else. You don’t have to be a tech expert to figure it out, but taking a little time to think about how you plan to use your computer can save you money and frustration down the line.
The first question I always ask when I get this question is “how do you plan to use it?” Are you mostly checking email, browsing the web, watching videos, maybe editing a few documents now and then? If that sounds like you, then you probably don’t need anything fancy or terribly expensive, the sarcastic answer is that almost anything with a screen would meet your needs. In all seriousness though, a good middle of the road laptop or desktop will handle all of that comfortably. You can stick with something that has a decent processor, maybe an Intel i5 or AMD Ryzen 5, and 8 to 16GB of RAM. That kind of setup is more than enough for everyday use and will feel fast and responsive.
Anyone that works from home, spends time on video calls, manages spreadsheets, edits documents, or uses web based software like QuickBooks or Zoom regularly, might benefit from investing in something a little more capable. This doesn’t mean you need to go out and buy a top of the line beast of a computer, but spending a little more on a faster processor or more memory will help keep things running smoothly, especially if you like to keep a lot of browser tabs open or multitask between apps.
For people doing creative work, like video editing, music production, graphic design, or anything else that needs a high performing machine, you’re going to want something that can keep up. A fast processor, more RAM (we’re talking 16GB or more), and a dedicated graphics card will make a huge difference in both performance and how enjoyable the experience is. If you're working with large files or rendering video, the speed of your computer can directly affect how productive you are. In this case, a higher-end desktop or a pro-level laptop is a good investment.
Gamers fall into their own category entirely. If you’re building or buying a computer to play the latest games, then you absolutely NEED to prioritize a good graphics card and a fast refresh rate display. Most modern games are built to take advantage of more powerful GPUs, and if you’re trying to play titles like Call of Duty, Elden Ring, or anything graphically intensive, your graphics card will be doing a lot of the work. A lot of memory and a strong processor are also absolute, non negotiable necessities. For serious gaming, desktops tend to give you more power for the money, but there are also some impressive gaming laptops out there if you want portability.
On the other hand, if you’re buying a computer for a student, portability and battery life might matter more than raw power. A lightweight laptop with solid battery life, a comfortable keyboard, and good display quality can go a long way, especially for kids or college students who need to carry it around or use it throughout the school day. Chromebooks are a popular choice for students and light users because they’re simple, secure, and affordable. They don’t run traditional software like Microsoft Office or Adobe, but for web-based work, they’re more than capable.
Budget is, of course, a huge part of the equation. Not everyone needs a top-of-the-line machine, and a lot of people overspend on specs they’ll never use. On the other hand, going too cheap can sometimes backfire. A low-end machine might save you money upfront, but if it struggles to run basic apps or slows down quickly, it could end up costing you more in lost time and eventual replacement. It’s often worth spending just a little more to get something that will last longer and give you a smoother experience.
Another consideration is whether you want a laptop or desktop. Laptops give you flexibility and freedom to move around, which is ideal for many people. But desktops tend to be more powerful for the price and are easier to upgrade or repair. If you mostly work in one place and don’t need to carry your computer with you, a desktop might be the better value. That said, modern laptops are more powerful than ever and can meet most people’s needs with no problem at all.
Operating system preference also plays a big role. Some people love the simplicity and style of Apple’s macOS, while others are more comfortable in Windows or prefer the web-focused experience of ChromeOS. If you already use an iPhone or iPad, a Mac might make more sense because of how well everything works together. If you use Android or rely heavily on Microsoft Office and other Windows software, a Windows machine might be a better fit. ChromeOS is great for users who spend most of their time online and don’t need access to traditional desktop apps.
One final thought that often gets overlooked is support. Who’s going to help if something goes wrong? If you're not comfortable troubleshooting tech issues on your own and you don’t have a friend, neighbor, relative or someone at work you can bribe with cupcakes, it’s worth considering what kind of support comes with the computer you’re buying. Brands like Apple and Dell tend to offer strong customer service, and extended warranties or support plans can give you peace of mind. Alternatively, working with a local IT professional, like Lowcountry Network Consulting, can help you make the right purchase and get ongoing support when needed.
So, what kind of computer should you buy? The one that fits your life, your work, and your budget. It doesn’t have to be fancy or expensive: it just has to be right for you. And if you're unsure, that's totally normal. You don’t have to make the decision alone. Reach out, ask questions, and get guidance from someone who understands how these devices work and how to match them with real-world needs. At LCNC, we’ll help you choose the right computer, handle the purchase, take care of the setup, install your apps, and deliver it ready to use! Once it’s in your hands, we’re happy to connect it to your home network, hook up any devices like printers, and offer ongoing support whenever you need it.
