There are countless products to choose from when purchasing gifts for the holidays. From beauty items to athletic gear, your loved ones will receive a gift they enjoy. However, one of the most functional gifts you can purchase is a computer. Your college or high school student will benefit from a new computer, as they’ll use it to write research papers and browse the internet. Whether you’re an expert or new to the topic, look for the following when considering products from a computer service.

What to Look for in a Computer

1. Speed

A sluggish computer can get in the way of work and pleasure, so make sure you invest in a device with plenty of power. Consider processing power and RAM. The processor controls the computer’s overall computing power and the RAM is active memory that stores processes while the software is being used. If you’re streaming and performing general office tasks, an Intel® Core i3 or AMD Ryzen 3 processor and 4 GB of RAM will get the job done. For content editing and heavy browsing, you’ll want to upgrade to 8 GB of RAM and a Core i5 or AMD Ryzen 5 processor. A reliable computer service can educate you on these topics further in-store.

2. Storage

Storage also plays an important role in speed because it keeps your computer from becoming bogged down. It also ensures you have plenty of room for software, photos, videos, and anything else you want to load on your computer. Generally, 250 to 320 GBs will work for basic computer use. Upgrading to around 500 GB is better if you download a lot of music, videos, and other content. If you want to keep your purchase small, consider a cloud subscription or external hard drive to increase storage.

3. Price

Computers are a significant investment, so consider your budget before purchasing from a computer service. Prices vary across manufacturers—what it truly comes down to is if your needs are met. Stronger processors, more RAM, increased storage, and higher-end hardware are a higher investment; however, they last longer and their quality is excellent. 

Turn to SysQuick in Nottingham, MD, for all your computer needs. These professionals specialize in computer repairs and network management for commercial companies. They can also handle all your personal laptop repair, phone screen repair, and game system maintenance. Explore their services on their website or call (443) 231-5627 to discuss your computer needs.