Unit 3-3 Computer Buyer Checklists

After completing this unit, you will be able to:

• Use multimedia computer buyer checklists that clarify what you need to buy and why.
• Assess the multimedia PC you are using now and decide what upgrade(s) it needs next.
• Realize how rapidly prices are falling and how to get the best buys.

Reading

Read chapter 12 of the Multimedia Literacy textbook to study the concepts covered by this unit.

Online Activities

Chapter 12 contains three checklists. The first one lists the equipment in an affordable, low-budget system that will get you started without a large cash outlay. The second checklist describes a midrange system that is the most strategic buy if you can afford it. The third list is for a multimedia dream machine with all the bells and whistles.

• For tips on how to get the best buy, read chapter 12, and then follow the Multilit Web site links to buyers guides.
• The Multilit Web site links to some recommended vendors where you can shop for the best buys in computers and multimedia accessories.

Assignment

The following assignment asks you questions about your multimedia computer. If you do not personally own a computer, answer this question based on the computer that you are using at school or at work to complete the assignments in this course:

• Chapter 11 presents the components that a multimedia computer comprises, and chapter 12 provides you with computer buyer checklists that organize these components into low-end, mid-range, and high-end configurations. What brand and model of multimedia computer do you use? Which one of the three checklists provided in chapter 12 most closely matches your multimedia PC? What features does your multimedia computer have in addition to those listed? What features does it lack?