How to Decide Where to Buy a Computer

Service before and after the sale can be more important than price. Your hardware and service needs should direct you to the right type of dealer.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Decide whether price is your primary consideration, and think about how much you know about using and repairing computers.

2. Choose a used computer only if you can diagnose problems yourself.

3. Buy from an inexpensive local builder or Internet/mail-order company if you're skilled at using computers and diagnosing computer problems.

4. Choose a highly rated local builder or Internet/mail-order company if you want a very specific configuration with a competitive price.

5. Buy from a local builder if you want to specify brands and models of parts.

6. Pick a limited or no-service discount chain, office supply store or department store if you want a cheap consumer model and no help from a commissioned salesperson.

7. Select a consumer electronics store or office supply store if you know how to use a computer and want service coverage for the hardware.

8. Buy from a consumer electronics store if you want interest-free financing.

9. Pay the higher price at a specialty store if you want the help of an experienced, trained salesperson before or after the sale, especially if you want the dealer to set up the system in your home.

Tips & Warnings

• Top-rated Internet/mail-order companies provide or sell telephone and on-site service after the sale.
• Expect a specialty store to offer both name-brand products and machines built with custom configurations. However, don't buy a proprietary consumer model unless you want service coverage for it.
• Local builders may not offer technical support, more than a one-year limited warranty or any on-site service.
• Don't expect limited-service retailers to answer your questions before or after the sale or to provide repairs.
• Avoid buying a monitor you haven't seen.
• Be aware that private individuals selling computers often ask exorbitant prices.
• Remember that used equipment has a shorter life span for mechanical drives and monitor tubes.
• Internet/mail-order companies confer all the risks of buying anything through the mail. Many charge restocking fees.