We’ve got opinions from the Mac side, the PC side and everywhere in-between Here are the best responses we received from both sides. Or if you just want the final results feel free to skip to the Executive Summary at the end.

Q: What are the 3 most important things that you look for in a new computer (yes only 3).

Josh M- (Computer Consultant)

“The classic “What are the 3 most important things?” question:

1. How can you overlook the processor? It’ll be the most long-term-determining factor in the life of your computer; go duo-core or go home.

2. RAM RAM! In the Windows world, for XP, 1GB was plenty, but with Vista, make sure it’s at least 2GB for decent performance, regardless of the version.

3. Video/Graphics: Don’t squeak your dollars out of this area too much, or you’ll soon find yourself desiring better; 256MB dedicated graphics will do fine for non-gamers for quite a while.”

Annie E- (Computer Teacher & Mac connoisseur)

“1. Mac.

2. Small, Light-Weight, Convenient Size

3. A big hard-drive with lots of RAM.”

Mark S- (Technology Educator/Guru)

“1. Good CPU (Intel Core2 Duo with the biggest number you can afford behind it).

2. Name brand it just all works together better… in order of preference: Dell, Lenovo, Alien,

3. Large Hard Drive.

You can always buy more RAM later to increase the speed but these basic things can’t be changed without a ton of work so get the best in the beginning!”

Q: What are the pros and cons of a desktop vs. a laptop.

Josh M-

“Desktop vs. laptop? The ever-more-popular question… If you must be mobile, there’s not much choice but to go laptop. But until they make radical changes in how laptops are upgradeable, you’ll find your desktop to be a much better long-term unit as long as you purchase a middle-or-higher unit to begin with.”

Annie E-

“I really like having a laptop because my computer is a huge part of my life. I take it everywhere. I can take it with me when I travel, do work in a coffee shop, and watch movies in bed. When I was in college, I used a laptop lock to keep my computer safe. If I were a professional who needed a really beefy computer to do my work (for example, video editing) I would probably get a desktop… otherwise I’d stick with my laptop.”

Mark S-

“I love my laptop(s) because I am not tied to one spot. I can surf the web on my couch or do work at a coffee shop with wireless. They have come down a lot in price and can get a decent one for under $1000 now. The only problem is that they get abused and get old a lot faster than desktops. If I am doing a lot of video editing or music production I jump on my desktop otherwise I stick to a laptop.”

Q: If you had teenage kids what computer would you get them and why did you pick this one?

Josh M-

“For the teenager: When they get a few more years behind them, they can go out and buy their own preferred computer, but right now this will do fine: Dell Inspiron 530, Pentium DuoCore 7200, 2GB RAM, Upgraded Graphics recommended. This should keep them steady for a few years.”

Annie E-

If I were getting a teenager a computer, I would probably get them a middle-of-the-road Mac book. I would want them to have the portability of a laptop (especially if they’re going to college) and the Mac book is a solid computer that won’t break the bank. The 13-inch size is great for taking your computer to class or a coffee shop. All of the Mac books have plenty of memory and storage space and all the applications that your teen will want… no additional software is needed. The ultimate reason for buying a Mac is that it makes life so easy! I’ve had very few problems with my Mac, and one of my laptops is 6 years old and still going strong! Apple offers excellent support… I definitely recommend the extended warranty. They have an American Call Center with professionals to help with anything that comes up. Don’t forget to take advantage of the student discount! Laptops are usually $100 less and Apple usually offers a back-to-school special of a free iPod and printer with the purchase of a computer.

Mark S-

“Only 1 choice for me, get them a DESKTOP! Yes I love my laptop but why spend the extra money and have that much less visibility as to what they are doing online? It is much easier to put a bulking desktop in a central area and have them use it there. Know don’t get me wrong, we should trust our kids but we also shouldn’t put them in tempting situations and then expect them to make perfect choices! Get a desktop, put it in the common room and let them get a laptop when they go to college.”

Executive Summary

• You can get a PC or a Mac both have different advantages/disadvantages
  • Macs tend to be more expensive up front but you will probably have less problems overall
  • PCs will support more software, especially the games that your teen may like to play on them.
• Desktops you get more for your money and can monitor them more effectively.
• Laptops are nice and mobile but cost more $$, they also can cause trouble since your teen can leave to a private area.
• Either way you go get:
  • A good base model, name-brand
  • lots of RAM (at least 2 gigs)
  • a decent sized hard-drive (120Gigs or bigger)
  • good graphics for PC (Macs come with it)
  • Everything else are bells and whistles.
• Expect to spend at least $1000 for a PC and twice that for a Mac.