How to Buy New Laptops

You can buy new laptops for less.

Many people want to buy new laptops but with today's economy it is not in the budget for most of us. However, some people have no choice but to buy new laptops because their present one simply isn't performing. The good news is you don't have to pay full price. Here are some tips on how you can buy new laptops for less money.

Instructions

1. Most people buy new laptops at electronics chain stores. They just walk in and ask the salesperson for advice. This is not the way to buy new laptops. Deals can be found in these places but you must first do your research. The biggest mistake you can make when you buy new laptops is being uninformed.

2. Research, research, research! Before you buy new laptops, you should watch the prices for a few weeks so you will recognize a good deal when you see one. Just because it is on sale does not mean it is a good deal! Don't buy new laptops just based on a sale. Search on the internet for websites that post deals. Some links are in the Resources section below. The ones with forums are particularly useful because you can hear the opinions of other users on which laptops are the best deals.

3. Before you buy new laptops, you should ask yourself what you plan to use them for. If you do basic things like web surfing and word processing, you can get away with spending very little money. The only people who need to buy new laptops that are expensive are those who are heavily into gaming, video editing, and similarly intensive activities. Most people can get away with less features and buy new laptops at cheaper prices. Be honest with yourself about what you need and don't pay for features you won't use.

4. You can sometimes buy new laptops for less by purchasing models that are about to be replaced. You can also find refurbished laptops on the manufacturer's websites. Naturally they prefer that you buy new laptops, so you may have to look around on their website to find the links to the refurbished ones.

5. Lots of people buy new laptops on sale in the days between Thanksgiving and Christmas. There are great deals to be found then, but the best time of year to buy new laptops is actually in January. If you can't wait that long, all hope is not lost- you can buy new laptops for great prices in August during the back-to-school sales as well.

Tips & Warnings

• The internet is your best friend when it's time to buy new laptops. Go to the websites of the manufacturers to research specifications and prices and also opinion/review sites. Sometimes you can also find coupon codes to use when ordering online, which often helps you buy new laptops at lower prices than the sale prices in stores.

• Always buy new laptops from trusted sources. Make sure they come sealed in the original box. Register your laptop with the manufacturer.

• Try not to buy new laptops without seeing them first. If you find the best deal online, see if you can go to a local store to check out the same model to examine its size, weight, and sturdiness.

• Don't buy new laptops on impulse. When you decide on a model you like at a good price, do a search for reviews of that model online and see what others are saying about it. There will always be one or two unhappy customers, but don't buy new laptops that have on overall negative consensus.

• Many people who buy new laptops are pressured by the retailer to buy an extended warranty. In most cases, these turn out to be a waste of money and keep in mind that when you buy new laptops, they often come with a manufacturer's warranty as well. Although the store warranties are more comprehensive, they usually expire before you really need them.

Resources

• Sales Circular (updated weekly with store ads)
• Fat Wallet (to find online deals)