A personal computer (PC) is an essential electronic equipment. There are many types of PCs, brands, and so many cool designs, that selecting a system for oneself can be quite a confusing task. One can find a basic desktop PC around USD 100 in the used computer store, or can go with the great looking "Alienware" gaming laptop over USD 1000. So, again the question which one to buy, asserts itself. These tips will help you in the job of selecting your new machine. Desktop Vs. Laptop The first clear question to ask yourself is - do you want to go for a laptop or a desktop PC? Both have their pros and cons. Hence, consider them properly before you decide. Let us look at the advantages and disadvantages of both in brief. Laptops are portable, don't take up much space, and come in cool designs at affordable price tags. However, the price of a laptop is mostly higher, when compared to a desktop with the same features. This means that you can get a desktop with more features for a lesser price. However, as compared to laptops, desktops are heavier and when moving to a new place, moving them with you can be a painful task. While with laptops, you can just put them in the laptop bag and carry them over your shoulder. But, if you are looking for a workstation, then only a desktop system can fulfill your need. Desktop PC is preferable when you want to do a lot of technical stuff like hardcore video editing, animation, illustration, image editing, or using software requiring a lot of space. For gaming, a desktop is always superior than a laptop. Laptops get outdated easily, because newer models are being introduced every now and then and upgrading the laptop is both tedious and expensive. To summarize, if you need a PC for basic stuff like surfing, watching movies, playing games, video or image editing, video conferencing, and you are always traveling, then a laptop is the best deal for you. Features to Consider The next important step is to decide the configuration you need in your system. Firstly, you should make a decision regarding the size of the screen, amount of RAM, and the capacity of the hard disk. Today, everyone opts for at least 4 GB RAM, so don't go below it. However, if you need better speed and performance, you can look for a higher capacity RAM too. A hard disk of 500 GB is decent, but now even laptops come with a hard drive of 1 TB capacity, so that you have ample space to store all your movies, music, documents, software, etc. Next comes graphic card, which produces all the graphics and videos on the monitor screen. NVIDIA and AMD Radeon are well-known brands. Apart from this, keep looking for other configurations like DVD ROM, mouse, keyboard, and other components like webcam, speakers, scanner, UPS, etc. Finalizing the Model Next step is to read various reviews, once you have narrowed down the features. You can check out numerous websites on the Internet by searching about the specific topics which may help you. Read expert opinions and recommendations regarding specific products. Every branded system has its own set of features that it offers. Here are some pointers:

• Mac is a great looking system and has good features, but costs a hefty amount of money.
• Dell is decent looking and gives a good set of features for a good price.
• Sony Vaio has a sleek design, great picture quality, but is quite expensive compared to other brands.
• Then, there are Lenovo and Acer, which are reliable, cheaper than other brands, and have a decent design.
• HP is also a good brand, with many great models loaded with features for a good price. Even ASUS has positive reviews.

So, the main thing is to select a few brands and then compare their specifications to find out the best value-for-money system. Money Saving Tips If you have a tight budget, then you can go for a decent refurbished laptop under USD 200. First of all, check out various online shopping sites which offer a lot of variety and deals. Also, go to local sellers, and check the price of that particular model you are interested in. Apart from the main system, see what other components or accessories you are getting with it. Check out the type of warranty and its period. Considering the aforementioned tips would really help you in your quest to find the right machine.