How to Buy a Computer in 2008

If you want to know how buy a computer this year, you make up a small percentage of people that will actually do their homework to prevent making a big mistake! Many will purchase a computer that will not stand up to their needs - it will either be inadequate or be way more than they needed. (And in the latter case, they will also spend hundreds more than they wanted to!) Avoid pain and regret and learn how to buy a computer perfect for your needs today!

Step1 Learn your definitions!

Take some time to get to know the basics of computer “lingo” so you cannot be tricked into buying more computer than you need. The salesman in the store likely profits from upgrading you and before you know it, you’re walking out the door with a computer suited for a professional animator when all you needed was to do the basic computer functions like e-mail and simple web surfing! Don’t let this happen to you.

Step2 Know your type!

This is so important. There are 4 different types of computer users: Home, Home Office, Media, and Media Creator. You may fall into one or two categories which might make you an exception, but the idea is that knowing your target needs will keep your budget in tact and give you the information needed to tweak your decision when the “pressure” is on at the store. Step3 Set your budget. If you walk into the store without knowing your budget, you’re just asking to spend more than you need to. The salesman will give you many reasons to overpay. It goes something like this: “This is the last one on the floor”, “This model is selling fast, I don’t know if it will be here tomorrow if you wait”, “I can give you this model for $100 less if you buy now”, “You won’t find this deal again”, and it goes on and on. After you set your budget and know the “ballpark” range you expect to pay, you won’t feel like you are in such a rush to buy.

Step4 Know your choices and their price range.

This step is kind of integrated into the last one but it bears mentioning on its own. There are different types of computers since there are different types of users. Now that you know your user type, you can zone in on your computer type and its price range. You may discover that a Mac is better than a PC for your needs. That can give you valuable information to target certain stores. Not all stores sell Mac computers so this information will save you time before you start shopping. If you surf a few minutes on line, you will easily see what the price range will be for the computer needs you have.

Step5 Shop around.

Treat your computer buying experience like shopping for a car. This time of year (and beyond), the newer computers are pushing out last year’s models but since you now know your needs (after figuring out #2), you can benefit from the “blow out” sales you will see as you shop. Take your time.

Step6 Don't forget peripherals!

Many people go out, buy a computer and then come home finding out they needed to consider things like a printer, router, new software because the old software doesn’t run on the new machine, and other incompatibility issues. It is important to think through the extended needs that might come about when buying a new computer.

Step7 Stick to your checklist.

Bring a copy of your needs (like a cheat sheet) on the shopping trips with you. If you have a list of the specs you are interested in, you can easily see which computers meet your needs while you are in the store and eliminate the ones that don’t. This will keep you from getting confused. A side benefit to this is to show the salesman that you know what you are looking for and it will discourage them from talking you into buying more computer than you need!

I hope this'll help you to learn how to buy a computer in 2008 and you have become more informed on what necessary tools are needed to make your next computer buying experience a painless and profitable one! Good luck!