Will it be you, or your 4 year old? Again, different users will require different hardware and/or software, which in turn means you'll need to purchase the RAM or hard drive space that fits those needs.

For example, if you're buying the computer to play the most recent 3D computer games, then you'll need some heavyweight hardware, as gaming computers use a lot more computer processor and graphics power.

Note: Games for little kids can run from very simple to amazing resource hogs, so before you buy a computer, do your homework on the specific requirements for each game your little one will be using. On each software package, there should be a "requirements" note that will talk about the RAM and hard drive space needed.

If you plan on keeping your new computer for a while, consider purchasing the maximum amount of memory and hard drive space you can afford.

You don’t need to buy the top of line processor, but you will need one from the higher end, at least. If you try to go cheap and buy the low end, you won't be happy.

I can tell you that 2 or 3 years down the road, when your work computer has been upgraded to the newest, fastest processor, your home computer will start to feel like it's REALLY slow.

If so, you’ll need to buy a regular or wireless network card to take advantage of the capabilities your network offers. (If you want to know more about wireless networks, see my page here.

If so, you’ll want to purchase a laptop computer. They are essential for portable computing.

If you want to also use your new laptop like a desktop computer, buy a docking station and a monitor stand with it.

A docking station is a piece of hardware that lets you attach a regular monitor, keyboard and mouse to it permanently. You then "dock" the laptop to the docking station when you want to use it as if it were a desktop computer. Here's a picture of a docking station with a laptop docked into it. The monitor sits on the stand above the docked laptop.

Seven pounds doesn't seem like much when you are walking from your bedroom to your living room. But it gets MUCH, much heavier walking through several airports.

Consider a 3-4 pound laptop weight if you plan to take your laptop with you when you fly.

Lighter machines have smaller screens, but the quality is still very good, and they are usually less expensive.

If you decide you want a heavier laptop, make sure you buy a laptop bag that has a pull handle and wheels. You'll be so thankful for it later.

If you are looking for a specific brand, here's more information on laptop reviews.

In general, the more memory, hard drive space, and processing speed a computer has, the more expensive it will be. The trick is to buy the maximum memory, hard drive space and processor you can afford. Also, laptops are more expensive than desktop computers.

You can buy a fairly decent desktop computer – with 2 Gigs of RAM, 80 Gig hard drive, and pretty fast processor, plus a monitor, a DVD burner and the standard peripherals - for about $1200. That same $1200 will buy you a less powerful laptop.

For a faster laptop with more memory and drive space, you’re looking at about $1800.

Of course, you can buy a computer with a cheaper, slower Celeron chip for about $700. (NOTE: I did NOT tell you to buy a Celeron chip.)

Sometimes you can get the printer and scanner bundled in with a new computer for cheaper than you can buy them separately. Shop around and make comparison charts when you buy a computer.

If you have broadband, you’ll need a network card. If you are still on dial-up, make sure you buy a modem.

Most computers come with bundles of software already installed. Figure the cost of these individual programs into your comparison chart when you are deciding the value of your computer choices. You may get a better deal overall with the additional software.

NOTE: Are you thinking you want to buy Office 2007? Office 2007 will cost you about $450 bucks. You may be able to save some of that cash if you instead download a copy of Sun Microsystems’s OpenOffice. It works just as well as Office, is compatible with all the Microsoft files, and doesn't cost a cent.

Go to my Freebies page for more info.

So, now that we have the main questions answered, let’s talk specifics. Click on this link to see my specific computer recommendations:

My Specific Computer Buying Tips

Cheap-Computers-Guide.com-Cheap Computers Guide-Evaluating PC's or Building Your Own.

Done with how to Buy a Computer, take me to the Home page.