TheFuhrmans  
Family Photos, Video and Computer Advice  
Recommendation

Recommended Computers and Computer Parts

Last Updated: January 11, 2011


Summary

This pages summarizes hundreds of articles and reviews into two pages.  I no longer have the time to maintain most of the computer sections on this website.  However, this page will remain updated.


Buy Online

  • I buy computer parts from NewEgg.  Sort products by best rating or most reviews and buy what others recommend.
  • If you want to save some money, NewEgg frequently offers free shipping on a product, so check back daily.
  • I buy my network, USB, firewire, SATA and HDMI cables from MonoPrice.
  • I shop for the best price on software, cameras and electronics using PriceGrabber.

    Software

  • See the free software and cheap software sections.  Save money.

    Mac v. Windows v. Ubuntu (Linux)

  • I use all three and like each one for different reasons.
  • If I only had one computer, it would be a Mac.  It requires less add-on software, less maintenance time, and it works.

    iPhone / iPod Touch / iPad

  • I love the iPhone, but can't justify the monthly phone bill.  I don't use a phone much.
  • I love my iPod Touch 32MB for playing games, watching movies, using apps, and listening to music (in that order).
  • Ken Rockwell likes the iPod Touch as a portable computer with its built in Wi-Fi.
  • I'm waiting to buy the iPad2 in April.

    Netbooks

  • My love affair with netbooks is gone.  Single core processors are too slow, netbooks are worthless without an internet connection, and a 1024×600 screen requires too much scrolling.  Windows is not optimized for netbooks.
  • I don't own nor use the 11 inch MacBook Air.

    Laptop Computers

  • Buy new, not used.  It's faster, includes a warranty and tech support.
  • Buy a Mac.  It's expensive, but top in its class with far less maintenance time.  My time is valuable.
  • PC Magazine readers rate the best brand name laptops.  Study the numbers.
  • Avoid screens with horrible viewing angles.  The colors change.
  • Consider an $800 laptop every two years instead of $1,600 every 4 years ($400/year).  The standards change too fast.
  • Research a model at Notebook Reviews.
  • See the sections below.

    Desktop Computers

  • Buy new, not used.  It's faster, includes a warranty and tech support.
  • Buy a Mac.  It's expensive, but top in its class with far less maintenance time.  My time is valuable.
  • PC Magazine readers rate the best brand name desktops.  Study the numbers.
  • Upgrade the processor and video card for games, video editing, and RAW photo editing.
  • See the sections below.

    Processor

  • Buy a quad core processor for video editing.  Buy a fast dual core processor for everything else.
  • Intel's Core i3/i5/i7 processors are faster than AMD's Athlon X2 and Phenom X4 processors per Tom's Hardware.

    Memory / RAM

  • 4GB is the standard.  16GB is showing up on high end systems.
  • Windows needs a 64-bit version of XP, Vista or Windows 7 to see more than 3GB.
  • Mac OS X is 64-bit and can read more than 4GB of RAM.

    Hard Drive / SSD

  • Buy a SSD (solid state drive) as the boot drive (C: drive).  It's by far the fastest upgrade for any computer.
  • Buy a large hard drive as the second drive to hold the data.  All hard drives have similar performance.
  • Buy an external drive for backups.  An eSATA connection is the fastest.  I like the small Western Digital My Passport.
  • I also backup my hard drive to the internet with Mozy for $5/month.  It will survive theft or fire.

    LCD Monitor

  • I like the $320 Dell UltraSharp U2311H (1920×1080) for all of the reasons mentioned below.
  • Save your eyes and boost your productivity.  Buy a large, quality LCD.
  • Choose wide viewing angles, fast response times, vibrant colors, and height adjustable stand.
  • A 22 inch widescreen offers the best bang for the buck.
  • TN LCD panels are cheap, have narrow viewing angles (160 degree), and poor color reproduction for photography.
  • PVA and IPS LCD panels are more expensive, but have wide viewing angles (178 degree) and great color reproduction for photography.  They typically cost $300 to $450 for 22 to 24 inch monitors.
  • A Display Port, DVI and VGA connection will ensure it can connect to any laptop or desktop.

    Video Cards - Laptops

  • Windows runs faster on laptops that have a nVidia GeForce or an ATI Radeon graphics chip.
  • Intel's integrated video on laptops is slow and undesirable.

    Video Cards - Desktops

  • All video cards within $10 of each other run the same speed.  Spend at least $100.
  • Gamers need faster and more expensive cards ($180+).
  • The best graphics cards for the money (July 2011) from Tom's Hardware.
  • A Display Port, DVI and VGA connection will ensure it can connect to any laptop or desktop.

    Digital Cameras

  • The only way to get actions shots, which includes capturing facial expressions, is to use a SLR camera.
  • Buy a Canon or Nikon SLR camera with detachable lenses.
  • Buy a Canon point and shoot camera with a viewfinder.  The back screen can't be seen outside in daylight.
  • Ignore the megapixels.  It only takes 3 megapixels to make an 8×10 inch print.
  • I rent lenses from LensRentals.

    Printer

  • Get one with a built in network jack to share the printer with all of the computers on the home network.
  • My ink jet printer head clogs every 18 months, so I buy a new printer.
  • The $120, 23 page per minute, laser printer keeps working at $0.01 per page; fast, cheap, reliable, networked.
  • Print photos at a photo lab, not at home.  I get better results and it's cheaper.

    Network

  • There are wired and wireless speeds.
  • Choose 802.11n routers for the fastest wireless speeds and longest wireless range.
  • Choose gigabit (10/100/1000mbps) for the fastest wired speeds.
  • The fast speeds are important when transferring large files from computer to computer only.
  • All wireless network speeds (802.11g, 802.11n) are faster than any broadband internet connection (3 to 30mbps).
  • Don't type in user IDs or passwords on websites over an unsecured wireless hotspot at the coffee shop, airport or hotel.
  • How to Stay Safe on Public Wi-Fi Networks (July 2010) and Ten Tips for Public Wi-Fi Hotspot Security (Sep 2010).

    • Tech Support

  • Type your error in Google to search for an answer.
  • How to Troubleshoot Your Friends Computers From Far Away using Skype.  Team Viewer works too.
  • Try this flowchart to solve your hardware problems.

    Keyboard

  • A good keyboard can save your wrists from Carpal Tunnel Syndrome and make you more productive.

    Mouse

  • A good mouse can make you more productive, even on a laptop.  It's money well spent.
  • Wireless mice are relatively heavy because of the battery.
  • A razor thin mouse pad designed for optical mice can make a sluggish mouse feel snappy.

    Favorite Software

  • Windows: 7-Zip, AutoRuns, Chrome with LastPass Password Manager, CCleaner, Dreamweaver $400, Dropbox, IrfanView, Lightroom $300, Microsoft Office Pro $300, Microsoft Security Essentials, Mozy $5/mo, Photoshop Elements $90, PowerDesk $40, Quicken Deluxe $60, Retrospect Pro $60, Threatfire.
  • Mac: Chrome with LastPass Password Manager, MagicPref, Pathfinder $40

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