Desktop Computer technology has been around since 1971 when the first true desktop PC was released, the HP9810A.http://www.hpmuseum.org/hp9810.htm During the 1970's and 1980's, this technology was considered very light and considered at the time to be mobile.

Times have changed though since the availability of the microprocessor. Various waves of technology, Laptops, then Notebooks and now Netbooks have made the Desktop Computer appear to be a heavyweight that lacks mobility. Desktop Computers, although not as prominent as they were are still an important part of the PC market and will be for the foreseeable future.

For those not requiring mobility and with a preference for a larger screen a Desktop Computer is still a good option. In this guide we provide you with information on How to Buy a Desktop Computer.

This guide is split into three clear steps, which help you to decide the best approach on how to buy a Desktop Computer:

1. Step 1: Desktop Computer manufacturers – We provide an analysis of leading manufacturers and some highly rated models
2. Step 2: Desktop Computer functionality – A full analysis of the various aspects of functionality of Desktop Computers
3. Step 3: Desktop Computer buying approach – Various pieces of advice on the best methods of buying a Desktop Computer

In step 1 we consider the variety of Desktop Computer manufacturers that you can choose to buy from. The choice is wide with CNet listing 33 manufacturers and in excess of 1,060 models http://reviews.cnet.com/desktops/?seeAll=Manufacturer&tag=resourceRightContainer.0.

In this step we list:

1. The current top 5 Desktop Computers recommended by CNet
2. The top 5 recommended manufacturers and
3. A list of other CNet listed manufacturers with 30+ Desktop Computers reviewed

The Top 5 Desktop Computers recommended by CNet are:

1. Apple iMac (27-inch, 3.06GHz Intel Core 2 Duo, ATI Radeon HD 4670, Fall 2009) http://reviews.cnet.com/desktops/apple-imac-27-inch/4505-3118_7-33783915.html
2. HP Touchsmart 600 http://reviews.cnet.com/desktops/hp-touchsmart-600/4505-3118_7-33775796.html
3. Gateway SX2800-01 http://reviews.cnet.com/desktops/gateway-sx2800-01/4505-3118_7-33699400.html
4. Velocity Micro Edge Z30 (Intel Core i7) http://reviews.cnet.com/desktops/velocity-micro-edge-z30/4505-3118_7-33770305.html
5. Maingear Shift http://reviews.cnet.com/desktops/maingear-shift/4505-3118_7-33883466.html

The top 5 manufacturers are listed below:

1. Acer http://reviews.cnet.com/acer-desktops/
2. Apple http://reviews.cnet.com/4566-3118_7-0.html?filter=1000036_3808715_
3. Dell http://reviews.cnet.com/dell-desktops/
4. Gateway http://reviews.cnet.com/4566-3118_7-0.html?filter=1000036_3808870_
5. HP http://reviews.cnet.com/4566-3118_7-0.html?filter=1000036_2792031_

Other Desktop Computer manufacturers are listed below, all have 30+ listings on CNet:

1. Lenovohttp://reviews.cnet.com/lenovo-desktops/
2. MSI Computer Corporation http://reviews.cnet.com/desktops/?filter=1000036_5260136
3. Sony http://reviews.cnet.com/desktops/?filter=1000036_3808675
4. Velocity Micro http://reviews.cnet.com/desktops/?filter=1000036_5307038
5. VCI Vision Computers http://reviews.cnet.com/desktops/?filter=1000036_14639461

When buying a Desktop Computer there is a lot to consider to ensure you get the best purchase for your needs. In this step we list all of the important aspects of functionality you should consider when making your Desktop Computer purchasehttp://reviews.cnet.com/desktop-computer-buying-guide/. The specification below suits a Power User Specification, this will suit the needs of the majority of Desktop Computer users.

Processor - The logic that reacts to and processes the instructions that drive the computer. Example suitable processors would include –

1. Intel Core 2 Duo E6600, E6750, or E6850
2. Intel Core 2 Quad Q6600 or Q6700
3. Intel Core 2 Extreme QX6700, QX6800 or QX6850

Hard Drive - The hard drive stores all the data help on your Desktop Computer. Actual memory available is measured in Gigabytes (GB). Suitable hard drive capacity ranges from 500GB to 1TB, using a 7,200rpm hard drivehttp://www.techterms.com/definition/harddrive.

