How to Comparison Shop for a PC Online

When it comes to shopping, online comparison shopping is definitely the way of the future. Web sites such as PriceGrabber, Froogle, BizRate and MySimon offer user-friendly comparison shopping services that can help you find what you’re looking for quickly. If you’re planning to buy a PC, there is such a huge variety of products available that it can get confusing. Here are some tips to make your search a little easier.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Computer with Internet access

1. Think about what you’re planning to do with your PC, and the features you want it to have. See the Tips section of this article for a quick guide to the important features of PCs.
2. Navigate to a comparison shopping Web site such as BizRate, Froogle, PriceGrabber or MySimon.
3. Enter your search terms into the search box and hit enter.
4. Narrow your search results by entering a brand name or price range if the site allows you to do so.
5. Compare the features of different models. If you can’t find enough information, try going to the manufacturer’s Web site.
6. Select the model that you want, and start comparing prices. Remember to include shipping and sales tax if they apply. Some sites may offer free shipping or other incentives so be sure to include that in your calculations.
7. Check and double-check. PCs are expensive and even the same model may come with different bundled features when sold by different stores, so it definitely pays to do extensive research before you buy.

Tips & Warnings

• Before you even start shopping, ask yourself what you’ll spend most of your computer time doing. This will help you decide how powerful your new computer needs to be—if you want it for gaming it’ll need a lot more power than if you’ll use it mostly for word processing or Internet use (for example you’ll need more RAM, a faster processor, a larger hard drive and perhaps a higher-wattage power supply, too).
• The MySimon comparison shopping site has sections for refurbished items and items which offer rebates. Shopping from either of these categories can save you some extra money on your purchase. You are more limited in terms of choice in these categories though—there’s no guarantee you’ll find what you need but it doesn’t hurt to look.
• Note that cheaper models tend to have limited upgrade capability and become outdated more quickly. Spending a little more when you buy a computer may save you money on upgrades in the long-term.
• When you start comparing prices, pay close attention to the software and accessories that come with the computer—these often vary from store to store.
• If you feel that you need some extra guidance, don’t hesitate to call or visit a store. You’ll get a better deal by shopping online, but some personal interaction with a sales representative might help you decide exactly what you need before you make a purchase.
• To prevent future problems, make sure you find out as much as possible about the PC and the store you’re buying from before purchase, including the store’s return policy and the warranty on the item and its components.