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How to choose a new computer

Choosing a computer can feel overwhelming, especially if you’re not familiar with the technical details. This guide will walk you through the basics, helping you decide which type of computer best suits your needs.

One of the first decisions to make is which operating system (OS) you prefer. The main options are Windows, macOS, ChromeOS, and Linux:

Windows: Developed by Microsoft, Windows is the most widely used OS globally, known for its user-friendly interface and broad software compatibility. It’s a versatile choice for both beginners and advanced users.
macOS: Apple’s operating system, known for its sleek design and seamless integration with other Apple devices. It’s a popular choice for creatives and those already invested in the Apple ecosystem, offering features like AirDrop for quick file sharing.
ChromeOS: Developed by Google, this lightweight, cloud-based OS is ideal for web browsing, cloud applications, and basic productivity tasks. It’s simple, secure, and optimized for speed.
Linux: An open-source OS known for its reliability, security, and customizability. It’s commonly used by developers and tech enthusiasts but may have a steeper learning curve for new users.

Costco Australia offers a wide range of laptops, all-in-one PCs, tower desktops, tablets, and other tech essentials to suit various needs.

What kind of user are you — heavy, medium or light? Do you have a fixed workstation or need something portable/on the go? What do you mostly need a computer for — work, study or leisure? Do you run a lot of heavy applications on a daily basis?

Those are some of the questions you need to ask yourself before investing in a new machine. This will help determine what type of computer is best for you, which non negotiable features you are looking for and even your ideal budget.

Computer type

Tower PCs

Traditional desktop computers with separate vertical towers that house key internal components like the motherboard, CPU (processor), RAM, storage (HDD or SSD), and power supply. Tower PCs offer high performance for gaming, video editing and other resource intensive tasks. Extensive upgrade options, as most components can be replaced over time. Better airflow and cooling, especially in larger cases with space for additional fans or liquid cooling.

This kind of system gives way for more versatility and customisation, making it an ideal option for someone who demands high processing power for more complex, performance-based use, such as heavy graphics gaming and advanced video editing. Note that a Tower PC typically doesn’t include peripherals like a monitor, keyboard or mouse, which must be purchased separately.

You can essentially upgrade almost every part of a Tower PC, as long as its compatible with the motherboard. That means this type of computer has the benefit of a long lifespan, as you can keep up with new technology and replace components easily over time.

All In One

All In One PCs integrate all computer components into a compact and tidy design that saves space, with the monitor screen functioning as both the display and the housing for internal hardware.

With everything built into a single unit, All In Ones desktops are extremely convenient and a reliable option for those who aren’t as tech savvy and knowledgeable of computer parts. That means it’s ready to go out of the box and really easy to set up. There’s no need for a separate tower and minimal cable management, contributing to a clean workspace.

While there’s not much room for further upgrades and less powerful graphics when compared to most Tower PCs, All In Ones still provide adequate performance for most tasks, including browsing, media consumption, light gaming and office work. It’s just as important to check product specifications, such as processor, screen resolution, memory and storage, when shopping for this type of computer. Note that some All In One PCs don’t allow for a second monitor to be plugged in.

Laptop

Portable computers with built-in screens, keyboards and batteries, perfect for users who need mobility. Laptops vary widely in size, performance and price, making it essential to consider factors like battery life, screen size and resolution, processing power (CPU), graphics capabilities (integrated vs. dedicated GPUs), portability and weight. Some laptops offer limited upgrade options, but generally less than tower PCs.

Ideally, you want to choose a model that is perfectly tailored for your use. Consider your non negotiables — does the laptop have to be lightweight, built for casual gaming or high performance? What is your preferred operating system? MacBooks, IdeaPads, Chromebooks are some of the most popular options to choose from.

Hybrid or 2 in 1 laptops feature a touch screen display with 360 degree hinges that often times can be used with a pen accessory, great for creative work and multitasking. Gaming laptops, also suitable for video editing, graphic design and scientific research, combine high end specs and hardware with the convenience of portability, for powerful performance.

Tablet

Tablets are considered fully functional computers, featuring essential components such as processor, memory, display and operating system. These touchscreen devices are compact and blend the portability of a smartphone with the larger display and productivity features of a laptop.

Ideal for casual browsing, media consumption, video calls, note taking and creative work. While they lack the full power of a traditional computer, many tablets can be paired with detachable keyboards and support digital pens for drawing or handwritten notes. Tablets like Apple’s iPad, Samsung’s Galaxy Tab and Microsoft’s Surface offer a range of sizes and capabilities, from lightweight, budget friendly models to high performance devices with powerful processors and desktop-like multitasking.

