This should make it easier to request a deal or recommendation without having to get follow-up questions. When I get follow-up questions, it simply means I have to look again (or at least give a sub-par answer). Please post what you are looking for in as much detail as possible to save those who will help you from wasting their time. I assume that I won't be the only one answering these requests...
A USAGE: What will you do on your computer?
A1- Basic office work (Microsoft Office, web browsing with minimal tabs, remote access to a work computer, reading seforim)
A2- More intense than the above: Specify the PROGRAMS you will be using, and categorize them as:
-casual use
-common use
-primary use
B: SIZE: What size and weight are you expecting from your computer? Include ALL options that are relevant.
- 15.6 - 16"
- 14 - 14.5"
- 13 - 13.5" (this costs more)
- 17"+ (this costs more)
- 11.6 - 12.5" (this is either garbage or costs much more)
C: BUILD QUALITY: What level of build quality do you NEED from your computer?
Obviously, the better the build quality, the more money you'll need to spend.
- I'm happy to buy refurb at reliable places and/or scratch and dent at Dell (you can say this in addition to the options below)
- Plastic is fine
- At least a metal build
- Only a tank will survive in my work environment (note: this is usually more than double plastic builds)
D: WHERE CAN YOU SHOP?
Include all relevant information, including: how quickly the computer must arrive and where it is going (state is enough, but provide an exact date if you need it by one), can you walk into a local store or must it ship, and if you have credit or discounts at a specific vendor (ie: how much Dell credit, I have a Paybo card at B&H, my cousin gets me an employee discount at Shmendrix discount computers).
E: What do you want to spend?
To explain: Obviously, no one wants to spend more than necessary. Also obviously, the computer must be capable of doing what you need it to do. The question here is: no matter what, do you have an absolute limit to spend at this time? If you can only spend $400 - hard limit - I won't bother telling you that you can get a better build quality for $50 more. So your answer should read: I prefer to spend X, but I am willing to spend X + Y if there is some metzia worth it. The answer back to you should read something like this: You can get away with this $400 computer, but $50 gets you these benefits for you to consider.
Also mention if you want to spend more for future-proofing - that is, if you are the type to add 10% to the cost if it will double your processing power. Note that I currently recommend 16GB of RAM even for basic work, but will post computers with 8GB of RAM if it can be upgraded down the line.
Also mention if you would spend more money for a computer that is lighter.
F: Other features By each feature, specify: required or preferred?
-Battery life
-Number pad
-Backlit keyboard (you may be on your own for this one, as it takes much longer to look)
-Touch screen
-2-in-1 (ie touch screen that folds back on keyboard)
-Other? Specify. (This is also where you post comments I don't agree with, such as requesting a specific brand or line of computers.
Doesn't mean I won't help you find what you ask, though.)
