They can't buy a computer until they know what they want to do with it. But they can't really know all of the uses there are for a computer until they own one. This problem isn't as tough as it seems, however. Go to your local computer store, and look at the software that's available. Most programs spell out their minimum hardware requirements right on the box.
Software tends to lag behind hardware, because it's written to reach the widest possible audience.
A program that only worked on the fastest Pentium Pro system would have very limited sales potential, so most programs written in 1985 work just fine on a fast '486, or an entry-level Pentium system. More importantly, very few programs are optimized to take advantage of a Pentium's power. That means that even if you pay a large premium for the fastest possible system, you may not see a corresponding increase in performance. Overpriced Buying the latest computer system is like buying a fancy new car. You pay a high premium just to get the newest model.