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I want to purchase a new computer with printer, for Tally Accounting, DTP works (Tamil & English) e-mail services and Internet usage. How do I go about buying a computer and other accessories that will give best value for money? Please give suggestions. - S. Nachiyappan

The first thing one should decide when buying a new PC is whether to go in for a branded or an assembled one. From the perspective of the user, the branded PC market seemingly offers better service benefit in terms of replacing damaged parts, loading software, on site service and free package offers. But when it comes to cost, there is quite a lot of difference between a branded PC and an assembled one. If cost is not the concern, then it is always better to go in for a branded PC.

An assembled PC is a trade-off between cost and performance. You decide your configuration and pay for it, and essentially make your PC according to how you want it to be. Speaking about the cost-effectiveness of the assembled PC, here is a configuration which will guarantee a decent level of functionality. A PII 800Mhz/1.2Ghz processor, Main board with onboard 8MB graphics, a 16bit sound chip and 128 MB Main memory. Going by the prevailing market rate, an PIV 2.3 Ghz process with an 256 MB DDR RAM and a Main Board with 32MB video RAM is available for somewhere around Rs 25,000 to Rs 30,000. One can assume that the PII 800 Mhz/1.2 Ghz system would be available for around Rs 17,000. However, this configuration is no longer available in the market, one has to literally hunt for it. On the other hand, you can choose from the prevailing `market configurations', namely 1.7 Ghz , 2.4 Ghz and 2.6 Ghz systems. With this, the cost of your assembled PC should be between Rs 25,000 and Rs 30,000. So going by these constraints, the choice of the configuration for the above requirement can be a 1.7 Ghz processor and a compatible motherboard with 32MB shared video Ram, 256 MB DDR main memory, a 56 K internal modem card for internet dial up, an 15" or 17" monitor and a rigid keyboard/Mouse (like TVS Gold keyboard /Optical Mouse).

Solution by G. Rajah

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