How to choose a PC for your needs and budget

The useful question

What should the computer do, in what conditions and for how long? A precise answer already makes the choice much easier.

1. Describe a real day

List your software, any games, the number of screens and the files you work with. A computer for writing documents, a creative workstation and a development machine have different priorities.

Also identify what bothers you today: slowness, noise, battery life, storage, weight or missing ports. Replacing the entire computer is not always the only option to consider.

2. Compare laptops and desktops

If your priority is…	What to look at
Mobility	Weight, real battery life, charger, screen and build quality.
A lasting home workstation	Comfort, quiet operation, repairability and upgrade options.
Demanding work	Your software's requirements and measured performance for those tasks.

3. Consider the whole workstation

A pleasant screen, suitable keyboard, useful ports and comfortable setup can matter as much as a faster component. Include accessories, necessary licences, migration and a backup solution in your budget.

For an assembled PC, check component compatibility, cooling, power supply, dimensions and support arrangements.

4. Compare the exact model

Two computers with almost identical names may have different screens, memory or storage. Check the full model reference, keyboard layout, whether it is new or refurbished, the seller and delivery to Belgium.

Compare prices alongside tests relevant to your use. Prices displayed on external sites are not offers from Sterk IT.

5. Plan the move to your new computer

List the data to transfer, accounts to reconnect and programs to install. Check software compatibility and licences, then prepare a backup. Check the transferred files before deleting anything from the old device. A walkthrough then helps confirm that the new setup meets your needs.