How to Purchase a Computer
Purchasing Guidelines
No matter how long you wait to buy a computer with the latest technology, there will always be a new release the next day.
If you are in need of a computer, now is the right time to buy!
Questions to Ask Yourself
- How do you use your computer?
- What software is necessary for your business, hobby or other interest?
- Where are you going to use your computer?
- What features are important to you?
- Do you want a desktop or laptop?
- Windows or Macintosh?
These questions will assist you in deciding what you need in a computer.
Analyze Your Usage
If you will use your computer for graphics, sound and video, you’ll want plenty of RAM and a large hard drive.
If you will be doing computational tasks such as searching databases or doing mathematical computations, you need a powerful processor.
Video editing and production requires a powerful processor, maximum RAM and a large hard drive.
If you plan to use your computer for basic office duties, surfing the internet, or managing family photos, you don’t need a powerful computer.
Music production has its own set of requirements. Assistance from someone in the industry can be very helpful.
If you are using a computer for graphics, music production or design you may want a Macintosh computer. If you are using it for business applications you may want a Windows computer.
If internet security is a primary concern to you, a Macintosh offers the maximum in security with no third party software necessary.
Purchasing
Your campus bookstores have staff to assist with the correct configuration and selection of a computer for your needs.
If you do not require assistance, you can go online to your bookstore website and get great student discounts on Apple and Dell computers, shipped directly to your home.
See our About Us page for contact information for all our locations.
Look for the “Computers” heading in the menu, then click on Apple or Dell. That will take you to our Apple or Dell website.
Discounts from 6 - 12% are given to students at the Dell website while Apple’s discount is a flat dollar amount depending on your selection and configuration.
You are always welcome to ask for assistance in your campus bookstore. We are happy to help you configure a new computer and answer any questions you may have.
We hope this information is of help to you and look forward to assisting you with your new computer purchase in one of our five campus bookstores.