Desktop Pc Buying Guide: What You Don't Need

By Author: Brian Reed
Total Articles: 44
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Around 40 percent of the people in the United States own a desktop PC. The market is saturated, and chances are, many first-time buyers from a couple of years ago are wondering whether or not it is time to start shopping again. After all, a new desktop PC today is infinitely more powerful than the most powerful one five years ago. Additionally, for second-time buyers, they learned what they wanted from a desktop PC. They realize what they actually use and have a good grasp of the specs they need to complete the tasks they need. Unfortunately, there are always new technologies and specs that are enticing to desktop PC buyers. While many articles tell you what you need, like a powerful processor, a large capacity hard drive, a good graphics processor, or a large memory capacity, here are some things you probably don't need.

Blu-ray Burner

Sony's Blu-ray won the high-definition video disc war against Toshiba's HD DVD and is now the standard for HD video. For people who want to watch high-definition videos on their computer, a Blu-ray player is a great option. However, don't allow yourself to be sold on a Blu-ray ...
... burner. Blu-rays have a massive storage capacity of 25GB or 50GB on a dual layer disc. That can be a tempting storage option, but realistically, the common user will rarely need to store that much data on a single disk. With blank media at around $15 per disk and burning speeds at 2x for the current generation, it isn't a cost-effective choice at this point. As Blu-ray burner prices fall, this will be a good choice, but for now, don't allow yourself to be sold on this upgrade.

5.1 Surround Sound

Computers have turned into all-in-one media machines that can act as a jukebox, video player, and gaming station. With that advent, many computer makers are capitalizing on audio technology such as 5.1 surround sound. This technology utilizes six or more speakers with 3D sound modeling to create a fully surround feel. While there are lower-cost options, chances are the average user won't even utilize a sound program that has 5.1 surround sound. The cost and setup required for a 5.1 surround sound system make it an unnecessary expense for all but the hardcore gamer. Leave the surround sound for the dedicated video room.

Extended Warranty

There is a reason why every companies offer extended warranties: they make a lot of money from them. After all, an extended warranty is a gamble for the company. If their product fails, they have to provide a new one at their expense, usually at a loss compared to the warranty cost. Desktop PCs don't undergo the same wear and tear that laptops do. Fact is, warranties are another way for a company to make more money on a computer sale. With the shelf life of the average desktop PC, by the time your warranty runs out, your replacement computer would be obsolete.

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Brian Reed. Desktop PC With a singular focus on shopping, Shopping.com offers shoppers easy-to-use search tools, engaging content and time saving navigation, along with millions of unbiased product and merchant reviews from the Epinions community, all in one place.