Thinking of buying a new computer ...

Thinking of buying a new computer ...

Where do I start? There are so many makes and models of computers available, and it can be a bit overwhelming when you start to look around.

How do you decide what kind of computer do you need? More importantly, how do you decide what is best value?

I sold the business computers for almost 20 years, and there are some "tricks of the trade" instead of computer stores and salespeople use. Knowledge of these secrets is to facilitate the decision and help you buy equipment for your needs.

First Buy what you need, maybe a little more

One of the most important things that you is when you buy a new computer to generate a list of things you will use to. There are many different models - with different capabilities - you can easily buy more, or less, what you really need if you do not.

If this is your first computer, it can be a little more difficult. Until you've used a computer, it is difficult to know exactly what you could do with it beyond the obvious, like connecting to the Internet.

In any case, you should think about some of the things you can do. Some possibilities are:

- Internet connection
- Play
- Digital Photography
- Digital Video
- Type of documents
- Accounting
- Web Page Design
- Programming
- Digital Scrapbooking
- Genealogy

Some of these things have more power than others. For example, an Internet connection does not really need a lot of energy. Even the most basic computer available will probably work well.

Digital video and many games require much more power. If you do not get a fast enough computer with enough memory that you will be disappointed by the performance.

Know what you want to use the computer will help your salesperson, whether on the phone, online or standing in front of you, we recommend the best system for your needs.

Typically, you will need are better than you and more power to buy, but not less than buying too can be a waste of money.

Second Guaranteed

Computer warranties are one of the most confusing and obscure your purchase. Most manufacturers have their customer service to the point where poor service has become a fact reduced.

The three most commonly used options are where the producer's delivery or deposit.

Delivery may be useful, but if you think you need a technician to come and diagnose your computer and can then be available to the parties to return.

Carry in service is a good choice, but whether the authorized service center to the factory for warranty repairs, and if technicians are certified.

By sending your computer to a factory service center can be a long time - sometimes several weeks. It also creates the risk that your computer is damaged or lost in shipping. In some cases, even the manufacturer of your computer with another unit to replace it and send it to you rather than repair it. This could result in a loss of information that appeared in the system and reload all your software run.

Another aspect of knowledge is the guarantee for technical support. Find out if your computer manufacturer offers a toll free number and quality of service is like.

Best equipment suppliers will be honest and tell you if an enterprise service leaves much to be desired. You can also search on the Internet - most computer magazines like PC Magazine and PC World have annual comparisons of customer service that the rate of major computer companies.

Also how to ensure, before making your decision will be processed. Even if they do not influence your decision, what to expect if something goes wrong will save some nasty surprises along the way.

Third can you negotiate the price?

A computer is a relatively large investment - anywhere from a few hundred to a thousand dollars. Many computer buyers expect that there is plenty of "flexibility" in the price.

The reality is that most computer hardware - sold at very low profit margins - the physical parts such as computer, monitor and printer. Often, computer systems are sold well below dealer cost. If you buy a computer, it never hurts to ask for a better deal, but do not be surprised if you are only a few dollars, if at all.

During almost 20 years, I sold computers; I have profit margins of over 40% to less than 5% seen. It's almost embarrassing to offer a $ 20 discount on a computer system for $ 2500, but could lose the difference between making money and means to sell.

What you can do is get the best price, to make some comparisons. Most computer stores offer price matching guarantee, so if your computer for cheaper at another store, most dealers meet or exceed that price, even if it means losing money.

As the fourth computer stores to make money?

You may be wondering how these computer stores make money when you sell computers with so little gain.

My money is on complementary products produced. The regions with the greatest advantage in the stores are cables and "consumption" of products such as printer ink and paper.

Printer ink is a great source of money for most computer stores (even more for the printer manufacturers). Why? Once you have purchased a printer, you'll have to replace to replace the ink at a certain time, and even those who are tired.

Most computer retailers and chain stores that carry office supplies a wide range of ink cartridges more than they do on the computer itself.

Cables such huge profit margins. A cable that costs $ 02.03 to save often sells for $ 20-30. It's ten times the price!

If you buy a new computer, you may need to buy cables. Some items - printers, for example - often lack the necessary cables to connect to it.

Many ink cartridges are "starter" ink that is only half full. You may also few extra cartridges.

This is where you should be able to negotiate a better price. Do not expect the seller to draw something, but they must be willing to offer a better price. After all, if you are happy with your service, you can still buy their ink cartridges, paper and other products, the store in the future.

5th What software is included in the price?

The last secret of buying a new computer has to do with the software included. Most new computers are very few programs and sometimes the value of the software can be very high.

Something to note, if you included the software is "trial versions" or "Limited Editions".

Many programs that are pre-installed versions that have all the features of full or trial versions that only work for a certain period before they expire will be paralyzed.

The equipment is often sold with trial versions of the following types of software: 

- Anti-Virus
- Firewall
- MS Office or other office suites
- Accounting - business and personal

Computer manufacturers are not usually put it simply, if the software on their systems is trial versions or limited versions. It's a question you should ask specifically if you do not find the answer in their promotional information.

If you buy a new computer with trial versions of software, keep in mind that you must pay to continue using after the trial period is over. This is an additional fee, which must be included as part of its overall budget.

These five "secrets" of buying a new computer are fairly common sense, but not always clear from the beginning. Knowing what to ask is help in two ways. First, you can be sure that you get the right product for your needs.

Second, if the seller or the company you are trying to explain these things without being asked, you know you're with someone who has to honestly and directly.

Knowing you can count on people who find themselves with a valuable feature of the new computerized system.

No comments: