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ELECTRONICS & APPLIANCES

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Computers & Accessories

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Computers & Accessories

Computers are quickly becoming a necessity in many homes and, fortunately, continue to decrease in price. However, for most households, computers and their accessories still represent a major expense. However, there are many ways to save and still get a computer that meets your needs. Consider the following:

1. Make sure you do not overbuy capabilities in a computer, resulting in spending much more than is required. It is nice to have that super fast computer with loads of storage capacity and other “bells and whistles” but do you really need it? Most people don’t.

a. If all you plan on doing with your computer is access the Internet, utilize email, type some letters, prepare your tax returns, and download and print digital photos, etc., most all of the computers on sale today will do a great job. They will be plenty quick and have plenty of storage. Even the pre-loaded software will probably be just fine.

b. If you plan on using your computer for more complex business transactions, developing web sites, playing a lot of complex video games, storing and playing movies, etc., it is probably wise to spend more and get a computer that has larger storage capacity and memory, and is faster.

c. The best way to approach deciding what computer capabilities are best for you is to do a little reading, so you understand the basic differences in computer features and capabilities. If you have any friends or family that have some knowledge of computers tell them how you want to use your computer, and ask them for some help and suggestions. You might also consider finding a sales associate at a computer retailer like Best Buy or Circuit City to explain the basic differences and capabilities to you, with respect to how you plan on using your computer. They will be happy to do so.

d. While you should try not to spend money on computer features and capabilities you do not need, there is one caveat to this suggestion. If you are planning on keeping your computer for many years before replacement, you might want to consider upgrading computer speed and memory capability somewhat above what you actually need right now. This will help prevent your computer from becoming outdated and less useful as time passes. As more complex Internet sites and software are developed in the future, a computer with only marginal capabilities, that works just fine in today’s world, may struggle in just a few years, or perhaps even sooner.

2. Decide if a desktop computer is right for you, or if a laptop would be better.

a. There are really only three reasons to buy a desktop and not a laptop. First, dollar-for-dollar, desktops provide somewhat more computing capability than laptops. Second, if the computer is being used for extremely complex tasks, it may be that only a desktop will provide the amount of capability required. For the vast majority of households, these two reasons do not apply. So the third reason, personal preference, is the only real consideration.

b. Recently, with price declines and increased capabilities, laptops have increased tremendously in popularity and now outsell desktops. One reason is their portability. With wireless networks in homes (a very inexpensive and easy thing to do) a laptop can be moved anywhere in a home and still be hooked up to the Internet (with no connection cords required). Second, with the proliferation of high-speed wireless networks when away from home (most notably in hotels) laptops can be taken when traveling and provide all the benefits that they do at home. Laptops also take up much less space and can be used quite easily on even a small desk. The screen is also usually positioned closer to your eyes, which is helpful for many people. And with the increasing popularity of 17” screens on laptops, even a large screen is now possible. Of course, a laptop can also be hooked up to your desktop monitor and keypad if you like, and used just like a desktop computer. In other words, the flexibility is tremendous, computing power is more than adequate for almost any use, and the cost of laptops is nearly comparable to desktops.

3. Get the best deal available on a new computer.

a. Unless you are particular to one brand of computer, most all brand name computers are essentially the same, given the level of features offered. They all use essentially the same components for processors, hard drives, memory, screens, etc. and are all put together with quality in mind. So, if the computer is a brand name (i.e., such as HP, Dell, Sony, Toshiba, Compaq, etc.) features and price should be your main consideration, not brand.

b. If you are considering buying your computer from a retail store (Best Buy, Circuit City, Walmart, Staples, etc.), never buy it unless it is on sale and make sure to compare prices between stores. The computer of your dreams will be on sale somewhere at any particular point in time, or will be in the very near future. Look around and be patient. And if you are considering a retailer, check out their web site. Sometimes they have even better deals, and shipping the computer (make sure you consider shipping costs) to your home is no problem at all.