Computers are such an integral part of all of our lives. For the longest time I was convinced I’d never own a computer. I’d maintain the writer’s tradition of scripting out things by hand or drafting things out on a type writer and then making corrections with my red pen and drafting final copies on the typewriter. Today, honestly, I can’t even find a pen in my apartment, and the typewriter? Well, let’s just say I left that delusion with my Sony Walkman (you remember? The one that played tapes?)

Truth be told, computers are so necessary that, old or young, to be without one is to be stifled. As we all communicate more and more via email, IM, and cellular technology that doesn’t involve the pen and paper (remember mail?) or a home phone (remember Ma Bell?) we all need a computer or at the very least access to one to keep in touch with the family and friends we love so much.

So computer makers have responded; it’s no longer the elite that own a computer; computers are affordable and available in many formats. You can get a super cheap desktop computer with a modest monitor and large enough hard drive to store pictures, your music, video, and other files for only a couple hundred dollars. The cheapest computers are the ones that you buy outright. You may think you’re “only paying $30 a month” but after four and a half years (when you’ve already gotten the next model computer) and you’re still paying for that computer you don’t even own anymore, you’ll think differently.

Laptop computers or “notebook” computers are also available for a surprisingly cheap price. If you’re in the market for a cheap notebook computer, though, do some research. The cheapest model may not be the best one for your needs; similarly, it could turn out that the cheapest model notebook computer is in fact the best one for your needs. Especially if you get an uber cheap computer it may be worth it for you to invest a little extra money in the warranty so that if anything ever happens to your computer, you’re entitled to work or a refund. You’d hate to be stuck with a lemon computer just 92 days following the expiration of your just passed warranty period.

Computer reviews are the place to start if you’re looking for the best model cheap computer. You should look for an impartial reviewer; never trust those computer websites; they’ll only be telling you what they want you to hear.