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Computer Research Center

All the tools you need to find the perfect PC.

Staples has a wide selection of the latest computers, and all at great low prices. Find the right one for you with our helpful research tools.

A quick overview

From powerhouse desktops to super portable laptops, there's a computer for every need. And with improving technology, they're getting faster and sleeker every day.

Watch videos
Glossary of terms
Find computer accessories
Shop by brand

Learn about the HP Pavilion dm4-3050US 14" Laptop.

Things to consider

Screen

Size

When choosing a desktop or laptop, a 14- or 15-inch screen is a good choice for everyday tasks like checking email, updating your Facebook status or printing directions. But if you're constantly on the move, you'll want to choose a 13- or 14-inch screen, because they're lighter and easier to carry around. If you plan to create huge spreadsheets, present slideshows or play games, then a 17-inch screen is recommended.

Touchscreen

The latest in display technology is the touchscreen, which allows you to execute commands by simply touching the screen. There is no mouse required so your desktop stays
clutter free.

Processor speed

The processor or CPU is like the computer's brain. It executes all the tasks your computer performs, from sending an email to editing HD video. It is critical to the overall performance of your PC. Some processors can complete tasks faster than others. So if you use your computer for simple tasks, like browsing online or using Word, a basic processor is perfect. But let's say you want to work on Excel spreadsheets, Powerpoint, edit photos, stream HD content online and edit HD home videos on the weekend, then you will need a superior processor.

Many processors now feature Integrated Graphics, which utilize a portion of a computer's system RAM to help process graphics.

Basic
- Intel^®: Atom, Celeron
- AMD: Turion II
- AMD: C-series
Mid-Range
- Intel^®: Pentium, Core i3
- AMD: Athalon II
- AMD: E-series, A4
Superior
- Intel^®: Core i5, Core i7
- AMD: Phenom II, Fusion A Series
- AMD: A6, A8

Storage

Hard drive

The hard drive is where your computer stores all your permanent data like your operating system, software programs, photos, videos, music and more. Hard drives range in size from 320GB to 2TB. For basic use, 500GB is fine. But if you've got folders and folders of photos, or plan on running lots of programs, choose at least 1TB.

SSD

SSD or Solid-State-Drives are the latest technology in internal storage. They're smaller, lighter and faster than regular internal drives and have no moving parts so they're less susceptible to physical shock. Solid-State-Drives can be found in the newest laptops, desktops and Ultrabooks.

Battery life

There's nothing worse then when your laptop dies right in the middle of an important project. So if you'll be working out of the office, choose a longer-lasting battery. Some can last up to 9 hours. Also consider how you'll be using your laptop. Playing a DVD uses more battery power than other functions, but most models can play one full movie without having to be recharged. Some laptops accept an additional battery, which gives you twice the power, but adds weight and size.

Style and function

Computers can do more than complete tasks, they can show off your style. Some laptops come with colorful graphic lids and there's even desktops with glowing neon lights for gaming. Others are built for function with rugged materials that can withstand being dropped.

Learn about the Dell SWITCH by Design Studio laptops.

Laptop types

Everyday

Most laptops fall into this category and range from basic to high performance depending on the features you choose. But one thing is the same: all-purpose laptops are powerful enough for everyday computing with the added benefit of being portable.

View everyday laptops

Learn about the Toshiba L755-S5153 15.6" Laptop

Netbooks

If all you need is word processing and email on the go, netbooks are a great choice. And, since they're smaller and have fewer features than a laptop, they're usually very affordable. But with limited power and performance, netbooks aren't recommended to replace a PC, but rather to complement one.

Ultrabooks

Slim, light and great for on the go, Ultrabooks are a step up from netbooks. They've got more processing power and more advanced features than netbooks, like fast Solid-State-Drives, but are smaller and lighter than laptops. And some models come with an optical drive so you can watch DVDs.

View all Ultrabooks

Learn about the Acer Aspire Ultrabook™ S3-951-6646 13.3" Laptop

Microsoft Select Laptops

Working together, Staples and Microsoft carefully selected PCs for their design, mobility and performance. Whether you need a super portable laptop or a powerhouse , Windows 7 Select PCs offer a range of features to give you the best experience.

View all Microsoft Select Laptops

Desktop types

Tower PCs

The tower desktop is most common PC and offers the greatest range of features. Desktops tend to get the newest technology ahead of laptops, so they're great if you need super high performance. Lower-end desktops are usually less expensive than lower-end laptops while still offering basic everyday performance. Desktops offer the most connectivity options and are also highly expandable, so they can grow with you.

View all tower PCs

Learn about the Dell XPS 8300 X8300-4504BK Desktop PC

All-in-one

Rather than having a separate tower and monitor, all-in-one desktops combine these features into one, space-saving design. Their compact size allows more flexibility in where you decide to put your PC and some even have a touch-screen display. Many come with a wireless keyboard and mouse, which cuts down on cord clutter.

View all-in-one computers

Learn about the HP TouchSmart 520-1030 Desktop PC

Shop by use

Everyday

A reliable choice for home users who need a basic everyday PC.

Best for:

Web browsing and other common tasks
Word processing and other basic applications
Managing MP3s and videos
Viewing and editing videos
Playing video games

Shop everyday computers

Professional

For home or business users who need faster speeds and more performance.

Best for:

Accessing multiple documents & applications at the same time
Managing and storing documents, music and photos
Streaming videos
Enhanced gaming capabilities

Shop professional computers

Gaming/Entertainment

Ideal for those who want the richest gaming or entertainment experience.

Features include:

Larger hard drives for increased storage
Advanced processors for better performance
Super fast graphics cards and 3D capabilities for enhanced gaming
Ability to run demanding programs like Adobe Photoshop or Final Cut Pro

Shop gaming computers

Shop entertainment computers

Business grade

Specifically for business users.

