People ask me all the time: “What is the best computer to buy?”

That can be a tough question, and it depends on many things, like age, use, experience and expense. You’re not going to buy your eight-year-old child a high-end video game computer, but you might consider an iPad or a Kindle.

As far as use, most people like the versatility of a laptop — they can carry it around the house, work or school. The other alternative is a desktop computer that comes in two varieties. The box is where all the components, like the video card, motherboard, CD player and hard drives are installed. That and the combination of a monitor, keyboard and mouse.

The other side is to buy an all-in-one desktop computer. It looks like a monitor but has all the components built inside, which saves you desktop space. It can run up to $1,600 versus $600 for a desktop computer (which needs a monitor for about $200). Apple has the Mac Mini computer, which looks like the size of a book, and you plug in a monitor, keyboard and mouse. That can run you up from $600 to $800.

Some of the high-end desktop computers for video games — with really expensive video cards — can run up to $2,000 or more. How about a laptop? They are cheaper and less space-hungry than a desktop. This is where money comes into play.

Apple is the most expensive by far with MacBook Pros running $2,000 or more. But the new MacBook Air is about $900, and the iMac around $1,200. HPs can start around $600 and go up.

So, what do you want to use a computer for? Many senior citizens don’t want all the whistles and bells that come with a new computer. Most only want to use it for e-mail, banking (like Quickbooks), stocks, photos and music. The only games they mostly use are bridge, solitaire and crossword puzzles. School kids have the Apple App Store and Music Store, where there are thousands of programs to choose from.

PCs have the Microsoft Store, which is much smaller and limited.

So what is the safe computer to buy that won’t get viruses, malware, ransomware and spam with tons of ads? Unfortunately, all computers get those, but Apple computers don’t get the same amount of viruses. Out of all the browsers, like Yahoo, Gmail, AOL and Outlook, the best one that filters out ads and spam is actually AOL.

Now, for kids in school that use laptops for class, Apple has more programs and apps than the PCs. Apple builds a more expensive product, but in my opinion, it will last longer than PCs. Now as far as repairs go, Apple parts are more expensive. That’s because when you take your laptop over to the other side of the island to the only Apple repair shop there, they can only repair laptops over 2015 and have to use genuine Apple parts.

Since I also repair Apple computers, I don’t have to follow all the strict guidelines. I can repair any laptop from the year 2000 on up, and there are many third party parts that are just as good (or even better) than Apple genuine parts — and they are very much cheaper. Another factor is that to diagnose your problem with a laptop not starting up, it’s usually a $75 charge. Since I’ve been in business, almost 30 years, I never charge to look and diagnose a broken computer. I’ll sit down with my client, show them the faulty component, go on the Internet and find out the cost of the part and then let them decide how to continue on repairing it.

So, I hope this gives you a little insight how to go out and buy a computer for what you need it to do. If you have any questions, e-mail me at mauimist@aol.com or call me at (808) 280-5055.