Desktop PCs: dying breed or affordable temptation?

One wonderful thing about computers today is that they’ve developed to a point where consumers can pick and choose, not only among a variety of different machines, but also on a spectrum of prices.

Users who can’t afford the most high-end technology, for example, can pick machines that are affordably priced without compromising on quality. This is especially good news for students and young professionals. For those interested in basic gaming and design, it’s easy to find a low-end desktop PC to fit the bill. But the low-end PC is popular, not only among the young. A recent report from low-end gaming platform Steam showed that an increased number of people are using the software of less powerful machines.

Sign up to The Irish Echo Newsletter

Sign up today to get daily, up-to-date news and views from Irish America.

One reason for this use of low-end PCs in a world of iPads and other hi-tech tablet computers is their affordability; in fact, younger and younger users now have access to gaming PCs that they can afford with their pocket money. Although the highest and most potent specs are still reserved for those with the cash to invest in them, even low-end PCs use the most common specs and functionalities in the market. Using the latest-generation technology, the biggest difference between low-end and high-end desktop PCs is speed.

In fact, most people who are in the market for a reasonably powerful desktop PC would opt for lower-end pricing, and they would not be wrong to do this. In addition to light gaming for the young generation, these PCs also handle internet surfing, email, word processing, record keeping, and even movies admirably enough.

Younger buyers can invest in low-end PCs that are sufficiently capable in terms of everyday functionality, including built-in connectivity, preloaded photo and video applications, DVD and CD writing capability, excellent sound and data storage.

The considerably higher price for greater performance speeds is simply not necessary, in most cases, for home use. Although businesses prefer more powerful and faster machines, the home PC user will be able to economically get away with a low-end model.

Computers have truly become a marvel of our society, with their increasing capabilities and speed; in the future, however, we have yet to see how the desktop PC will evolve.

 

Donate