How to Avoid Regret After Buying a Computer

You're about to take the plunge and go shopping for a new desktop computer. What about adding a notebook to your wireless network? How will you deal with any buyer's remorse that may come? Will you be pleased with your new computer purchase knowing you made a wise investment or too overwhelmed by the cost to enjoy it? Take this quick journey to help you be prepared to make this major purchase. It could save you grief later on and give you peace of mind.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Money
• Computer knowledge
• Store
• Internet

1. First and foremost, do your homework! Don't rely on the salespeople at the store or on the Internet to be able to tell you all the technical details you need to know. You can do some online research by clicking on the websites below. It is also a good idea to pick up some computer-related magazines at the library or in the store and see what they recommend. You can also take a notebook with you to the store to record important details about each computer you see of interest.

2. Decide what the new computer you purchase will be used for. If it is just for email or word processing, for example, you will not need the most powerful processor and the top of the line accessories. If you are gaming, however, you will need a more powerful computer with maximum RAM, fast processor, sound and video cards.

3. Do not buy accessories you do not need. For example, if you only want a "tower" which is the CPU of the computer, it is not necessary to buy a monitor or a printer. Pay close attention to the price as to whether it includes a monitor. Read the small print.

4. If you have a favorite keyboard, mouse or other device, it is not necessary to replace it. However, your new computer (unless it is a notebook) will come with a new mouse and a keyboard.

5. If you already have antivirus software and have the CD, you should still be able to install it on your new computer. Just make sure you remove any antivirus software that came with your new computer first. Most are only 90 day trials.

6. Look to see if the computer manufacturer charges more for extra RAM, more hard drive capacity, or a different processor (Such as AMD vs. Intel). Some retailers will not charge extra and this is included in certain computers. Be sure to shop around, as prices vary even with the same manufacturer.

7. Do not run out and buy a new computer when a new operating system is released. New does not automatically mean better. It is often prudent to wait until they take most of the bugs out of it and release some updates.

8. Find out if your existing software and printer or scanner that you use regularly for home or business will work. Some of the older CD's and peripherals such as printers and scanners do not function with the newer computers and Operating Systems. Look on the CD or package for more details or consult the manufacturers' websites.

9. Go online and build your own system and put different configurations together to see differences in pricing. You do not have to check out and can remove the unit from the shopping cart at any time.

10. If this is an additional computer you are adding to a network, you will want to make sure you purchase the proper equipment to connect it such as a router or wireless USB or card. Your new computer will not automatically connect to the Internet without this equipment.

Tips & Warnings

• Always pay attention to the shipping charges. In some cases, you can get free or shipping next to nothing, which will reduce the overall cost of your computer.
• Make sure the computer you want is in stock and ready to ship if ordering online or if you will need to pick it up from a store.
• Always look through your local newspaper fliers for additional deals. And, you can sign up at the websites below to be notified of specials, closeouts and outlet deals.
• If you have Microsoft Office already, you do not need to purchase it again if your license is up to date and it is a replacement computer.
• Do not give in to high pressure salespeople or those that tell say "you must buy today."
• Always read the fine print. For example, if there is a rebate note if you must mail it in or it is an "Instant" rebate.
• Determine before you purchase what type of warranty (if any) you will need and whether it provides on site service or you have to carry in the unit.

Resources

• CNET reviews
• Computer Shopper Online
• HP shopping
• Compusa website
• Circuit City
• Lenovo (formerly IBM) website
• Dell website
• Emachines website
• PC World Magazine
• PC Magazine
• Tiger Direct
• ZD Net Reviews
• Computer reviews on about.com

[favefive]

on 2/4/2008 Great advice...especially #7, it is always best to wait for a while rather than buy on impulse!

[MrBB]

on 2/2/2008 Some good points. Don't fall into the trap of feeling like you have to get the latest and greatest when buying a computer. With the pace of technology these days, your "top of the line" computer will be "average" within a year. So buy more based on your needs than on how elite the computer is. As an example, I knew a guy who maxed out $2000 on his credit card for a computer back in 1999. It had a "cutting edge" 350 MHZ processor on it.

[MidniteWriter]

on 2/1/2008 This is true! But be cautious, some of my clients have gone this route and have had troubles with them. And if you are not computer savvy, this can be a big problem.

[KatYares]

on 2/1/2008 Another option is to buy a 'factory refurbished' desktop or laptop. Many of these carry full warranties, just like purchasing new - but saving as much as several hundred dollars.