Often times, when we are shopping for a new computer it’s either because our old one just recently crashed or we have that immediate impulse to purchase a new one. Looking for instant gratification, most consumers will drive down to the nearest electronics store and start shopping. The average computer consumer won’t know exactly what all the tech jargon or internal specifications mean or even do. In fact, if a computer salesman at the big box store says “it’s a quad-core 3.6Ghz” this means absolutely nothing to them. Is it fast? What does it do? Can I get on the internet and check email? These are questions most customers that come to me looking for a new computer ask. But, it is more involved than that. Think about it, a computer purchase is a 4 – 6 year investment. Yes, the average shelf -life for a GOOD computer is 4 – 6 years sometimes even longer than that given the right circumstances. So, below are 5 Computer Tips When Buying A New PC. Keep them in mind BEFORE you make your next new computer purchase.
Tip 1: Know What You Are Looking For
I know, this sounds a bit difficult being that we don’t know exactly what all to include or shop for. Rather, know what you want it to do for you. What kind of applications do you run? What do you spend most of your time on the computer doing? Are there any specific tasks or programs that need to be compatible with the new computer? These are all questions you should write down and answer. This will make the search a lot easier for whoever you go to for a new computer.
Tip 2: Shop Around
Again, most consumers have that immediate impulse to buy something not conducting any further research from there. Yes I understand if you can afford it it’s just easier for you to jump right into the deal but, is it really a wise and justified purchase if it doesn’t do everything you want it to do? More so, what if it’s a lemon reported online to have several issues or even a recall! Best thing to do is shop on the computer retailers or the manufacturer’s website. Then, once you have the make and model take that information and perform a basic query in Google. You will find a CNET review or even come across some forums of real people talking about the product.
Tip 3 When Buying A New PC
Ask questions when shopping for a new computer. This sounds like the obvious I know but a lot of consumers fail to meet this criteria. I’m not sure why this is but I cannot stress enough that since you are making such a hefty expense take advantage of their knowledgeable sales person (this won’t always be the case and if you get a pushy sales representative ask to speak with someone else) and poke at their brain. What does this do? What is this for? What does this mean? Since you are considering the purchase of a new computer why not get a free computer basics questionnaire answered too?!
Tip 4: Remember To Price Compare
If you have a smart phone i.e. iPhone or Android and you’re shopping at a big box store before you buy remember check the price to see if you can the computer on sale or a better deal elsewhere. A lot of big box stores will price match as long as you can show proof. Well, download a bar-code scanner application on the App-store or Android Market and use it to see what other retailers are selling the computer for. I for one love to price match with Amazon. I price check almost everything I buy on Amazon to see if they sell it cheaper. 95% of retailers will price match with Amazon ONLY if it is sold and shipped by Amazon. Even more exciting, Amazon has its own price match application. Find it on the App-store or Android Market.
Tip 5: Don’t Get Fooled Into Any Additional Insurance and/or Warranty Coverage
Buy Best for instance sells additional coverage on the product. What does this mean? This means if the computer’s hard drive fails and you take your computer in to them, they will send it to the manufacture for you, wait 4- 6 weeks for the manufacture to send it back, then hopefully they call you right away once its back at their store… Are you kidding me? So they are saying they will play “middle man” for you. Most if not all computers you buy from retailers will have a 1 year standard manufactures warranty. This is pretty standard nowadays and is basic to understand. Basically, if an internal component is damaged and it turns out to be a manufactures defect or normal wear and tear then they will replace or repair it for you. Easy enough right? Manufacture sends you a box, you put your computer in, and send it back. Now, we wait 2 – 3 weeks or even sooner to get it back fixed and at no charge. This is my experience with many computer manufactures but don’t think since I am telling you this to be that it is 100% and includes no stipulations. The best thing for you to do is read the manufactures warranty. Yes, this will require you to take out the computer’s paperwork and read for 5 – 10 minutes (how exhausting) but when it’s all over you’ve saved yourself a significant amount of money and a huge headache!
In Conclusion
Please use these 5 Computer Tips When Buying A New PC next time you are shopping around. Remember, the smart consumer is the patient, well-informed consumer. We hope you enjoyed this post and please remember to follow us on Twitter, like us on Facebook, and Subscribe to our Blog and YouTube.
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