CHRIS MAYER
Living Assistant
Do you often have computer crashes? Does your laptop’s hard drive frequently explode? Or are you using a computer that simply likes to periodically freeze and stutter? It might be time to buy a new computer. Here are some easy steps to ensure you get what you want and don’t get your pants pulled over the price.
Step One: PC, MAC, LAPTOP
The first and most important step to any kind of shopping is to decide what you need and want. Don’t go into a store with no clue about what you seek. If you need raw power, get a desktop PC. If you need portability, go for a laptop. If you want to look cool and trendy and pretend you are a design/music snob, get a Mac.
Step Two: Rember that the price must be right
Once you have decided which type of configuration you want — PC, laptop or art machine — research some prices. It never hurts to know a little about what it is you are going to buy. Look at different distributors online for prices and deals, but buy your computer at an actual store, so you can drive back when (yes, when) small things break and need repairs. It’s certainly easier than FedExing a part back to a Selma, Ala.-based Dot Com.
Step Three: Time to buy
Once you have figured out pricing, it’s time to buy. Large warehouse stores, like Fry’s Electronic Boutique, usually have the best deals and selection. Be careful, though, because these places are usually swarming with salesmen (OK, and one or two saleswomen), who will spit out loads of numbers, prices and jargon in an attempt to get you to think they are cool and eventually make you spend a lot of money on stuff you don’t need.
Step Four: When in doubt, build your own computer
Don’t be afraid to do a little customizing on your own. Many stores will have the exact computer you want, minus one small detail. The hard drive might be too small or the graphics card too slow, or perhaps there may not be enough RAM. So don’t freak out or drive across town to the next store. Just buy the part separately and install it. It’s not computer science — well, yes it is, but bear with me here — just find a friend who is knowledgeable in hardware assembly, and you’ll be set.
Step Five: Don’t forget to send in the rebate to save money
Rebates are a devious way for corporations to make you think you’re saving money, when in reality they simply expect you to be too lazy to fill out a small form and lick a 37-cent stamp. Most of the time they are right, because those receipts and rebate forms usually end up in a far corner of the room underneath stacks of paper. So this time, prove them wrong, and in seven to nine weeks, you will be able to sit down in front of your new computer with a fat rebate check. Unless, of course, you bought it online and have to mail a scratched microchip back to Discountcomputers4less.com.
11-03-2005
