Shopping for bargains in the computer world

摘要

There are occasions, such as the present, when developments in the computer industry create an opportunity to upgrade or purchase new systems at prices that offer much better value for money than at other times. The usual scenario for this type of opportunity is the imminent release of a new technology that will suddenly make a range of existing computers and components obsolete. However, it is important to remember these 'obsolete' systems and parts were the latest technology at the time and will still perform adequately for many years for most common uses and, therefore, offer excellent value for money. For example, a well-known mail-order computer company was offering a budget desktop computer system during October 2000 for 1699 dollar - that system had a 733 Megahertz (MHz) processor, 32 Megabyte (MB) random access memory (RAM), 7.5 Gigabyte (GB) hard drive, 48-speed compact disk (CD) drive, 15-inch monitor and software package, but no video accelerator card.