[October 14, 2007]

The Dominion Post, Morgantown, W.Va., Nicole Bowman column: Speed, support among keys to computer purchase

(The Dominion Post in Morgantown (WV)(KRT) Via Thomson Dialog NewsEdge) Oct. 14--GET MORE video game reviews and news in The Dominion Post on Mondays.

GETTING A GAMING computer can be a daunting task -- just take my last three attempts. My first computer was great for what I wanted it to do -- help me design Web pages and graphics while letting my husband play "Caesar III." After that game came out, my computer was already too slow to play anything else.

Then we got an HP. It wasn't top of the line, but it was as close as we could afford. It was great for a few years. We were able to play several games with it, but after a while, the technology got too advanced for the computer. Playing the strategy game "Medieval: Total War" involved moving white shadows across a foggy landscape due to the lack of a graphics card. We could play many games, but not the way the developers envisioned them.

With our latest purchase, I can see the entire "Medieval" battlefield and watch the rain fall in Sierra's "Caesar IV" -- at the same time if I wanted.

Getting to this point took a lot of trial and error and research.

To find the right gaming computer, begin by looking at the games you want to play and if you want to do anything else.

For example: Are they platform specific (Windows or Apple) and do they have hardware or software requirements (such as having a specific graphics card or DirectX 10 compatibility, Internet access). That will give you a good base computer to look for.

You could go to a salesman, hold up a game you want, and say, "Find me a computer that plays this that will last for more than a few years." Doing this isn't necessarily a safe bet -- some salespeople aren't as knowledgeable as others.

Ideally, you want something with more than what a current game requires so this time next year, the computer won't be obsolete.

Check out gaming computers at gaming.pcreview.topten reviews.com/. The Web site gives a rundown on what it considers to be the top gaming computers. It also gives you tips on what to look for in a gaming computer:

A fast processor to prevent lags.

Tons of memory to access frequently used programs. Look for between one and two gigabytes (GB) of RAM memory.

A high-end graphics card. The sound and images should be clear.

I/O device to allow for various peripherals.

Value/price to get the best bang for your buck.

Support/warranty to provide prompt and courteous service when your computer breaks down.

One Web site to look at for computer suggestions is consumeraffairs.com. Consumers who have had good or bad experiences with any product can post something on the site. It's a good place to look for other people's stories on how a computer company's customer service department has treated them. After reading a several bad reviews of one company, I went with a different computer brand.

To build or not to build?

Many people forgo storestock systems and build their own computers. Building your own PC allows you to choose your parts. If it breaks, you can't call customer service -- you made it, you have to deal with it.

You can buy kits that have most of the hardware and sometimes software you need, but since it comes with set pieces, customization isn't available.

A "barebones" system is a variation on the kit concept. It usually has a case, a power supply, motherboard, processor, and processor cooler already installed by the vendor. The builder would need to install parts that aren't included in the kit.

Some friends who have built their own computer say it's pretty easy. Several Web sites offer DIY tutorials, such as pcmech.com and basichard ware.com.

Whichever you choose, good luck and keep on playing.

NICOLE BOWMAN is a copy editor/writer for The Dominion Post. Contact her at nbowman@dominionpost.com.

To see more of The Dominion Post or to subscribe to the newspaper, go to http://www.dominionpost.com/.

Copyright (c) 2007, The Dominion Post, Morgantown, W.Va.
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