When in the market for a new computer, you naturally want the find the best desktop PC deals. Why pay more when you can avoid it? But it’s important to remember that the best desktop PC deals aren’t always the cheapest.
You’ll save money in the long run if you first figure out exactly what you need. Are you a gaming enthusiast? If so, you’ll need a processor that’s faster than one in a computer that will be used for surfing, shopping or word processing.
Computer Brands:
What about the brand of computer? There are many different competitors on the market and you may find that, for your requirements, all of them are pretty much the same. Check around and see what other people say about them. You can find reviews online as well as asking your friends, family members and associates about their experiences. Remember that while one brand might be practically identical to another, it may have a much better warranty or tech support that is worth paying a little more for.
Most problems with a new computer will happen in the first year that you have it. If you deal directly with a salesperson in a brick and mortar store they will undoubtedly try to sell you an additional warranty for two or three years. That’s going to add another $150-$200 to the price of your computer and chances are good that you won’t need such an extended warranty.
In fact, getting the best desktop PC deals can be pretty difficult if you’re dealing with a hard-working sales staff. Many of them work on a small base salary plus commission and they want to sell you the most expensive package they can talk you into. This is why it’s so important to know exactly what you want and need; write it down so you’ll have the list in the store with you and stick to it.
Extended Warranties:
Although you may not want an extended warranty you will want to find out what type of technical support is available for a computer you’re considering. Many people buy a computer with a good warranty at a good price but once they need technical support they find themselves on hold for up to an hour, even if they have a simple question. Worse, once the call is answered they may find themselves speaking with someone thousands of miles away with only a rudimentary understanding of English. Skills and knowledge are useless without a coherent way of sharing them!
If your computer will be used for business in a home office you’ll be doing a lot of typing or data input. This means that you’ll want a keyboard that it as comfortable as possible and also ergonomic. Ergonomic keyboards might add to the cost of your computer but will probably help you avoid the pain and expense of carpal tunnel syndrome.
If you won’t be doing a lot of input you can save money by avoiding gimmicky keyboards. There are keyboards that light up with your favorite color, ones that are heated, keyboards with no letters on the keys, silent keyboards and a host of other unique and unusual keyboards. Choosing one of these will only add to the cost of your computer and the benefits are negligible. A simple standard keyboard will be sufficient for most purposes.
You may, however, want to spring for a wireless keyboard and mouse. While such a set costs a bit more than their tethered cousins, the convenience is well worth it. You won’t suddenly run out of cord when moving your mouse around and cleaning the keyboard is as simple as stepping away from the sensor and giving it a quick dusting or a blast of canned air. If you opt for wireless peripherals, be sure to maintain a supply of batteries!
Once you’ve done your homework on what you need and the brands available you can check out some money saving options. If you have a Smart Phone, look around for a free app (application) that you can download that alerts you when a good deal comes on the market. There are also websites that will email you when prices change, when there is a sale at your preferred store or notify you when there is a coupon available. These notifications can be set to land in your email inbox or come directly to your phone in the form of a text.
Speaking of coupons, there are many websites that scour the internet and list the coupon codes and printable coupons that they find. Some of these can save you up to $100 or more on the purchase of a brand new desktop computer. You’ll also find coupons of all sorts for peripherals and software that you will need.
Don’t forget to check out newspaper circulars, internet advertising and other ways that stores draw in customers. Sign up for newsletters offered by local computer stores that are sent to your mailbox. You never know when that simple sign-up will save you big bucks!
Another way to get great desktop PC deals is to find out about rebates. Yes, they are a lot of trouble but once you send in the required documentation you’ll recoup some of your money. Some companies offer free merchandise like software or coupons that will save money on something else you’d like to have for your computer.
You may also want to consider a refurbished computer. These are computers that have been wiped completely clean and restored to like-new working order. You can sometimes save a couple of hundred dollars on such a computer but it will have a limited warranty. Many major computer manufacturers offer refurbished computers; you can buy them online or at an electronics store.
It’s important to remember that while you get the quality you pay for, you can also be overcharged for a mediocre computer. Shopping around, taking advantage of coupon codes and having a well defined list of the features you need and want will insure that you get the best desktop PC deals possible.