My Dell and I have been through a lot together. It has lasted through 3 years of college (this included daily rides strapped to a basket on the front of my beach cruiser), a study abroad in
So where to begin? Next to a car and a house, a computer can be one of the costliest things a person can buy. And gone are the days when a personal computer was a luxury. If you are a student, employed, away from family and friends, have a bank account, travel—whatever, your computer ranks up there with water and air. So we know we want a good computer, one we can rely on. Luckily for us, price ranges vary as much as the models.
A top model computer generally runs over $1,500. Sound a little steep? Sometimes looking outside the box (no pun intended) is the way to go. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
Do you really need it? Oftentimes an old, slow computer can be rescued with a few tips that can save you tons. Here are a few things to try: scan your computer system for viruses, spyware, and other malware; move all unneeded files to an external hard drive, CD or DVD (I like to do this with my pictures); remove unused programs; remove autostart programs; turn off programs you aren’t using; clean up disk space with the disk clean up tool; run Scandisk or Check Disk to check your hard drive for errors; and install additional RAM memory.
Check out the article “Frugal tips to Improve Computer Performance” for details on instructions on how to do all of this. This may be enough to put your old computer in tip-top condition, or you may be able to buy yourself some time while you save up for a new computer and shop around.
Be realistic about what you need. What do you need your computer for? Are you an average Google/Word/Email user? If so, your needs will be very different than a programmer or a computer software engineer who will need a much more advanced model. Will you be moving around with your computer? Would a desktop work just as well? Really think about how you will be using your new computer and don’t let yourself get overly excited about the high-end models if they’re not what you need.
Check with your peeps. One of the best places to start looking is amongst friends and family. With so much upgrading, moving and refurbishing it is likely that you know someone who would love to get rid of an older (but still great) computer. Send out an email asking around, make use of social websites (like the Institute and Facebook), or make a few phone calls.
Do your homework. If you're going to get the best deal you need to know what's out there. Spend some time browsing sites known for their great computer deals (like Newegg.com, Geeks.com, Buy.com & Amazon.com) and ask for advice from the computer-savvies in your life.
Think about buying used. If you don’t feel you need the “latest model” and like the idea of avoiding the high price tags that go with it, consider buying a pre-owned computer. You can check your local classifieds or Cragislist. Alternatively, check out online auction sites like Ebay for new and used computers. You’ll probably put in a little time finding and bidding, but you can find a great computer at a great price.
One word: Refurbished. Many online computer sites will take a used computer, vamp it up with some new parts, and sell it as refurbished. These “new” computers are often a great deal and of wonderful quality (depending on the buyer of course). Companies like Apple and Dell have great refurb sections with discounted factory-reconditioned models. Check out Eric Geismer’s article for tips on how to avoid buying a lemon.
Build it yourself. I have to admit that to me this sounds about as doable as building a spaceship. But if you are one of those people (unlike me) with a little “technical know-how” and some time on your hands, you can buy a “skeleton” computer for around $50. You will then add in a motherboard, CPU, RAM and hard drive, bringing your total to about $300. Then you can look around for a monitor and peripherals and get yourself a fantastic deal. If this sounds doable to you (and maybe even enjoyable!), then the more power to you. You’ll get a great price and good experience.
Mac Mini. Think small. These simple, virus-free machines can be purchased for around $500, with the monitor and keyboard sold separately. This is a very basic computer but is great for the average user.
Install your own extras. Many computers found in stores have a lot of “extras” already installed which add to the computer’s price. You can shop around separately for software extras and even get some for free (such as a word processor, anti-virus, popup blocker, spyware removal, games, etc)! Decide what extras you need and shop around to see if buying a computer with software already loaded is the best price and choice for you.
Less RAM=Better Price. RAM is the technical term for your computer’s memory. Memory space is a luxury and you will pay dearly for the extra memory space that comes with your computer. One way to save money on your computer purchase is to buy a computer with the minimum memory configuration then later upgrade the RAM. Your computer will end up with the same capabilities, but at a much lower price.
Give Linux a try. If you are willing to try an operating system other than Windows, you can get great deals on computers sold with the free operating system Linux. Ubuntu is a popular version of Linux that is easy to use. Besides the obvious price benefit, Ubunta and other Linux brands often come with lots of software that is open source and free, including office software suites, browsers and games.
Skip the financing. Resist the temptation to buy into financing deals with computer vendors. It may sound great to pay just $25 a month on your new computer, but you will pay much more in the long-run because these deals come with a very high interest percentage. Save up and enjoy your already-paid off computer for minimal stress and money.
Check your resources. Many college bookstores offer deals to students. Check with the bookstore to learn about upcoming deals and discounts you may be eligible for.
Pass on the extended warranty. Purchasing an extended warranty may seem like a smart idea, but the fact is most problems will occur early on in the computer’s life, when it is still covered by its original warranty. If you feel strongly about it, consider using the 7 Golden Words (Is that the best you can do?) on your extended warranty. Not all of these prices are fixed and you may get a great deal.
Is that the best you can do? And speaking of the 7 Golden words, always, always, always use these words on your big purchases! Worst case scenario a salesperson tells you “yes, this is the best price I can give you,” in which case you are one lucky shopper. Best case scenario you save hundreds or even thousands of dollars. You never know until you ask.
Much of this content came from: The Bargainist “How to Save on Buying a Computer” and About.com's Techniques to Find Less Expensive Computers.
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