How to reduce hassle and get a better deal when buying and using a computer.

Computers, PC’s, Laptops, Notebooks, Netbooks – they are such an important part of our lives today. (Even if you have an Apple Mac there is lots you still need a PC for).

We use computers for so many things these days and the list keeps on increasing.

As a result; it is vital that we get a computer that is suited to our needs and which works reliably for a long time.

Here are some tips to help you reduce your hassle factor, your frustration, save you money and to get the job done right the first time.

1. You need to make an effort. The right computer is vital. You need to make the effort to determine what you need a computer for, not just now, but in the near and medium future. Then you need to translate this into a specification for your PC. If you don’t know how to do this get some help from people who really know what they are doing and are genuine. As I said; effort is required – do not leave such an important aspect of your life to chance. Get independent advice (not just from a sales person).
2. Be wary of store sales people. Some stores are worse than others. In some places it is like feeding time at the zoo (for the staff) when you walk through the door. At times I even feel the predatory energy. Sales staff have stock to shift – how long has it been there? Many are not interested in spending their “valuable’ time helping a customer with detailed needs. In any case, many computers available through retail stores cannot be customized easily, at all, or at a low extra cost. Some sales staff will tell you rubbish just to get their commission or bonus. Be careful. The really good ones are rare.
3. Extra add on warranties are not always a good idea – they can be poor value and claiming on them can be hard. In addition, many warranties – both original and purchased at an extra cost – do not include on-site repairs. Often you have to send your computer away for repairs, which can take ageeeeessss. Zzzzzzz.
4. There is a lot of second rate (PC specification) stuff on sale out there that is really mutton dressed as lamb. Here is a key example: computer games shop staff have customers come in who want to play the latest PC game and rather than just sell the customer the game, some of them ask about what sort of computer the shopper has. Many shoppers have no real idea and can often be shocked to learn that their computer just isn’t up to it. Many computers cannot be upgraded with ease and low cost so a lot of these people are faced with having to buy a new rig if they want to play the PC game. Ironically, had they done their research properly their computer would have been better, and cost a bit more, but not as much as buying a whole new one, or upgrading components. (And if your computer game shop does not ask these sort of questions then you can form an impression about them too).

So, what is the solution?

Here are my thoughts:

• Buy from Dell – depending on where you are in the world, find your local Dell online store and check its offers, policies and so on specific to your region.
• Armed with knowledge of what you need from your earlier research, get the customized PC you want.
• The Dell computers I have bought all came with an on-site next business day repair service. I had one go wrong and the guy came out and fixed it on my table. Much better than farting about with couriers or waiting ages for a PC to be returned, unless you like hassle, problems and have time to waste.
• Consider buying a Vostro – Dell’s business computing range; even better value in my view. Robust systems. You do not need to be a business to buy one.
• Dell are computer specialists and experts. Quality focus is high.
• Get out of your comfort zone and order online.
• Don’t believe me? 1) Check the Dell websites for yourself. 2) Talk with a number of business people who own and use Dell equipment.
• And if you want the best of all and have money to spare, especially for gaming…..get Alienware. (Who have recently been purchased by Dell anyway).

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Tags: Computers, Online Shopping, Shopping

Category: Computers