How to Get a Good Deal on a Laptop
There's no question about it--a laptop is a major purchase. However, the amount of money you spend can vary widely and depends on several factors. There is no need to spend a huge amount of money for a solid, reliable laptop. With careful shopping and attention to details, you can get the laptop you need at the price you want.
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Instructions
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Stay away from extras you don't need. If you're going to use the laptop for routine work (word processing and web surfing) you probably don't need the newest and fastest processor, and you may not need as much memory and as big a hard drive as you'll find in some of the more expensive laptops. These are extras that can drive up the cost of a laptop.
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Determine how often you'll plug in your laptop. If you use your laptop mostly in settings where a power outlet is available, you may be able to shop for a machine that offers shorter battery life. Long battery life is a costly feature in laptops.
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Consider a netbook--a smaller versions of laptop that usually comes with a lower price. Netbooks do have some drawbacks--such as no DVD drive, less memory and small keyboards. If these points don't matter to you, a netbook may be worth considering.
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Check out used and refurbished laptops, which are often much cheaper than new ones. Keep in mind that buying a secondhand laptopwill save you money now, but might not save much in the long run. A used laptop will likely not last as long as a new one, meaning you will probably be in the market for another one sooner rather than later.
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Shop around. Don't make a purchase at the first store you visit. Visit different sizes and types of stores to look for the best deal. Shop online as well--but keep in mind that shipping charges may add to the final cost if you buy from an online vendor.
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Look for sales and rebates. Most stores have at least a few laptops on sale at any given time. Couple the sale with a manufacturer's rebate, and you may get a great deal. Research the price before you buy, to find out if the sale is really a cheaper price than you can find elsewhere.
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Buy at the right time. Although sales are always happening, there are deeper discounts offered at some times of the year than others. According to PC World, shopping for a laptop at the end of the year can get you a lower price. You may also find deals around back-to-school season, as well as right before a manufacturer releases a new model.
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Haggle. Ask for a better price. Talk to a sales representative or a manager, and ask if they can give you a better deal. You may be able to save some money or get the store to throw in some free equipment. You may also find out about an upcoming sale.
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References
- Photo Credit laptop image by Du...¡an Zidar from Fotolia.com
