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I wrote an article a while ago on a guide for buying a new computer. Since then, some major changes have happened and caused that article to be obsolete. Most notably, working remotely has seen a sharp increase (though not voluntarily) and, of course, Moore’s Law.

In this article, I’ve gone over the most important “specs” for nurses to consider when purchasing a computer. Here is an updated guide for you all to help find the right computer for you. I have another article here that goes in-depth about what you’ll need to set up your own home office. Before we can get to that though, you have to own the hardware first.

If you want to skip all of the research and technical talk and go straight to a decision, then I highly recommend the Microsoft Surface Laptop. This is the computer I’ve used for the last few years at work and it works wonderfully. You can save money by choosing the older edition (Surface Laptop 1), or splurge for the latest model (Surface Laptop 3). Please note: While I do work for Microsoft; this post is not sponsored by them and is just based on my personal preferences.

What is Important?

While the need for a well-performing computer has increased, the specs you should focus on have not. The most important things to look for when in the market for a new PC is a:

*Processor!!!*

The processor (CPU, if you want to be more technical) is what makes your PC run fast. Of course, there’s much more to it than that, but the most important thing to look for is the type of processor (i.e. i3, i7, AMD Radeon, etc.). In the past, we would look to the total amount of Gigahertz (GHz) to determine a good processor, but advancements have made that a pointless indicator. For example, an i5 processor with 3.47 GHz would not be faster than an i7 with 3.05 GHz.

Storage

The storage of your computer will be held on one of these two devices, a hard-disk drive (HDD) or a solid-state drive (SSD). The option to add additional, external ones is there, but for now, let’s look at the one you’ll start out with. To get the best product, you should mix both to optimize your workflow. An SSD can be used to host your operating system, while the HDD can hold all other data. This would allow for a more efficient machine that can hold more (an HDD is also way cheaper than any SSD).

RAM

Finally, the RAM is a vital piece to your computer. This is what holds all of the memory that your computer is actively using. Think of it as a desk or bench, and the larger it is, the more tasks you can perform on it. This is a vital piece to your workstation as you will have to have multiple things going at once for efficiency. You can get multiple sticks of RAM, and each will increase the “size” of your workstation. Contrary to how you look for the best processor, the higher the number on your RAM, the better. Basically, RAM is referred to as DDR (double data rate, if you’re curious), and you will find things like DDR2, DDR3, etc. If you can afford it, you should always default to the highest number.

What Should I Focus On?

All of them!! You must prioritize these three components if you want a computer that fits all situations. There are other components to look for if you have a reason for video editing, or maybe to play a game to relax with. However, these cannot be decided on until you have the listed 3 components sorted first.

Now that we have covered the important bits of the computer, let’s look at the pricing. I’ve compiled a list of computers for all budgets that fit the categories I set out earlier. Whether you’re a student or an established professional, you will certainly find one of these to be right for you.

On a Budget ($500 – $699)

Best of Both Worlds ($700 – $999)

Break the Bank ($1000+)

  • Dell XPS 13 (2019) ($1,149.98) One of the best premium laptop choices.
  • HP Spectre x360 (2020) ($1,349.00) The specs on this computer makes it a great choice for a powerful workstation.
  • MacBook Pro (16-inch, 2019) ($2,149.00) Of course, no high-end computer list would be complete without a MacBook in the rankings.
  • HP Elite Dragonfly ($2, 459.00) This is a pricy option, but the power of this machine speaks for the investment.

Have any further questions about what to look for? Do you think I missed any PCs that should go into these lists? Let me know in the comments and on my LinkedIn Group!

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