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Article #198: 5 Sure-Fire Tips for Buying a New Computer

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So you're thinking of buying a new The reality is that most computer
computer... hardware - the physical pieces like the
Where do you start? There are so many computer, monitor and printer - is sold
brands and models of computers available, at very low profit margins. Often,
and it can all be a little overwhelming computer systems are even sold at or
when you start to look around. below the dealer cost. When you're buying
How do you decide what type of computer a computer, it never hurts to ask for a
you need? And perhaps more importantly, better deal, but don't be surprised if
how do you decide what the best value is? you only get a few dollars off, if
I have sold computers professionally for anything.
almost 20 years, and there are certain Over the close to 20 years I've sold
"tricks of the trade" that most computer computers, I watched the profit margins
stores and salespeople use. Knowing these go from over 40% to less than 5%. It's
secrets can make your decision easier and almost embarassing to offer a $20
will help you buy the right computer for discount on a $2500 computer system, but
your needs. that could mean the difference between
1. Buy What You Need, Maybe a Little More making and losing money on the sale.
One of the most important things you can What you can do to get the best price is
do when buying a new computer is make a to do some comparison shopping. Most
list of the things that you will be using computer stores offer price-matching
it for. There are so many different guarantees, so if you find your computer
models - with different capabilities - for less at another store, most dealers
that you can easily buy more, or less, will match or beat that price, even if it
than you really need if you don't. means they lose money.
If this is your first computer, this can 4. How Do Computer Stores Make Any Money?
be a little tougher. Until you've used a You might be wondering how these computer
computer, it's hard to know exactly what stores make any money if they're selling
you might want to do with it beyond the computer for so little profit.
obvious, like connecting to the internet. Their money is made on add-on items. The
Regardless, you should think about some highest profit areas in most computer
of the things you might want to do. Some stores are cables and "consumable"
possibilities include: products such as printer ink and paper.
- Connect to the internet Printer ink is a huge money-maker for
- Play games most computer stores (even more so for
- Digital photography the printer manufacturers). Why is this?
- Digital video Once you've bought a printer, you're
- Type documents going to have to replace your ink at some
- Accounting point, and continue to replace it as it
- Design websites runs out.
- Programming Most chain computer stores and office
- Digital scrapbooking supply stores that carry a large
- Geneology selection of ink cartridges make more
Some of these things need more power than from ink than they do from the computers
others. For example, connecting to the themselves.
internet really doesn't need a lot of Cables also have huge markups. A cable
power. Even the most basic computer that costs the store $2-3 will often sell
available will probably work just fine. for $20-30. That's ten times their cost!
Digital video and many games need a lot If you're buying a new computer, you will
more power. If you don't get a fast likely need to buy some cables. Some
enough computer with enough memory, items - printers, for example - don't
you'll be disappointed with the often include the cables needed to hook
performance. them up.
Knowing what you're going to be using Many printers also come with "starter"
your computer for will help your ink cartridges that are only half-full.
salesperson, whether they're on the You might also want to pick up some extra
phone, the internet or standing in front ink cartridges.
of you, recommend the best system for This is where you should be able to
your needs. negotiate a better price. Don't expect
As a general rule you're always better the salesperson to throw them in for
off buying more power than you need nothing, but they should be willing to
rather than less, but buying too much can offer you a better price. After all, if
be a waste of money. you're happy with their service, you'll
2. Warranty Considerations probably continue to buy your ink, paper
Computer warranties are one of the most and other products from that store in the
confusing and obscure parts of your future.
purchase. Most manufacturers have cut 5. What Software is Included?
back on their customer service to the The last secret of buying a new computer
point where poor service has become a has to do with the software that is
given. included. Most new computer systems
The three most common options are onsite, include quite a few programs and
carry-in or manufacturer's depot service. sometimes the value of the software can
Onsite service can be helpful, but think be quite high.
about whether you want to have to be Something to watch out for when looking
available for a technician to come and at the included software is "trial
diagnose your computer, and possibly have versions" or "limited editions".
to come back with parts at another time. Many programs that are preloaded are
Carry in service is a good option, but either crippled versions that don't have
find out whether the service center is all the features of the full program, or
factory authorized for warranty repairs, trial versions that will only run for a
as well as whether the technicians are certain amount of time before they
all certified. expire.
Shipping your computer to a factory Computer are often sold with trial
service center can take a long time - versions of the following types of
sometimes a number of weeks. It also software:
creates risk that your computer will be - antivirus
damaged or even lost in shipping. In some - firewall
cases, the manufacturer will even replace - MS Office or other office suites
your computer with another unit and ship - Accounting - both business and personal
it back to you, rather than repairing it. The computer manufacturers generally
This can result in your losing any don't make it easy to tell whether the
information that was on your system and software on their systems are trial
having to reload all your software. versions or limited versions. This is a
Another aspect of the warranty to find question that you should specifically ask
out about is technical support. Find out if you can't find the answer in their
if the computer manufacturer offers a promotional information.
toll-free phone number and what the If you're buying a new computer with
quality of service is like. trial versions of the software, keep in
The better computer salespeople will be mind that you will need to pay to
honest about this and tell you if a continue using it after the trial period
company's service leaves something to be is over. This is an added cost that you
desired. You can also do some research on need to consider as part of your overall
the internet - most of the computer budget.
magazines like PC Magazine and PC World These five "secrets" of buying a new
have annual customer service comparisons computer are fairly common sense, but
that rate the larger computer companies. they are not always made clear up front.
Always find out how the warranty is Knowing what to ask will help you in two
handled before making your decision. Even ways. First, you can be sure you are
if it doesn't influence your choice, getting the right computer for your
knowing what to expect if something does needs.
go wrong will save some nasty surprises Second, if the salesperson or company
down the road. that you're dealing with explains these
3. Can You Negotiate the Price Down? things to you without being asked, you'll
A computer is a relatively large know you're dealing with someone who is
investment - anywhere from a few hundred honest and upfront.
to a few thousand dollars. Many computer Knowing you can trust the people you're
buyers expect that there is a significant dealing with is an invaluable feature of
amount of "wiggle room" on the price. your new computer system.






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