Computer Buying Guide

There are many different types of computers you can buy across a wide range of prices. Read about each type to decide which ones best fit your needs and budget.

	PROS	CONS
	A basic model should be able to handle everyday tasks for most computer users.	It's not portable; you'll need a dedicated space for the CPU tower, monitor, keyboard, and mouse.
	It's easy to repair and upgrade the internal components, which could extend its life by several years.	New components like extra RAM and video cards can be expensive.
	Usually runs the Windows operating system, which means it can run lots of different applications.	May require upgrades to run certain programs, such as games or video editing software.

Laptop computer ($250 - $1500+)

Laptops are convenient because you can take them wherever you need. However, they're usually not as powerful as desktops, and they're also much harder to repair.