Advice to Consider for Next Computer Purchase (Opinion)

It seems like I’ve been deciding what type of computer to buy since the early ’80s. Every other week, someone asks me for advice on buying computers, so I do attempt to stay current. Because many of my readers probably have the same questions I get routinely asked, I thought it would be good to talk in general about the decision to buy a new computer.

The questions tend to go like this: “How do you decide when you need a new PC?”; “What kind of PC should I buy?”; “Should I get a desktop or a laptop?”; “Should I think about buying an Apple?”

Most people are initially a bit frustrated when my response is a series of questions back: “Is it for you or the kids?”; “Are you going to use it for work?”; “Do you want to carry it around?”; “Do you send a lot of stuff to other people?”; “What software are you using today?”; “How much do you want to spend?”

Many times folks already have an idea of what they want to buy, but are looking for confirmation.

I believe the fundamental decision to make is between Windows-based computers and the Apple Mac. In almost all cases, I favor the Mac, but there are reasons to buy a Windows machine.

If the computer is for the kids and the kids are using computers for school assignments, it probably should be a low-priced Windows-based desktop PC targeted specifically to the home market. Most schools base computer work around Microsoft products like Word and Excel. They tend to assume Windows products only exist on PCs. While both of those products on the Macintosh, they are not the same in some ways. Many times assignments are based on specific features. Instructions are based on the Windows (usually older) versions of the software.

If the kids are small and school computer needs are a few years out, buy an iMac. In either case, be sure to buy the educational version of Microsoft Office.

If the computer is for work and you are an advanced Microsoft feature user, or you need to use software that only runs on Windows, then buy a good Windows machine. If you can take or leave Windows software or advanced Excel features, buy a Macintosh.

I use a Mac and use Microsoft Office. I’m a fairly advanced Excel user, and have no difficulties with having the features I need or with sharing files with others. I’ve migrated from Word to using Pages as my word processor. The truth, is the more they have supposedly improved the Windows version of Office, the more difficult they have made it for me to use effectively. Excel is the only Microsoft Office program I still use regularly, and I prefer the Mac version.

If you need, or just want, to carry the computer around with you and screen size is not important, buy the smallest, most powerful laptop you can find. For most people, the 13-inch MacBook is the perfect choice.

Add a keyboard and a monitor to the MacBook and you have a desktop setup at home, work or both. If screen size is important while out of the house or office, buy a bigger MacBook.

I do not recommend buying a Windows laptop. Why not? Macs are sturdier, last much longer, have a superior operating system with more economical upgrades, don’t tend to get viruses, have more power and features at their price point than Windows machines and come on instantly when you open them. There is a reason Mac sales are up more than 20 percent year-over-year while sales of Windows machines are down.

If you absolutely need Windows software, buy VM Fusion and use it to run Windows on any Mac. It works very well.

I also will never recommend buying a netbook. Yes, they seem cheap, but as Steve Jobs said, “There is nothing a netbook does well.”

For content consumption, an iPad works well. I don’t recommend Android devices at this point, as that whole world is very unstable and what you get varies across devices.

Most of the people who have ignored my advice on laptops have told me later they made a mistake. Cheap laptops, which most people end up buying, are heavy, underpowered, poorly made and ultimately disappointing.

I have never had anyone who bought a MacBook or any Apple product come back and tell me they made a mistake.  w

Steven Hankins is CEO and co-founder of Accio.us, a technology company providing advisory and management services for small to medium-sized businesses. He can be reached at [email protected].