The Daily Bytes

Do you want to buy a new computer?

If you are like anyone else, you must be overwhelmed by the options available or even drowned in the technological gibberish and high costs

For many, purchasing a new pc is not as hard as buying a new home or a new car but it can still get tough if you don’t know much about what to buy or what are your requirements. Most people have a limited budget for buying a new PC and want value for their money. Even if you have a huge budget, i’m sure you would like to buy one that would be worth your money.

Here are three simple ways that can help you save your hard earned money:

1) Look around and shop for best deal.

That sounds simple and straightforward. But many people go looking for the most expensive PC or the one with the most features not even realizing that they would not be using most of extras that make some PC’s expensive. And if you already have an old computer, which is most likely, it may be best to upgrade it. Upgrading a computer for dirt cheap prices will most probably get you a PC comparable to any new one. If you do not have much knowledge about computers, it is best if you look online and browse forums where people with similar budget as yours might have questions on what to buy. These forums are also great for finding out the cheapest prices in your area. A simple google search is all that is needed.

If you are the type that likes going out instead of googling, shop around and ask a lot of questions. Compare features, prices and go to several different places to find the best deal. Then do a quick comparison with the best online deals. You could save 100s of dollars just by doing this simple first step.

2) Install your own software and extras.

Computers found in stores come bundled with “extras” that you may never need. These extras are usually not needed and even if needed, you can always install it on your own instead of shelling out extra dollars for the bundled package. These extras usually sound tempting but it is rare that you will need them. Most people try them once and never use them again. You can find much better deals by shopping around or searching online (antivirus software, word processors, games, spyware remover etc can all easily be found). On top of that, some are freely available and are comparable to paid ones in performance. Before buying a fully bundled PC, check to see whether you really need them, if you are not sure, just leave them out for the moment. You will save tons in the process.

3) Do not buy extended warranties.

If you’re not a computer expert, the extended warranties offered by computer retailers might sound like a great deal. After all, no one wants the hassle of paying for services on a computer after buying it. But most computers (if not all) already come with a warranty, and and any problem will usually occur at the beginning when the normal warranties will still be valid or very much later when your computer might already be outdated and it would be cheaper to upgrade it or buy a new one. Technology moves forward in leaps and bounds. So extended warranties should be bought after considering these. And, if you feel you really need an extended warranty,  ask for a discount. Some retailers might negotiate on the extended warranty but not all will. And whatever you choose always remember to back up all your files and important documents periodically. You never know what might happen one fine day!

If you are among the few with an unlimited budget, just go and buy whatever you want!! You are lucky!

For the others, remember that anything you buy that is not needed is not the best buy.

Hope you find these points helpful. Happy PC shopping!