Pei's Guide to Computer

So you want to buy a computer? Well the first thing to do is NOT to go out and buy the most expensive one you see. Unless you don’t care about anything, you’ll live to regret it.

First of all, no matter where you are at Princeton, the chances are there’s a computer near you. While it is nice to have one of your own, you can survive on school computers for a few months while you search for your needs. So while Princeton does offer a great deal on some computers, be educated! Learn as much as you can before buying something that’s about 2 month’s salary.

OK let me just a little about my self. I’m a computer-holic, I can not live without computers. Today (1/2007) I have 1 desktop and 1 tablet and 2 laptops. One running MACOS, one Linux, one Windows tablet edition, and one windows. A little excessive? Perhaps. But that fits my needs. So lets find out what your needs are.

Desktop vs. Laptop vs. Tablets
The first step should be determining a desktop computer or a laptop. As a grad student it may be nice to have a laptop for presentations, while desktop are dirt cheap these days. If you do presentations often I would suggest a laptop. But if you are going to play 3D games all day and really want a 21” screen then a laptop might not be the best choice. Desktops are good in that they are better for the money and are easily upgradeable. And yes, you’ll need to upgrade within the time you are here. Portables are, well, portable. But only if you don’t mind a smaller screen. Most really portable ones are 10”- 12” screens I think it’s plenty big, just sit closer. But some people want 14” and up screens. These will be heavier due to a bigger battery and screen.  Take them everywhere? Maybe not. But occasional conferences? Sure why not. Then there are the tablets. I am biased since I bought a tablet a month after they are introduced. If your are more of a handwriting person or you’re constantly on the move, then the tablet is made for you. I take notes on my tablet, draw circuits, and make presentations on it. It does everything a laptop would do and you can write on them. And for the first time in my life, I was able to check and write an email while I was walking in the Engineering building, cool huh?

What’s inside?
If you are just a web surfer then you really don’t need anything THAT fast. No need. I never tell anyone to buy the fastest anything available. There is simply no need. The price and performance curve is usually an exponential curve. So what if your computer starts 5 seconds faster than my? Mine is half your price. Another thing to watch out for is not to shop by clock speed. The clock speed is only for the CPU which is only a part of the computer. Things that contribute to computer speed is 1/3 the CPU, 1/3 the Hard drive, and 1/3 the memory. So don’t put too much into clock speed. And don’t forget about going online. If want a portable and you’re in a department like CS or the EQUAD, then you will want wireless networking. It is so much nicer to just open up your computer to check email than to have to find a wire to plug in. They call them portable for a reason, so get rid of all the wires.

MAC vs. other PCs
MACs now uses intel chips, which mean they can run windows as well as macOS without noticeable speed differnces. It took me 2 days to really get used to the interface of the MACOS but it's really easy once I got used to it. I now rarely use windows. Prices... well this website have comparison with dell and apple prices

    http://www.systemshootouts.org/

you can see the prices are similar for similarly configured systems.

I’m not big on brands. Computer in general is fairly unreliable and no matter which brand you go with it’s going to crash. IBM and Apple does have better reliability, but I don't think IBM is worth it. Dell and compaq (aka HP) all offer low end cheap pcs.

My recommendations.
For someone who really needs to run big programs, like mathematica or matlab and stuff that takes about a day to run, you need a desktop. They are cheaper for the fast machines you use. But as a Graduate student you need to do presentations, so a portable is needed too. So you have a fast computer for running programs and the occasional “Counter Strike” J and you have a slower laptop or tablet for on the road.

Then again if you’re a biologist that plays with mice all day, then a slower laptop might be all you need. You will be able to go on the road with your presentations, and it will allow you to get online.

Again this all depend on what you need. I still always argue against buying brand name computer parts. I make a point not buying Intel or IBM or SONY unless they are indeed gives the biggest bang for the buck.

Desktop
Do it your self
If you want to build your own computer you probably won’t be looking at this. But just in case you are, I buy my stuff by looking online at http://www.newegg.com and by looking for deals. You could do a fairly high end system for a very cheap price. For the stylish, there are the shuttle systems. Gives you everything you need in a very tiny package. Suitable for Tivo like machines or for dorm decoration, but still can be a speed demon.

Ready made
Well, I look at dell and gateway. Dell and Compaq usually have lots of deals, but they are seasonal. Dell have their best deals then they have to file their quarterly report. They give out a lot of deals if their sales those 3 month are not that good. So around late Mar. late June, late Sep. and late December. Keep an eye out for those DEALS. Look in the deals section for more info. Apple offer good systems at a good price too. I got a mini and put in 2G of memory my self. Price is comparable to do it yourself and of course the other brands. In addition, I can run windows, linux and MACOS... if I wish, all at the same time.

Portable
Portable computers are all the rage now. But which kind to get? I hope by now you realized that the most expensive is not always the best choice.

Ultra-portable
These are the things I like but can’t really afford. They are a bit more expensive and have less power but looks really really cool. Thin and light you can really take them everywhere. Today software really have fallen behind hardware so it’s not that bad to have a slower CPU. Most doesn’t have an internal CD drive but I haven’t used a CD drive in ages, once you have Ethernet who needs anything else? Currently (Jan/2007) I love the Panasonic R5, an 1kg 11 hours wonder.

Then there are the PDA size computers like the OQO. They are just like 5" to 7" screen PDAs that run windows. I feel they are too big to fit into your pocket and too small to carry in a bag. They seems to be ahead of their time.

Tablets
Then my favorite, the Tablets. They are a little out of fashion now, but I still use it on airplanes or on trips. They are so cool and still serves as a conversation starter. Toshiba currently makes some good ones.

Not so portable
Well, unless you call 5 lbs portable. These are the heavy weights. Most of the time they are just a desktop in a smaller format and bigger price. But they can be had for cheap. This year there was a few deals that offered them at around $600-800 while they are not for carrying around everyday it could serve as the only computer for you and be able to handle occasional presentations. Again most of these deals are from Dell and Compaq.

Performance
If you read all this and still want a performance portable computer, then I don’t want to talk to you. Unless you're rich and spoiled, you really don't need one that fast... with that said. At the high end apple's prices are really good, sometimes significantly better than some of the dell prices

Now Buy
OK So you’ve determined your need and have become more educated it’s time to buy. Buy online, shop around, there are more choices. And, if nothing else you’ll save on tax. If you like the model I suggest seeing it in person first before buying online. How it look and feels could be very important for some. Look in the shopping section for how to find the best deals. Don’t forget to keep the receipt, since this count as equipment for school and is tax deductible.