A versatile choice for work, study and entertainment, tablets offer different apps for productivity, drawing, painting, making music, gaming and streaming. Make sure to look for long battery life and cellular capabilities if you intend to take it everywhere you go.

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Main components

Storage

Storage is essentially a system or component that allows computers to retain, read and write digital information for long term access, such as files and programs, regardless of the device being switched on or off. The different types of built-in computer storage available today are HDDs (hard disk drives) and SSDs (solid state drives).

HDDs are composed of spinning disks and magnetic heads and are usually found in older and slightly outdated computer models, but still remain a reliable option. SSDs use a more modern technology with flash memory chips, allowing for increased speed and responsiveness, reduced noise and compact size. The type of storage you have can influence both overall performance and budget. While SDDs might be the popular and obvious choice, keep in mind they can be pricier too.

Note that many computer models allow for customisation, which means it’s possible to later on switch from HDD to SSD or even upgrade the storage space you currently have for a larger capacity SSD.

Memory RAM

Unlike storage, RAM (random access memory) is the computer’s temporary or short term memory. Memory stores data that allows the processor to run applications, open files and perform everyday tasks, such as browsing the internet, playing a game, using an editing software, etc. This is how you can multitasks and run different programs simultaneously, without losing important information.

Memory can strongly influence speed and performance. For casual users, 8GB to 16GB is perfectly acceptable for most simple tasks. On the other hand, more demanding applications end up using a significant amount of RAM, even more so for larger and complex files. 32GB or more may be necessary for advanced tasks like video editing, 3D rendering or heavy multitasking. Make sure to do further research on what are the minimum computer specs required for running specific software or games.

If you suffer from unresponsive programs or slow loading times, chances are it’s time for an upgrade.

Processor

The processor or CPU is a core component that acts as the computer’s “brain”, coordinating the activity of many other system parts, from memory to display output. It processes data to execute instructions and perform the calculations necessary to run operating system, programs, open files, etc.

All processors available in the market today feature multiple physical cores, which are individual processing units within the CPU. Each core acts independently, improving performance and speed, and a CPU with higher core count can handle more tasks simultaneously. Of course, the ideal number is dependent on the person’s specific needs.

Your processor is a defining factor for the computer’s performance, and its speed can be measured in GHz. Reliable processor brands include Intel, AMD and Apple Silicon.

Graphics Card

A Graphics Card processes data from CPU to render images and videos, 3D and motion graphics, as well as handle calculations for artificial intelligence, machine learning, etc.

Integrated graphics cards are built into either the CPU or the motherboard, and share system memory to process graphics data, being a more energy and cost effective solution. Perfect for browsing the web, streaming videos, light office work and studying. More compact, making it possible for laptops and all in ones to have a thinner, more lightweight design.

Dedicated graphics are standalone cards with their own memory (VRAM), ideal for gaming, 3D rendering and creative work. More powerful, yet more expensive and power hungry. Require robust cooling system, either from fans or heatsinks, to maintain performance and prevent overheating. Easily replaceable, making it easy to keep up with new technology and upgrade.

Screen and monitor

Screen size and resolution

Screen size is measured in inches, usually ranging from 13 inch compact laptops to 34+ inch ultrawide monitors. It can have a big impact on your overall experience, including portability, immersion, productivity, eye comfort, multitasking. Consider your available space and viewing distance as well as intended use when purchasing a new laptop or monitor.

Screen resolution refers to the number of distinct pixels that can be displayed on a screen, both horizontally and vertically. When combined, these pixels form visual content, and the resolution will determine its quality, clarity and level of detail. Standard monitor resolutions are: Full HD or 1080p (1920 x 1080), Quad HD or 1440p (2560 x 1440), 4K UHD (3840 x 2160) and 5K (5120 x 2880).

While higher resolution screens provide better quality and level of detail, they will demand more of your hardware, especially the graphics card.

Refresh rate and response time

Refresh rate, measured in hertz (Hz), refers to how often a screen updates its image per second. Higher refresh rates, like 120Hz, 144Hz, 240Hz or even 360Hz, provide smoother visuals, ideal for gaming and fast paced content, but require a powerful graphics card for full benefit. Standard monitors typically have 60Hz.

Response time, measured in milliseconds (ms), is the speed at which a pixel changes color. Lower response times, like 1ms, reduce motion blur and ghosting, making fast moving images sharper — important for gamers and video editors. Standard monitors have 5ms to 10ms response times, while high performance screens often use TN or IPS panels for better speed, color, and viewing angles.