Which computer to choose?

Choosing the right computer can be difficult, given the wide range of options available. Choosing between a laptop or desktop, price, processor performance, amount of memory and other technical specifications may be some of the factors that influence your decision. First of all, it is important to understand what you intend to use the computer for. Your needs will clearly define both the type of computer and the technical specifications that need attention.

• Office work - If your daily work involves documents, emails, web browsing and light data processing, then you don't need a very powerful computer.  A mid-range processor and RAM (RAM) between 8-16 GB will suffice.
   
• Graphic design and/or video editing - If you work with "heavier" programs such as Premiere Pro or Adobe Photoshop, then you need a powerful processor and RAM of at least 16 GB, as well as a powerful graphics card.  Here's a list of the best laptops for designers, compiled by TechRadar.
   
• Gaming - For gamers, it is important to choose a computer with a strong graphics card, high refresh rate and powerful processor.  
  Look for PCs with an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 or equivalent. Here's information, comparisons and reviews of different PCs suitable for gaming from tech portal Tom's Hardware. 
   
• Software development - To process huge files and run many programs at once, you need a processor with powerful performance, enough RAM and an SSD.  The technology website Digital Trends recommends the following programming computers.

Budget

Another important factor is budget. Cheaper computers are often sufficient for everyday tasks. If you have higher demands, you will probably need to invest more.
 

• Low budget (up to €600) - this price will allow you to buy computers for everyday use or for office work such as web browsing, email creation, document editing and easy viewing of multimedia.  Take a look at our range of laptops HERE.
   
• Medium budget (€600-1200) - in this price range you can find computers with a better processor and more RAM.  These computers are suitable for those who need more power for everyday tasks, as well as for light gaming or image editing. Check out the desktop computers available in our online shop in this price catalogue.  
   
• High budget (€1200+) - In this price range, you'll get high-performance PCs suitable for complex tasks such as graphic design, video editing, gaming and other "demanding" activities.
   

Laptop or desktop?

• A laptop is a fantastic solution for people who need mobility. A laptop is the best choice if you travel a lot or work remotely. They are getting lighter and more powerful, offering performance on a par with desktop computers.
   
• A desktop computer - usually offers more power than a laptop. If mobility is not a requirement, a desktop PC can also be a better choice in terms of price. On the technical side, it is also easier to update and customise with different computer components.

Technical specifications

The technical specification of your computer is important to ensure that the device meets your needs.  Below we list the main technical features that you should definitely pay attention to.
 

• Processor (CPU). The CPU is the brain of the computer and determines how fast the computer can perform different tasks.  Intel and AMD are the two biggest processor manufacturers. Intel Core i5 or i7 processors are suitable for most users, while AMD Ryzen processors often offer equivalent power. Also pay attention to the number of cores and the speed. A computer with more cores can perform more tasks at the same time. For light workloads, a quad-core processor will suffice, but for professional work, a processor with six or eight cores is preferable.
   
• RAM is the memory used by the computer to run programs. The more RAM, the better the computer can handle more programs at the same time. 
  8 GB of RAM is enough for everyday tasks such as web browsing and word processing. 
  16 GB RAM - great for graphic design, video editing or small games.
  32 GB RAM or more - for working with large programs or "heavy" multimedia files, such as video editing, 3D rendering.
   
• Hard Drive (Storage) is a key factor in the speed and efficiency of your work. Evaluate the type of hard disk - HDD vs SSD. HDD (Hard Disk Drive) is a mechanical drive that is cheaper and has a higher capacity, while SSD (Solid State Drive) is much faster, more expensive but with a lower capacity. Many computers offer a hybrid combination of both SSD and HDD. The SSD is used for the operating system and essential applications, while the HDD provides ample storage space.
   
• Graphics card (GPU). If you plan to use your computer for gaming, video editing or other graphical activities, you will need a good graphics card. The built-in graphics card is suitable for light tasks such as web browsing and watching videos. Intel Iris Xe or AMD Radeon are particularly common in this category. A separate graphics card is required for game players and audio, video, design professionals.  AMD Radeon or NVIDIA GeForce are the best options, while RTX 3060 or higher models are suitable for complex tasks and games.
   
• Ports and connections - Make sure your PC has enough USB, HDMI or Thunderbolt ports, depending on your needs.
   

Accessories

In addition to buying a computer, you should also consider additional equipment that enhances the user experience.

• Monitor - A larger or multiple monitors can improve productivity, especially when working with multiple windows or applications at the same time. Multiple monitors also make it easier to handle spreadsheets and large amounts of data. 
   
• Keyboard and computer mouse - an ergonomic keyboard and a fast computer mouse can be particularly important when working for long periods.  
  An ergonomic mouse and keyboard will take the strain off your ligaments and muscles, allow you to get more done and reduce the likelihood of hand pain at the end of the day.