Treating Yourself to a New PC This Holiday Season?

There’s no denying that the past year has been eventful and stressful for everyone. Thankfully, you can take some solace in the fact that the holiday season is just around the corner.

If the past several months has got you feeling haggard, then you should treat yourself to something special: a new PC, perhaps?

Nothing beats getting a new computer, especially a gaming desktop if your current model feels decrepit or out-dated.

However, before you rush your decision, you should take a step back from the situation and assess a few critical factors. Doing this will ensure that you choose the right computer the first time around.

Set a Budget

Unlike many other tech products (which have generally increased in price over the years), personal computers are more affordable than ever before. However, top-of-the-line computers can be quite expensive; you can expect to pay hundreds or thousands of dollars for a new model (depending on the quality).

Even though it may be tempting to get the newest model, you don’t want to overspend on your new PC. Overspending on non-essential purchases can cause you to fall behind on your bills or other payments.

This is why you should set a budget for yourself. Having a pre-set budget will make it easier for you to pick a model in your price range.

Also don’t skimp out on a dedicated graphics card if you want to do any sort of gaming, you can still find budget gaming laptop or budget gaming desktops with dedicated GPU’s without breaking your budget.

Laptop or Desktop?

Once you’ve set your budget, you should take the time to decide whether you want a laptop or desktop computer. You most likely have a general idea as to what you’d prefer; however, if you’re still on the fence, here’s a quick list of the pros and cons of each option:

Pros of Laptops

• Can be taken anywhere
• Built in Monitor/Keyboard
• Sleek design
• Easy to store
• Use less power on average

Cons of Laptops

• Battery-powered
• Delicate
• Easily stolen
• Cost more than desktops with the same CPU/GPU power
• Less upgrade options (usually RAM/Storage only as options)

Pros of Desktops

• Powerful
• Ideal for gaming
• Generally less expensive
• All Components Generally Customizable / Upgradeable

Cons of Desktops

• Sedentary
• Takes up more space
• Higher power draw
• Requires separate monitor
• Requires more parts

Don’t Forget Antivirus Software

Many computers come with a generic cybersecurity system; however, these programs are quite basic and cannot sufficiently protect your device from cyber-attacks.

After saving for months, the last thing that you want to do is spend hundreds of dollars on a new PC only to accidentally download malware a few months later. Failing to protect your device will force you to spend more money on a replacement or go back to your previous computer.

If you’re looking for protection from cyberthreats like malware, then you should consider downloading premium antivirus software like Malwarebytes for Windows.

Malwarebytes’s premium software proactively protects your device from a long list of cyberthreats, ranging from phishing scams to keyloggers.

Taking the time to download high-quality antivirus software can keep your computer running smoothly while simultaneously protecting your personal data from hackers and third parties.

If you’re running out of room in your budget, you may want to look for a company that offers a free trial of their software. Sampling the trial version will give you a better idea of the protection that the software provides.

If you’re planning on treating yourself to a new PC this holiday season, be sure to make use of the tips mentioned above. Doing this will help you save some cash and make the buying process much easier.