How to Ask Me for Computer Buying Advice

I get over a dozen letters from readers every day, and often up to 20 or 30. Somewhere near a third of those writers have one question on their mind: What kind of new computer should I buy? The question is so pervasive, and I've answered it so many times (often a long back and forth with the question writer), that I am finally breaking down and putting some guidance into this blog post in the hopes that it will make it easier for both me and you, the potential computer purchaser, to get the answers you need without me having to prod you for a lot of extra information before I can offer some suggestions.

So let's get started!

First, you'll want to copy all of the information (select it with the mouse, then hit Ctrl-C... I'm getting really basic here, I know) below the line of hyphens, then click the link that says "Email Christopher" on the left side of the screen. You may have to scroll down a bit. Fill in all the information in the form (and use a working email address or I can't reply!), and paste the info you copied into field #4 ("Enter your feedback here:").

Now, answer all the questions that you just pasted in. Just type in your answer after each question so that it looks like, for example: "Do you want a desktop or a laptop? Laptop." And so on.

I usually respond to questions within 24 hours, and if you've answered everything, you should hear from me even faster. Good luck and enjoy your new machine!

UPDATE: Before writing, see if this post helps you narrow down your choices!

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Why are you buying a new computer?

What's wrong with your old computer (or what do you dislike about it)?

Specifically, how will this new computer be used?

Do you want a desktop or a laptop? 

Are you planning to do any gaming at all? 

How big is your music/movies/photo collection?

Any plans for higher-end computing, like sophisticated video editing, running a database, or performing CAD graphics?

What is your budget? (Be realistic and don't forget tax and shipping.)

Are you willing to consider a Mac or a Linux-based machine? Or are you considering Windows only?

Paste links to any computers you've identified as having the price and features you're looking for here:

* The following questions are for LAPTOP buyers only:

How much weight are you willing to carry? (A typical 15.4-inch notebook weighs between 5 and 7 pounds.)

How large a screen do you want? (15.4-inch screens are the largest that are practical for in-flight use.)