How do I pick out a new computer?

[kaydeelady729]

My mom needs a new computer soon,and has asked me to pick some options out for her. It will most likely be coming from best buy. Basically all she needs it for is email, internet, facebook, those types of things. It needs to be fairly fast, because she wants a new one because her current one is ridiculously slow. Is it the memory, hard drive, or both that make a computer run faster?

If anyone could tell me what things to look for in a good computer, that'd be great. thank you!

[TC 422]

Either of these are great machines for the price-
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?...8099974329

Or

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?...8092152238

They have 6GB of RAM to ensure speedy usage even without proper optimization. The first one is a 2.7Ghz dual core and the second is a 2.6Ghz dual core. Both are pretty snappy. When booting and opening things, it is the hard drive that makes things fast. When she is doing other things like using those programs she has opened, it is the RAM which will make it fast.

[Jeff]

I think what will fit best the needs of your mother would be a computer with a lot of memory.

For the processor and the hard drive mid range products should be enough.

Personally I never bought a computer at Best buy but in other stores they like to sell you high priced stuff with your computer like Anti-Virus, printers, high end mouse or keyboard. I suggest you to refuse their offers unless you feel you really need it.

[jun y]

I suggest you choose an Intel since your mom uses more on emails, facebook etc. since AMD is good for gaming alone. a core 2 duo would be good since its fast for applications and programs and also not that expensive. about 2.66 or 2.8Ghz would be fine. for motherboard you can get any brand and cheap as long as it supports intel core 2 processors. for the RAM u may get a 2 or better if 4GB and a 512mb graphic card. for the hard drive better get a 320GB or higher HDD. btw, any brand will do since that depends on your budget but this set up will work just fine as what your mom requires for her applications. I guess your moms computer is old enough to replace a new set up like this one i suggest. thanks and i hope this helps.