School PC Buying Guide

Use our handy printable checklist.

Daniel Tynan

Looking to buy a system for your young scholar? We describe four common configurations, pricing, and what software and peripherals should be included. Print this checklist and take it with you to the computer store.

On a Budget ($800 to $1200)

Basic desktop PC:
• 1.6-GHz to 2.4-GHz processor
• 128MB to 256MB of RAM
• 20GB to 40GB hard drive
• Integrated audio and video
• Basic speakers
• CD-RW drive
• Ethernet adapter
• Three-year on-site warranty

Software:
• Basic office suite or integrated package
• Personal firewall
• Antivirus utility

Peripherals and supplies:
• 17-inch CRT monitor
• Color ink jet printer
• 50-pack of blank CD-Rs

Do-Everything Desktop ($1200 to $2500)

Power Desktop PC:
• 2.4-GHz to 3.0-GHz processor
• 256MB to 512MB of RAM
• 40GB to 80GB hard drive
• 2X to 8X AGP graphics card
• 16-bit sound card
• Audio system with subwoofer
• DVD-RW drive
• Ethernet adapter
• Four-year on-site warranty

Software:
• Professional office suite
• Personal firewall
• Antivirus utility

Peripherals and supplies:
• 15-inch LCD monitor
• Color ink jet printer
• 50-pack of blank DVDs

Basically Mobile ($1500 to $2500)

Standard notebook PC:
• 1.3-GHz to 2.2-GHz processor
• 256MB to 512MB of RAM
• 20GB to 60GB hard drive
• Combo CD-RW/DVD drive
• Ethernet adapter
• Wi-Fi adapter

Software:
• Basic office suite
• Personal firewall
• Antivirus utility

Peripherals and supplies:
• Additional battery
• Notebook lock
• Color ink jet printer
• 50-pack of blank CD-Rs
• Carrying case

Mobile and Powerful ($2500+)

Thin-and-light notebook PC:
• 1.3-GHz to 1.6-GHz Intel Centrino processor
• 256MB to 512MB of RAM
• 40GB to 80GB hard drive
• Combo CD-RW/DVD drive
• Wi-Fi adapter
• Ethernet adapter

Software:
• Professional office suite
• Personal firewall
• Antivirus utility

Peripherals and supplies:
• External keyboard
• External speakers
• Additional battery
• Notebook lock
• Color ink jet printer
• 50-pack of blank CD-Rs
• Carrying case