How to Buy a Cheap New Laptop
Cheap new laptops can be found in only two styles: inexpensive and poor quality. However, value-minded consumers know that poor quality is never a bargain, so this article only looks at ways to reduce the price you pay for your dream laptop. Your first step is to decide what that dream is actually made of.
Laptops offer vast choices regarding performance and functionality, and the greater a laptops’ capabilities, the more it will cost. The major exception is that essentially equal computers will always cost more with an operating system from Apple than from Microsoft. So narrow your computing needs and interests down to a manageable number of models. Then you are ready to begin shopping.
Online is the best way to start because of the ease, speed, scope and depth of comparison shopping, which is the only sure way to buy anything cheaply. Because you know the laptop models of interest, your search can focus on a few different types of websites.
Begin by going to the websites of the manufacturers of your target models. Look for several kinds of advantaged pricing, such as special promotions, price discounts for students and teachers, clearance pricing on new but now discontinued models, and reduced pricing on refurbished laptops. Refurbished laptops may not be brand new, but usually are “like new” and come with new product warranties. Note that clearance and refurbished laptops sell out very quickly.
Also explore websites of major laptop retailers –both those that offer only online shopping and those that offer online and in-store shopping –to compare pricing, look for special offers, and determine whether there are any out-of-stock problems. Some retailers also offer refurbished laptops, but you will need to closely examine their warranty and repair services.
Some websites provide direct comparison pricing between retailers. These can be a great convenience, but their quality depends on the retailers they track and how up-to-date each retailer’ pricing and in-stock availability is.
There are two more tips that may apply to you. If the laptop is intended for a college student, many colleges have discounted purchase programs, so that may be the first place to shop. In addition, if you are flexible about when to buy your laptop, the cheapest pricing is often found during two major laptop clearance periods: in January after the Christmas season, and October after the back-to-school season.
Finally, another way to buy cheap laptops is to go into the retailer and negotiate. You could be pleasantly surprised.
