How to Get the Best Deal for a Computer Online
For business, pleasure or a little bit of both, buying a computer is a big deal for most. Unless you have money to burn, you have probably considered buying a desktop or laptop computer online to get a better deal. Regardless of how low the price tag is, you'll want to know whether you're getting a good deal or a cheap box of inferior hardware.
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Instructions
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List everything you plan on using your computer for. Do you need something portable? A laptop is what you're looking for. Will you spend a lot of time playing games or working with graphic-rich programs? You need a larger video card, at least 112 MB. Business administration more your style? You need faster processing speed and RAM of 512 MB or more. You can have some or all of these features in a laptop or desktop.
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Figure out how much money you have to spend on a computer. No matter how great a deal you find, if you can't afford it you're wasting your time looking.
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Begin comparison shopping online. Go to manufacturers' sites first then Web sites of major retailers like Wal-Mart and Best Buy.
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Search online-only shops like eBay and Amazon. Compare the same model computer and same peripherals packages for a useful comparison.
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Contact clubs you are a part of-AAA, AARP, NAACP, etc. often offer special discounts for major purchases like computers. Check to see if your employer has negotiated any employee discounts with specific manufacturers.
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Call your Internet service provider (ISP) to inquire about any specials they might be running. ISPs frequently offer discounted computers in exchange for a service contract to provide your Internet access.
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Buying from an individual, rather than a company, means you must be a little more diligent. Ask for photos of all angles of the computer, including inside the case if it's a desktop before making any agreements to buy.
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Choose only the software packages you'll use. Be aware that purchasing a brand new computer with Microsoft products includes OEM (original equipment manufacturers) software. This software is tied directly to the single computer and cannot be installed on computers you may purchase in the future. Buying the software separate from the computer may cost you a few extra bucks in the short term but could save you money on the next upgraded model you buy.
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Look for free shipping offers, especially around the holidays. This could save you a good chunk of change.
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Tips & Warnings
"Refurbished" computers are not the same as new. Computers that carry the "refurbished" seal must be certified by a manufacturer's authorized agent for resale. These often come with a warranty of one to three months. New computers often come with a one-year warranty and used computers are not warranteed at all.
Should your wallet not afford the computer you want as well as all the peripherals (printer, scanner, upgraded keyboard, etc.), pick up a better computer now and pick up the peripherals a little down the road.
Plug and play users (if you want to hook up your digital camera, iPod and portable printer to your computer via a USB cord, you are a plug and play user) should make sure the USB ports are going to be easy to get to. Those hidden at the back of the computer along with every other plug can be a headache to reach.
