- Why do I need a computer?
- Where should I go to buy a computer ?
- Where can I get the best deal ?
- What is the best brand to buy?
- Why should I care about upgrading ?
- When should I buy a computer ?
It's important to know why your interested in a computer to purchase one
that suits your needs. Are you primarily interested in the Internet,
E-mail, working with photos, video editing, music? Might it be word processing,
financial records, card making, game playing? All have different
demands on computing power. Going to the proper store with an educated
staff will help you the most. Do not be bullied by sales managers who
know this system is
right for you.
You generally have three options: Mail Order (or Internet order);
Superstore; or Computer Store.
Mail Order: Generally gives you good selection but little or no
sales support. Beware of claimed "On-site" service which is subcontracted
at best. Low prices maybe compensated by weeks of waiting, or outdated
clearance merchandise. Service is poor, phone tech help is sub-contracted,
limited, and generally hard to get. Mail in repair may take many weeks to
have completed, and may not be done correctly.
Superstore: Good selection, sales support but not specialized.
Generally teenagers, some not even earning a commission. Told to move
certain merchandise regardless of your needs. Claimed "On-site" service
difficult to get, subcontracted. Prepackaged systems with little or no
"customizing" Long waits for service, repairs may take weeks. Prices may
seem low but are generally "clearance" items or sales gimmicks.
Computer Store: Local computer retailers that have dedicated
their resources to providing quality computer products at the reasonable
prices. A local shop can not get away with "ripping" you off. They are
more dependent on happy customers. Service is generally well trained,
experienced workers. You can easily check on them by asking around.
Superstores are price stores, they play the numbers game to get you in,
get your check, and then get you out... At first you may believe you got
the best deal, but then...?
Did you get what you need? Did you really get the latest? Is it still a
good deal if it doesn't work right? How long will it be a "good deal"?
Yes a good deal is only a good deal if it works and holds it's value.
Computer stores sell a better product that holds it's value longer because
it can be repaired and upgraded well into the future. They will provide the
service you need.
What should I buy. APPLE, IBM, COMPAQ, GATEWAY,
DELL...
Remember corporate computer manufactures only make money on their
"system" sale. So would they want a computer that is repairable,
upgradeable or compatible. NO. They want you to go out and buy another
computer!
Your best bet is a "White box" computer. Sometimes called a "clone" or
"generic" computer. However they are not "generic" Most have "name brand"
components such as Intel, Toshiba, US Robotics, and others. Yet they are
not "special" made for any one model computer. So parts are easy to come
by, low priced and don't go "obsolete" in a year. Many "clones" can have
parts replaced even if their 10 years old. "Ancient" in computer years.
Think about the difference between a Cadillac and a Chevy. Generally
Cadillac's look prettier but are more expensive to run. Costing way more to
own than a Chevy. Why? Because they contain "specialty" parts.
Computer stores sell upgradeable computers because they make some income
selling upgrades. What are the benefits of upgrading? One is low cost for
added features. Example: When CD writers (or, burners) first came out,
they were thousands of dollars. A computer with a CD writer would have cost an easy $500
dollars more to have a CD writer. However, now you can get one installed in
your computer for around $199.00 IF YOUR COMPUTER CAN BE UPGRADED.
Memory speeds up your system for running games and all other tasks. A
slower processor can come close to a faster one if it has more memory.
Memory prices drop, so you can upgrade your system for as little as $99.00
and almost double it's speed. IF YOUR COMPUTER CAN BE UPGRADED.
Shouldn't I wait till prices are lower? That may sound logical, but
never wait more than a year. Why? Because prices always drop but
technology also always changes. They longer you wait the harder it is to
"learn" how to use a computer. If your really worried, by an upgradeable
computer
with a lower price, learn how to use it and learn what you want in a
computer, then
upgrade it to exactly what you need. If you wait and wait--you'll only be
disappointed. Besides, all computers "slow" down after the owner "speeds"
up. That means that the more you learn how to use a computer, the slower it
seems. So buy mid-range if you don't want to worry about upgrading.
The newest software generally does not make major changes for at least 3
years. Windows 95, 98 and ME are essentially the same thing.
Hardware doubles in speed every 2 years but it takes as many as 5 years for
software to catch up. So even those with the "Fastest" machine in town
probably are only using 50% of it's capabilities.
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