The following advises are based on many years of experience. They are provided as a free service to our customers and visitors. However, Computer Warehouse is not responsible for any damage as a result of following any of these guides.
Common input devices such as Keyboards and mice are something you will likely to use every time you turn on your computer. These devices tend to have mechanical and moving parts that could cause reliability problems. Therefore, it is good idea to choose brands and models with good reliability and comfort.
Get a wheel-, internet- or intelli-mouse! Isn?t browsing the web the only reason you turn on your computer these days? The wheel will make browsing so much easier. More and more applications now take advantages of the wheel feature.
If you shopping for scanner, choose a USB one - if you have a USB port. The rest of your decision is up to your budget. If you don?t have a USB port in your computer, it?s time to add one or get a new computer. USB is fast and allows hot connections ? connect and disconnect without powering down your system. USB is particularly useful for peripherals that you may switch between computers a lot.
For most users it does not yet make any economic sense to buy a USB keyboard or mouse, unless of course you are thinking about notebook computers! Most people hate using the pointing device on a notebook for an extended period of time. Buy a USB mouse and take it with you on your next trip!
The exception to the USB rule is gamers, many gamers feel that a USB mouse can provide better responsiveness due to their higher scan rate and connection speed. Gamers like optical mice with high scan rates, and a fast connection to the system.
?Go digital, young man. Go digital!? If you are planning to buy a camera, do give digital ones some thoughts - especially if you use the Internet a lot. It?s something new with exciting features. However, don?t expect any of the current digital cameras to last too long. Just like a PC, the technology for digital camera is changing and fortunately getting BETTER rapidly.
Joysticks and game pads are for gamers. Unfortunately, we don?t come across too many ?inexpensive? gamers unless they are so young that they don?t know the difference yet. Expensive joysticks enhance the feel and accuracy during gaming. The best joysticks and game pads use a USB interface and are from well-known manufacturers.
The main reason these days to have a microphone on a computer is to do online chatting without paying long distance. Today?s voice streaming technology is not perfect yet. You need as much help from a quality microphone as possible to get results half as decent as a regular telephone. Unless all you care is recording voice, buy a headphone/microphone combo. The combo allows you to listen and talk at the same time without hearing your own echo. Next time your friends complain about an echo when trying to chat with you online, tell them to get a combo, too.
