What kind of desktop is right for me?Like most consumers, you probably have an idea of how much you want to
spend on a desktop. But how do you ensure that you get exactly what you need?
The different shapes and sizes, wide range of configurations, and seemingly
constant arrival of new and faster processors all make for a difficult decision.
To help you find the right mix, we've outlined five common user
types. User types: Family | Student | Power user | Couch potato | Business user  Family  Although
a PC can play many roles in the home, most families will be best served by a
mainstream model. Spending around S$1,000 (US$736.25) to S$2,000 (US$1,472.50) (add a couple hundred dollars if you
want an LCD instead of a CRT display) will net you enough power to quickly run
productivity apps, view and edit vacation photos, manage MP3s, and even play
many of today's games. Be sure to add a DVD burner and a large hard drive if you
have a DV camcorder. KEY FEATURES:
Student  With
college costing what it does, price is of primary concern for students and
parents already footing the bill for tuition, book (and beer) money, and a PC.
More students are turning to notebooks for taking notes in class and writing
papers in the quad, but a desktop is still a common sight in dorms. Unless you
are on the seven-year plan, a budget system should have sufficient performance
and features to get you from orientation to graduation. KEY FEATURES:
Power user  Serious
gaming, graphic design, and video editing all require a high-class PC with an
equally high price tag. Look for a fast processor, lots of speedy memory, and a
top-notch graphics card. If you plan to transfer and edit home movies, you'll
also need a massive hard drive, a FireWire port, and a DVD burner. KEY FEATURES:
Couch potato
 Like
your entertainment to be more passive than interactive? Then you are a candidate
for a Media Center PC. You'll get a fully functional PC that can moonlight as a
TV and a digital video recorder. New models with compact or all-in-one designs
are great for small apartments and dorm rooms. And the software and the remote
let you control entertainment features without getting off the couch. KEY FEATURES:
Business user
 Graphics
are less of a concern for most businesses. You'll want a system with enough
power for multitasking your daily office chores, and the money you save on the
graphics you can put toward a flat-panel display and a better warranty.
KEY FEATURES:
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