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Electronics
In this report
Laptop or desktop?
Consider security
ELECTRONICS FORUMS
Get real-world advice from others about choosing a new TV, digital camera, computer or cell phone.
March 2006
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Upgrade your current computer or buy new?

CD drives
You can extend the life of an older PC by upgrading parts of it.
Before committing to a new purchase, decide whether upgrading your old computer will do. It may suffice if your additional needs are modest--say, a second hard drive because you’re out of room for photos or downloaded music. Adding memory or a DVD writer is also usually more cost-effective than buying a new machine.

But if your PC is now unreliable, or your wish list has grown, or there’s software you must run that your system isn’t up to (especially newer versions of Windows), a new computer is the answer.

See our latest Ratings of laptop and desktop computers (available to subscribers) and other related information.


   

STEP 2:

Laptop or desktop?