How to Talk to a Computer Salesperson

Don't be intimidated. Although salespeople may spout jargon like there's no tomorrow, if they can't describe features in a simple way, they probably don't really know what they're talking about. Although you should make some effort to educate yourself, persist with the salesperson until you find someone who speaks your language.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Pens
• Spiral Notebooks
• Pens

Know What to Ask

1. Tell the salesperson what you plan to do with the machine and how long you want it to be functional.

2. Find out what internal hardware and pre-loaded software is included with the models you're considering.

3. Ask about reliability and customer satisfaction with specific brands.

4. Ask about manufacturer's warranties and store service contracts.

5. Ask about return policies and restocking fees.

6. Ask "What's the catch?" when you find a low price.

Educate Yourself

7. Understand that RAM and cache are short-term memory. Each is like a sieve: The newest information entered pushes out the oldest information. RAM controls how many different things you can do at one time. Although more is better, if you restrict your computer use to simple tasks (word processing, check balancing), you don't need much RAM. Games, however, can take up lots of RAM; graphics and sound are space hogs.

8. Understand that the processor is like a speedometer. It controls how fast you can go, but not necessarily how fast you will go. Few applications without moving video will challenge the speed capabilities of contemporary processors.

9. Understand that a hard disk is a digital equivalent of a file cabinet: You can put in only so much before you need to conduct file maintenance.

10. Avoid making the size of the hard disk a significant factor in your computer buying decision, since storage technology and prices are improving.

11. Understand that expansion ports, expansion slots, sound cards, video cards, video RAM, modems and speakers add functionality and upgradability to your computer.

Tips & Warnings

• Think of the processor as your brain. Imagine you need to get information from a map. If your brain can find the map in your hands (cache), access is very fast. If the map is by the front door (RAM), access is a little slower. If the map is in the glove compartment (hard disk) in your car, access is slow.

[theperfectfit]

on 1/15/2009 With so many brands and prices, I find it quite difficult to compare apples, oranges and plums. I have had my last two processors built to my needs. I am hoping that I can have a laptop built also. Thanks.

on 1/9/2006 I build computers for a living, and the most important thing in my opinion when buying a computer is; never be cheap! Inexpensive doesn't mean you made a good deal, many stores will bundle a processor and motherboard (the thing all the other computer components plug into) and it will be very cheap, but it will short out or it will not be compatible. Don't buy too expensive and don't only buy brand name as smaller businesses have good products as well. Do your research.

on 11/22/2005 Before you go to the computer store, do research on the Internet or in computer magazines. Get an idea of what is out there, what you want, and how much it will cost. When you go to the computer store, ask about the warranties and what they cover. Most importantly, shop around for the best deal. You can save hundreds by browsing the ads and asking about rebates. Go with your gut instinct. Good luck!