Desktops and workstations buying guide - Your unique desktop needs

The processor is a computer's brain, and it affects how much work you can do with a system and how fast. As with other desktop PC components, faster processors are more expensive, but even today's mid-range processors will support common business applications well. Processor speed is measured in Gigahertz (GHz).

If you plan to keep your system for more than a year or two, consider investing in a faster processor that runs at about 3.4 GHz. This processor will support future applications that will require faster processes for longer. For systems that you plan to replace in a year to 18 months, you can safely choose a slower processor in the 2 GHz range because it will give you the power you need today and you'll replace it long before it stops supporting new applications. 

Memory is your computer's workspace. It provides your desktop PC with fast, temporary storage to hold data while you work with it. The more memory a computer has, the larger the workspace. Conventional wisdom holds that you should buy as much memory as you can afford -- up to the maximum memory your system will support. Memory is inexpensive these days, and given that it does improve your PC's overall capabilities, this conventional wisdom still holds true. Memory is measured in Megabytes (MB) and Gigabytes (GB).

For standard business applications, 512MB of memory is a good start. For more robust applications, consider up to 1 GB of memory. You can also add memory to your system over time, so be sure that you choose a computer that supports up to 1 or 2 GB of memory so even if you start with 512MB initially, you can extend your system later as your needs require.

Your hard drive is your data repository, and also where all of your business applications and their related files are stored. You need to be sure that your system has enough hard drive space to support all of the data you work with today, your operating system, your applications, and the data you expect to generate in the life of the PC. Hard drive space is measured in Gigabytes (GB).

If your work is data intensive and you store your data on your local system rather than a file server, consider an 80 or 120 GB hard drive. However, if you don't produce large amounts of data, or if you keep most business data on a separate server, a 40 GB drive is a cost-effective and acceptable size drive.   

Beyond your desktop PC's basic unit, you'll need accessories and services to complete your system. In particular, carefully consider the monitor you purchase for your system. Flat panel monitors take up less space on the desktop, a feature that is particularly useful if you have limited office space. They also offer more ergonomic options with various tilt and height adjustment capabilities. More traditional CRT monitors are less expensive but still offer a solid view for your staff. Also, be sure to buy a large enough display to meet your needs. 22 and 23-inch displays offer wide viewing for desktop publishing and another screen-space intensive applications, while 17 and 19 inch displays will work for more common applications.

Before you complete your business desktop PC purchase, be sure to evaluate your support needs and consider extending or upgrading your warranty with HP Care Pack services. You can upgrade your warranty to a variety of levels, including 4-hour 24x7 same day service as well as next business day exchange. To decide what level of warranty upgrade is right for you, consider how much system down time will cost you in productivity and lost sales. The more you can lose if a system goes down, the more important it is for you to invest in a warranty upgrade.