Buying a Computer
This is a short guide for choosing a computer. For comprehensive advice, look up on Youtube or Bilibili.
Laptop
The pragmatic advise is to pick a laptop from a reputable company within your price range that was made no longer than one year ago.
My list of reputable companies include Lenovo, Xiaomi, Asus, Acer, Dell, and HP.
I suggest against buying old, second-handed, or refurbished laptops, because a computer made today may be similar in price to another made three years ago, but in much better quality. This is due to the rapid development in computer manufacturing technologies that has never been slowed down since its inception.
I would also avoid chromebooks and laptops made by Microsoft, as they offer poor quality-to-price ratio.
Desktop
Choices for pre-assembled desktops made from a reputable company are few.
If you are not an expert, it is never a good idea to purchase a computer of a less-known brand, because those manufacturers may exploit your ignorance and sell poor products with high prices.
So my advice is, either to buy a laptop from a reputable company, or to seek advices from a trust-worthy source before buying a desktop.
There is also the option to buy each piece of the hardware separately and assemble the computer by yourself. Again, do your research beforehand.
Apple Computers
Apple computers are of great quality, but they are also much more expensive compared to other products of similar quality.
If you want to buy an Apple computer, check the alternatives in similar price range. You will likely find them equipped with more RAM and more powerful CPU and GPU.
That being said, Apple computers can be a good choice if you don’t care about money.
Dedicated GPU?
This passage does not apply to Apple’s computer.
There are two kinds of GPU on the market for non-Apple computers, intergrated and dedicated. Most CPU are incorporated with a small GPU on the same die, these are called intergrated GPUs. Dedicated GPU is independent from CPU, likely more expensive, but much more powerful.
Some computers only have intergrated GPU, and the classical question is whether one need a dedicated GPU.
The short answer is that anyone performing tasks related to gaming, video or photo editing, AI/ML, and simulation will need a dedicated GPU. Others likely do not.
A dedicated GPU, nevertheless, is always helpful if it can be fitted into the budget.
How much RAM?
The more the better, and 12 GB is the minimum.