102 - Computer Buying Tips

BUYING YOUR OWN COMPUTER TIPS
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Buying a computer is no easy task, and with the cost of many of the machines out on the market today, you want to make sure you’re making the right purchase and not just throwing your money. It is important for you to understand how to choose a computer that is going to provide for all of your needs.

Figuring Out What You Want

• Consider what your purchase is for. Is it for home use, work, gaming, or even art? Work computers have different uses and different needs, from cash registers to high-end computers capable of performing real-time 3D animations.

• Decide whether you want a used or new computer. This has a lot to do with your price range; you can save a significant amount of money buying something a year or so old, particularly as fast as technology moves in today's world, but if you want brand-new with a warranty you’ll pay more.

• Determine your price range. Most of the newer, more powerful computers cost well over the $500 to $2,000 range. Remember, though, that with a desktop PC in particular, and to a far less degree with laptops, you can choose to upgrade the machine later and so don’t have to spend a fortune immediately as long as you get a system that can be upgraded later. Also bear in mind that the smaller and more powerful a device is, the likelier it is to cost more; put simply, if you want a gaming-level machine in your hand with a ton of RAM and a powerful processor, you’ll pay more for it.

• Do a canvassing first on every computer store and make a price list, compare and decide. Be wise and ask for discount. It is good if you know someone who expert in computer, a trusted person where you can ask for consultation.

Reminders

• Don't get pressured into buying useless features such a card reader if you have no cards or a webcam if you’re PC comes with a camera.

• Most of the time, computer salespeople will try to work you some deals and make you buy extra software you might seem to use but won't use at all. Chances are, the deal might include a bunch of software such as Microsoft Office and anti-virus software. Decide for yourself what you do or don't need, but be aware that sometimes deals can be good, too.

• If you plan on upgrading hardware, be sure the manufacturer allows it. For example, some Dell computers can only be upgraded using Dell parts, whereas most HP computers allow third-party parts.

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