Is this still true? It was certainly true in the days of Celeron CPUs, but I would think today’s budget computer is a little more future-proof. My old computer with 2GB RAM has held up for what four years and going strong. Granted it was higher end at the time, but with at least 2GB (ideally 3GB) you should be ok… and only a few components need to be future-proofed, anyway. Just make sure whatever you get, you have a backup strategy.

Sean (fellow beagler)

Mr Beagle: I was more worried about the parts in cheaper desktops failing, like hard disk and memory problems.

Thanks for your suggestion!

Maybe you might want to consider the promotion for the computer that comes with the Citibank Shell Credit Card? But I suspect the specs there are a little low.

Good luck hunting

Mr Beagle: I run mostly web applications, so running Windows applications isn’t a priority for me. I heard that the Mac experience is significantly better, like driving a Mercedes compared to a Proton.

5 years is really long! Often my desktop computers have a lifetime of 3 years or less, before something horrible happens to it. I think laptops have a shorter lifespan, probably because of cooling issues. Laptops are kind of harder to do basic maintenance, compared to desktops too. The good thing is that they are very portable, and if you make a lot of traveling, or use it at work and home, then a laptop is quite necessary.

Mr Beagle: My current computer is a Dell laptop, and I’m quite satisfied with the quality. When I bought it, I got the most advanced processor and RAM they offered.

Actually it can still work fine, but the LCD display is starting to warp, the speakers are shot and hard disk is about to fail.

Their small business computers come with better support, don’t have any of the annoying trial software add-ons, and are less expensive than their home computers (I saved around $200 from a comparable home computer).

I thought about going Mac, but I got a great price on the Dell - $700 for a slim tower desktop that had 320GB hard drive, 2GB Ram, 2Ghz dual core processor, and a 22 inch flat panel screen. They key is deciding which software and add-ons you can do without. I’m very happy with the computer and I’m positive it will last a long time.

(of course, I’m not sure if this exact deal is available in Malaysia, but I am sure you can find something comparable). Good luck, whichever choice you go with!

Mr Beagle: Thanks for the hint, I will try to look at the small business department offers.

You certainly got a good deal. I will keep monitoring Dell Malaysia’s online store to see if they give an attractive package.