Features include:

Larger hard drives for increased storage
More durable construction
Faster processors for multi-tasking
Ability to create and edit spreadsheets and slide presentations

Coming soon

Use the computer selector

Compare PC to Mac

PC vs. Mac?

The answer is simple. PCs have all the power and performance of a Mac, but without the ridiculously high price tag. See the difference for yourself – just compare models, specs and features.

Compare now

Watch videos

Choosing a computer

There are three major features to consider when buying a computer: processor, memory and hard drive. This video walks you through each of them, so you know exactly what to look for.

Choosing a computer

Choosing a laptop

Choosing a monitor

Choosing the right Microsoft Office Version

Protect your computer with Norton 360

Choosing a computer protection plan

Learn about data backup and security

Glossary of terms

All terms
Bluetooth®
DVI port
Face-recognition software
Fingerprint reader
FireWire® port
Graphics
Hard drive
HDMI port
Media reader
Mobile broadband
Operating system
Optical drive
Processor
RAM (Memory)
TV tuner
USB (Universal Serial Bus)
Wireless LAN

Bluetooth®
Enables communication among mobile phones, computers and wireless headsets.

DVI port
A digital visual interface port enables you to connect your computer to a digital-display monitor/TV with minimal loss of image quality. A DVI port is great for showing a slideshow of your photos on your home TV.

Face-recognition software
Security feature that replaces the need for a password.

Fingerprint reader
Security feature that prevents others from using your computer.

FireWire® port
A standard interface socket designed to provide connectivity between computers and digital audio and video equipment. If you plan to download videos from your camera to your computer, a FireWire port is a must.

Graphics
When buying a laptop, you will have two choices for the graphics:

Graphics card/dedicated graphics This is a separate card fitted into the laptop with a graphics processor and its own memory. The more megabytes (MB) the graphics card has, the faster and more detailed graphics you can run on your laptop (e.g., video).

Integrated/shared/external graphics The graphics processor is often integrated into the computer motherboard. Integrated graphics share the memory from the main computer (RAM), which means the laptop will have less memory for other tasks. This is best suited to general office tasks and everyday use.

Hard drive
Your laptop stores all its data here. It's measured in gigabytes (GB) and terabytes (TB). The more GB, the more music, movies and data can be stored. Some hard drives are even encrypted for extra security.

HDMI port
A high-definition multimedia interface (HDMI) port enables you to send digital audio and video signals to a high definition TV. HDMI supports, on a single cable, any TV or PC video format including standard, enhanced and high-definition video along with eight channels of digital audio. An HDMI port will ensure great picture quality when watching Internet content on your HDTV.

Media reader
A media card slot allows you to view information directly from a media card (e.g., a digital camera memory card) on your laptop with no cables or camera required.

Mobile broadband
Enables you to connect to the Internet wherever there's cell service.

Operating system
A type of software that controls the other software on the laptop.

Windows® 7 Starter Edition Available on most netbooks. Supports the latest hardware and software.

Windows 7 Home Premium Windows 7 Home Premium makes it easy to create a home network and share all of your favorite photos, videos and music. With Internet TV, you can even watch, pause, rewind and record TV. Get the best entertainment experience with Windows 7 Home Premium.

Windows 7 Professional Windows 7 Professional makes working anywhere easier and more secure.

In addition to everything found in Windows 7 Home Premium, it simplifies connecting to corporate networks securely. Plus, it helps you safeguard your hard work and important information with automatic backup. And it's compatible with more Windows XP business programs. If you work with your PC, Windows 7 Professional will help make working easier.

Windows 7 Ultimate Designed for people who want it all. Windows 7 Ultimate is the most versatile and powerful edition of Windows 7. It combines remarkable ease of use with the entertainment features of Home Premium and the business capabilities of Professional, including the ability to run many Windows XP productivity programs in Windows XP Mode. For added security, you can encrypt your data with BitLocker and BitLocker To Go. And for extra flexibility, you can work in any of 35 languages. Get it all with Windows 7 Ultimate.

Optical drive
The optical drive is the area that uses optical discs such as DVDs and CDs. Within the optical drive there are various functions that differ between laptops. These functions are outlined below:

DVD This optical drive can use both CD and DVD discs.

+/- This symbol means the laptop can use both -discs and +discs, which are made by different manufacturers. Some optical drives only use -discs (-DVD or -CD) and some only use +discs (+DVD or +CD).

RW These initials indicate that a disc is rewritable, which means it can play, record and re-record data.

Dual layer A disc with dual-layer capability can store more information than a single-layer disc, as its lasers read the disc on two levels.

LightScribe™ LightScribe uses laser-etching to burn labels directly onto your CDs and DVDs.

DVD RAM This format is efficient for storing data files, as opposed to media files. It is an ideal format for archiving office documents.

Blu-ray ROM Install a Blu-ray ROM in your computer to watch Hi-Def Blu-ray movies on your computer. Or connect your computer to your TV and use your computer as a Blu-ray DVD player.

Processor
This is the brain of the laptop. Different processors provide various levels of performance.

RAM (Memory)
The Random Access Memory (RAM) is a temporary storage area. The higher a laptop's number of megabytes of RAM, the more files it will be able to process.

TV tuner
A TV tuner card is a computer component that allows TV signals to be received by a computer. Most TV tuners also function as video capture cards, allowing them to record TV programs onto a hard disk.

USB (Universal Serial Bus)
This is a standard that allows for easy connection of external peripherals, such as printers and mice, to your laptop. It also supports plug and play.

Wireless LAN
This allows a mobile user to connect to a local area network (LAN) through a wireless connection. There are "hotspots" where you can easily connect to the LAN (e.g., in airports).