The 5 Questions to Ask Before Buying a New Computer
Don't waste money on the wrong computer. Before you spend a cent, ask yourself these five essential questions — and walk into any shop with complete confidence. Or alternatively, I will sit down with you and build something for you, based on what best suits YOU
Buying a new computer is a significant purchase — and the choices can be overwhelming. But it doesn’t have to be. Ask yourself these five questions before you buy and you’ll make a confident, informed decision every time.
You don’t need the most expensive computer — you need the right computer for what you actually do. A good quality off-the-shelf computer typically costs between $800–$1,500, while a new PC custom-built by Craig will generally be $1,500–$2,500+ including components and labour. The right choice depends entirely on how you plan to use it.
There’s an important difference between buying a computer off the shelf at JB Hi-Fi or Harvey Norman and having one custom-built by Craig.
An off-the-shelf computer is a one-size-fits-all product. What you see is what you get — and upgrading it later is often difficult or impossible.
A new PC custom-built by Craig is designed around exactly what you need. Better components are chosen for your specific use case, it’s built to last, and most importantly — it can be upgraded as your needs change. More memory, more storage, a faster processor — without buying a whole new machine.
Craig’s custom builds typically last 5–8 years with the ability to upgrade along the way, making them significantly better value over time than a cheap off-the-shelf replacement every 3–4 years.
Call Craig on 0411 147 909 to discuss what you need and get a quote — no obligation, no pressure, just honest advice.
❓ Question 1: What Will I Actually Use It For?
Be honest about how you’ll use your computer. Most seniors use their computer for:
- Browsing the internet and reading the news
- Email and video calls with family
- Looking at and organising photos
- Online banking and shopping
- Writing letters and documents
- Watching streaming TV (Netflix, ABC iView)
Family History Research: Ancestry.com and MyHeritage.com let you research your family tree, find historical records and connect with relatives. It can become wonderfully absorbing — and any standard home computer handles these sites perfectly.
Games: Windows comes with free games including Microsoft Solitaire Collection, Minesweeper, Sudoku and Mahjong. Great for keeping the mind sharp. Press the Windows key and type “Solitaire” to find them.
The good news is that all of these tasks are quite simple for modern computers. You do NOT need an expensive “gaming” computer or one with a huge amount of storage for everyday tasks. A standard mid-range laptop or desktop will handle all of this easily.
❓ Question 2: Laptop, Desktop or Tablet?
| Type | Best for | Price range | Things to consider |
|---|---|---|---|
| Laptop | Most people — versatile and portable | $800–$2,000+ | Can use anywhere. Built-in screen, keyboard and trackpad. Note: very cheap laptops around $500 are often Chromebooks — great for students but limited for general home use. |
| Desktop | Those who always use it at a desk | $800–$3,000+ | Bigger screen. Better value for money. Can’t move around. Price varies widely — a standard home machine starts around $800, while high-end machines for complex spreadsheets, video editing or gaming can reach $3,000+. Craig can build to your exact specifications. |
| All-in-One | Seniors who want a big screen without the clutter | $800–$2,500+ | The computer is built into the monitor — no separate tower. Clean, tidy setup with just one cable. Large screen is great for reading. Popular models include the Apple iMac and HP All-in-One. |
| Tablet (e.g. iPad) | Light browsing, email and video calls | $400–$1,200 | Very simple to use. Touch screen. Not ideal for typing long documents. |
We can build to your specifications — the important thing is that it’s the right computer for you. Call Craig on 0411 147 909 for a no-obligation chat before you buy anything.
All-in-One computers are increasingly popular with seniors — and for good reason. The large screen (typically 23–27 inches) makes everything easy to read, there are no messy cables or separate boxes, and they look great on a desk. If you mostly use your computer at home and want something simple and comfortable to look at for long periods, an All-in-One is well worth considering.
❓ Question 3: What Are the Key Specifications?
Computer shops use technical terms that can be confusing. Here’s what actually matters for everyday use:
| Spec | What it means | What to look for |
|---|---|---|
| RAM | How many things it can do at once | Minimum 8GB — 16GB is better |
| Storage (SSD) | How many files, photos and programs it can hold | 500GB SSD for laptops & All-in-Ones — 1TB for desktops |
| Processor (CPU) | The “brain” — how fast it thinks | Intel i5 / AMD Ryzen 5 or better |
| Screen size | How big the display is | 14–15.6 inch for laptops (easier to read) |
| Operating system | The software that runs the computer | Windows 11 (most common) or macOS (Apple) |
❓ Question 4: Where Should I Buy It?
- JB Hi-Fi or Harvey Norman — Good range and competitive prices. Staff can be helpful, though they can be busy.
- Microsoft Store — Great for Windows laptops. Helpful, knowledgeable staff with no pressure to buy.
- Apple Store — If you’re considering an Apple Mac or iPad. Excellent staff and free setup help.
- Ask Craig first! — Craig can recommend the best model for your budget and needs before you set foot in a shop — saving you from making a costly mistake. Or Craig can build you a custom PC to your exact specifications.
As part of the service, Craig can also:
- Transfer all your data from your old computer to the new one
- Set up your Wi-Fi and connect your printer
- Install Microsoft 365, antivirus and any other software you need
- Help with subscriptions and account-based software — most modern software is tied to an account and can be easily set up on the new machine
In other words, Craig handles everything — you just sit down at a computer that’s ready to go. Call 0411 147 909 to find out more.
❓ Question 5: What Support Will I Get After Buying?
A computer is only as good as the support you have when something goes wrong. Ask the shop:
- What warranty comes with this computer? (1 year is standard — extended warranties are worth considering)
- What happens if something goes wrong — do I bring it back, or do they come to me?
- Is there a setup service? (Very worthwhile — getting a new computer set up properly makes a huge difference)
And remember — Craig is always available for in-home setup and ongoing support. You don’t have to figure it out alone.
Not sure which computer to buy?
Craig offers personalised computer buying consultations. Tell him your budget and what you want to use it for — he’ll tell you exactly what to get and where to buy it.
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