RAM - This is computer Random Access Memory which enables specific contents to be accessed (read or written) directly by the processor. RAM of 2GB to 4GB with 800MHz or 1,066MHz DDR2 memory are suitable RAM specifications http://www.answers.com/topic/ram-memory-device.

DVD Drive - A DVD Drive simply has the ability to playback DVD’s on your computer. There are 3 types of related products that could be bought:

1. A DVD+ R/W (Read and Write) drive
2. HD DVD – A High Definition DVD player
3. Blu-Ray – A different technology to DVD but would replace the need for a DVD player, at a higher cost

Motherboard - The backbone of any Desktop Computer. The Motherboard determines the different types of components that can be used within the computer and the number of peripheral devices that are supported.

Monitor - A 19” – 21” LCD screen is ideal for the power Desktop PC user

Speakers - Speakers compliant to Digital 5.1 standard are ideal

Operating System - A copy of the Windows or Mac operating system for the computer

Graphics Card (Video Card) All computers use a Graphics Card, this interprets code and outputs it in a graphical format for us to view. For advice on Graphics Cards, see the Mahalo Guide – How to Buy a Graphics Card

Microsoft Office - Although not strictly a component, I think anybody purchasing a Desktop PC should seriously consider, investing in a copy of Microsoft Office at the time of acquisition. When bought with the machine, Microsoft Office can cost much less and also cause less irritation later.

Case - The case will determine the size available for the components within it. If you are building your own Desktop Computer this is important otherwise the case is just about aesthetics.

Power Supply - Critical to the operation of the Desktop Computer, each machine will need a power supply.

The above is not an exhaustive list. There are other components that may be present in your Desktop Computer (e.g. Floppy Disk, SoundCard (separate to Motherboard), Modem, Network Card

Note: Always ensure you operate with the latest drivers and software for your Desktop Computer, this can make a big difference to performance and security.

In step 3, we provide our recommended approach to buying a Desktop Computer.You will have now gathered a clear understanding of your requirements (step 2), and will have read some independent reviews and should now be looking to find the best available deal.

This step is broken down into 3 parts, listed below:

1. Reading through a range of reviews of various Desktop Computers
2. Potential suppliers of Desktop Computers
3. Searching for some discounts and coupons

Desktop Computer reviews

1. CNet, over 1,060 Desktop Computer reviews http://reviews.cnet.com/desktop-computers/
2. PC Magazine, about 700Desktop Computers review http://www.pcmag.com/category2/0,2806,4,00.asp
3. Test Freaks,about 530 Desktop Computer reviews http://www.testfreaks.co.uk/graphics-cards/

Potential suppliers of Desktop Computers

1. Amazon - http://www.amazon.com/Desktops-Computers-Add-Ons/b/ref=sv_pc_3?ie=UTF8&node=565098 Amazon list Desktop Computers from Acer, Apple, Asus, Dell, Gateway, HP, iBuyPower, Lenovo, MSI and Sony
2. Bestbuy - http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Computers-PCs/Desktop-Computers/abcat0501000.c?id=abcat0501000Bestbuy have a wide variety of Desktop Computers for sale. Bestbuy tend to adopt a very competitive pricing policy, which could help you find a good deal on a Desktop Computer.
3. EBay - http://computers.shop.ebay.com/PC-Desktops-/179/i.html?_catref=1A very well known auction site. Ebay have a large selection of new and old Desktop Computers for sale. Visitors can either bid for a bargain in the auction or there is also the opportunity to secure your Desktop Computer by use of the “buy now” option.

Search for coupons and discounts You are now ready to find the best deals for Desktop Computers you can through coupons and discounts.

Mahalo is an excellent place to go to find coupons and I can recommend all of the following pages to find coupons for Desktop Computers – Amazon Coupons | Asus Coupons | Bestbuy Coupons | EBay Coupons | Dell Desktop Coupons | Desktop Coupons |

Another method of finding a low price is through price comparison sites, the following all feature Desktop Computers:

1. Bizratehttp://www.bizrate.com/desktop-computers
2. Dealtimehttp://www.dealtime.com/xPP-pc_desktops
3. Pricegrabberhttp://computers.pricegrabber.com/desktop/p/9/