​​​Diekri Technology Inc.

Thoughts on Minimum Computing Requirements (September 2025)

Please find below my standard criteria that I recommend individuals consider when selecting a computer independently. These guidelines are applicable to both PCs and Macs but do not pertain to tablets or smartphones.

Given the wide range of brands and varying quality levels available in the market, identifying the optimal choice can be challenging. The landscape of recommendations and product quality tends to evolve annually. I advise conducting thorough research across multiple reputable websites, rather than relying on the opinions of just one or two sources.

Note that this list is based on my personal experience and observations, and should serve as a general reference rather than an absolute standard.​

Brand Preferences: My preferred brands are Apple, Dell, and Microsoft. I currently have limited confidence in other brands' suitability.

Quality: I recommend selecting business-grade or mid-range desktops and laptops for optimal durability and performance. It is advisable to avoid consumer-grade or lower-end products, as they tend to lack longevity. For enhanced performance, particularly for tasks such as CAD, graphic design, or drafting, consider opting for gaming-level computers, which typically offer superior specifications.

What you should be paying:
Desktop (mid range grade, or business grade) - at least $1000 plus the cost of the monitor, keyboard and mouse.
Laptop & All-In-One (mid range grade, or business grade) - at least $1200.

Hardware Warranty: Get a three year hardware warranty if it's in the budget.  If that is not available, I would question the quality of the computer.

Software Warranty: Software warranties are separate and can be costly.  It's better to be proactive (and cost effective) to do image or disk backups instead.

Operating system:
PC Home computer: Windows 11 Home
PC Business computer: Windows 11 Pro

Mac Computer: OSX (you don't really have a choice anyways)

Microsoft Office 2024/365 :
(option 1) Home and Business - this has Word, Excel, Power Point and Outlook.  You cannot upgrade this software to the latest build.
(option 2) Home - this has Word, Power Point and Excel only.  You cannot upgrade this software to the latest build.
(option 3) Office 365 Family - yearly subscription of $145/year for up to 5 computers or $115/year for one computer - includes all Office products and any future upgrades.

(option 4) Office 365 Business - can be monthly or annual but cost varies between $17 to $29 per person per month.  Costly, but there are several benefits that may work out very well for your business.  Set up can be challenging so you may want to speak to a computing consultant before pursuing this path.

Processor: In PCs, look for Intel Core 5, Intel Core 7, I5, I7 or higher if warranted.  On Apple Mac look for at least 8 'core' processors, or higher if needed.
Hard Drive: I recommend a SSD hard drive of at least 512gb.  If you store a lot of multi-media such as pictures, music and video, try for at least 1tb.
Memory: 16gb RAM memory.  You may need more.  Check minimum requirements on software you plan to run on the computer.
Video Card: Try for at least 8gb of video RAM.  Higher if you plan to run graphic design software.
DVD Writer (optional, rarely required anymore)
Multi-Media Card reader (optional, rarely required, meant for reading older style digital camera cards)
External hard drive(for backup): 2tb in size ... or it should at least equal the Hard Drive size.  Brand Names preferred are Seagate, Verbatim, and Transcend.

Some Additional Notes/Thoughts

Remember that almost all box-stores sell lower grade technology but maybe that's all you need.  Again, check the in-store warranty to see if they will back their products.