So you've decided to purchase a new computer. You've got your budget set. You know what features you want and what applications you need. Now it's time to figure out where to buy. Luckily you have options galore. Whether you're shopping online or in a store, we'll help you discover the benefits of both.
Save gas, shop online!
The Internet has become a powerful tool for doing your homework on just about anything before you make a commitment to purchase. From big ticket items like cars, houses, and islands (yes, you can purchase an island online), to smaller items like mobile phones, collectible Pez* dispensers, and Red Socks memorabilia, you can find information on just about anything before you hit the "buy now" button. That includes a computer.
Doing your homework.
With so many computer retailers online, it's amazing what you can do without leaving the comfort of your bunny slippers. Whisk from one dot-com to another to compare pricing, features, shipping costs, availability, you name it! Online retailers can provide exceptional detail about their computers, including photographs, so you can really gauge what you're getting into before you buy. You can build your own computer online with everything you want and then, in an instant, see what it will cost.
PC.com gives you easy access to sites like PriceGrabber.com or CNET Shopper, where you can get side-by-side comparisons and customer reviews of different brand name manufacturers. Print out your favorite guides and arrange them on a table for a truly side-by-side comparison!
Even if you decide not to buy online, the ability to research what's out there before you beat the path to your local retailer is a good thing. You'll save lots of time by knowing what's in the store before you get there. But what if you want to check out your options in person before you hand over your money? Or what if you feel a bit uneasy about buying online?
Love the sales expertise? Shop in person!
Shopping in person can have big benefits. The sales person can walk you through the system, allowing you to get to know the features, benefits, and any drawbacks of the computer you intend to buy. For instance, the computer is too big or not the right color or is too loud! It comes with a monitor, but you had no idea that 12" was that small! Sometimes a picture (what you might find online) does not speak volumes. But the real thing does. Buying a computer in person also gives you the option of scheduling delivery and setup. (Stores frequently will provide set-up assistance at an additional cost.) And you get it right away!
No buyer's remorse here.
Preparing a checklist of "must-haves" will ensure you get the right system to fit your needs. Some of the must-haves should include the appropriate processor, the size of hard drive you want, and the amount of RAM you need, (see HD, Memory, Processor article) as well as the optical drives (DVD, CD, or all-in-one) and whether you require a memory reader. Also, if you are buying a desktop consider any space constraints you have-this will affect your choice of monitor (see Display Basics article) and computer. Any online research you do before you beat a path to your local retailer will save you time because you'll know what's available in the store before you get there.
In the world of online and in-store computer purchases, all things are roughly equal.
Computer prices have dropped as technology improves and as we all begin to realize that we can't live without a computer of some kind. Still, the prices between online retailers and your local computer superstore remain competitive. The online retailer provides super convenient access to inventory with zero travel involved, whereas at your local store allows you the freedom to touch, feel, and interact with the computer before you make the leap. It's all up to you captain.
Want to shop online or learn more about what's out there? Check out the PC Matchmaker tool to find the perfect PC.
