Best Desktop Reviews 2018

Computers used to be ridiculously expensive; today, they are a lot more affordable. Sure, there are still many desktop computers with hefty price tags, but those are typically specialized machines built for heavy tasks such as gaming, 3D design, video editing and more.

Today, you can get a desktop for as little as $150 or as much as $1000. Anything over that would be overkill unless you are someone who will be using a lot of space, RAM, and the like.

You’re probably wondering, how could a desktop cost as little as $150? The thing is, now there are portable desktop computers that are known as PC sticks, which you can plug into a TV or monitor and turn that display into a computer. Sure, they don’t have a ridiculous amount of memory, but they get the job done.

Speaking of memory, that’s one thing that will dictate the price you spend on a PC. A computer with 4GB of RAM will cost less than one with 8GB. That, along with other factors such as accessories – some PCs come standalone, others come with a monitor, mouse, and keyboard. There are those with the monitor and the PC all in one. Screen resolution also plays a role, as do processing power and more. However, those are the main features that will affect the price you pay for your desktop.

A desktop’s features are what will determine whether it is a good fit for your needs and worth your money. Here are the most notable features to look out for when shopping for a desktop computer:

• RAM – Random access memory, aka RAM, is your computer’s working memory and what impacts its speed. 4-8GB of RAM is okay for everyday use and even for light gaming.
• Processor – This gives your computer the power it needs to get the job done, and it works in tandem with your computer’s RAM.
• Storage – There’s two types of storage, the more common HDD and the more costly and faster SSD (solid state drive). The storage size and type are important when deciding on your next desktop PC.
• Graphics – Consider the screen resolution, as well as the graphics card, when purchasing your PC. Most everyday PCs don’t need a dedicated graphics card, but if you feel that it will benefit you, you can still opt for one.
• Operating System (OS) – There are two major players in the OS game, MacOS and Windows, but there are also others such as Chrome OS, Linux, and more.
• Design – There are different types of desktops, such as tower, all-in-one, and more.

The build of a desktop comes down to its type. The four types of desktop computers are mini, tower, all-in-one, and PC stick. Each has its own advantage and disadvantage. The most common is the tower PC, which is the one you think of when you think of a desktop computer. You can purchase these alone or with a monitor. The specifications depend on your needs, and they are the most widely used type of desktop.

The second most common is the all-in-one computer, which has a large monitor with everything in it. These are not as common as the tower PCs but are recommended for home; they are also found in many business places. They save on space when it comes to the PC, but the monitors are usually quite large.

The final two types are PC sticks and mini desktops. These are, without a doubt, the more affordable options and are also highly portable, however, the drawbacks of these types of desktops are that they lack the power of the tower and all-in-one PCs, and they also rarely come with peripherals, which may be a positive or negative, depending on how you look at it.

Computers are now easier to set up and use than ever. Automatic updates make it easy to keep everything running smoothly, from hardware to software, and while viruses are indeed a valid concern for many, there are loads of great antivirus software programs on the market to give you that added protection.

However, if virus protection is a primary concern that you have, then we recommend you check out a Mac. While they aren’t impervious to viruses, most virus designers target Windows more than they do Apple. Apple is known for being more expensive than Windows, so the choice is up to you.

Overall, purchasing an everyday computer is now easier than ever. Sure, it gets more technical as your needs become more specific, but for everyday use such as typing, watching movies, surfing the web, and more, choosing an everyday PC is a simple process and much cheaper today than it used to be.