What started as a simple desktop with a regular sized screen and the usual list of software, turned into something more. Here’s the final laundry list:
- Physical size must be small – maybe even a laptop to cut down on the footprint.
- Monitor must be at least 22“ – they’re only a hundred dollars more than a 19” after all. We’d be silly not to invest in the bigger one.
- Must have super fast graphics card – better for YouTube and also for those games we might buy some day.
- High end sound card – for the music lover who can tell the difference between a dud and a good one.
- Speakers - see above.
- Wireless everything – cables are so yesterday – and must go.
- Internet radio tuner – so we can listen to Amsterdam DJ’s live when we come home from the club at 5am.
- At least two terabytes of storage – for the online movie library we will create. In fact, four would be better (1 terabyte = 1000 gigabytes).
- Ability to connect to the giant plasma TV so we can use the TV as an even bigger computer monitor.
- Then we’d need additional keyboards and mice (wireless I suppose) to run everything from the couch so we don’t have to get up.
As for the software - don’t get me started.
I’ve been kicking this purchase around in my mind for about six months now, and I’ve decided my problem is too much choice. There are so many options available when choosing a PC, that I am struggling to make any progress at all in my analysis.
It’s similar to going into the Chinese restaurant with a 15 page menu – the feeling is one of overwhelm rather than excitement.
There’s plenty of research that supports the fact that too much choice is demotivating. We crave simplicity and lean towards what we already know, rather than what is new.
So here’s to a year of simplicity – for ourselves and our customers. Simple and clear offerings, simple pricing structures, clear choice in products and services, and simple ways to access service and help.
And maybe by the end of the year I’ll have bought that new PC……
“ There are so many options available when choosing a PC, that I am struggling to make any progress at all in my analysis. ”
Megan Tough runs Complete Potential, a company that helps businesses solve their strategy and people problems. She loves being a solopreneur, and when she doesn't have her nose to the grindstone, is fulfilling her other passion of fitness and health.
