Tip #1 -- Rebates:
A rebate is not always a bargain. Computers with rebates are often close to being discontinued. You may pick up a good deal or purchase technology that's about to become yesterday's news. What's more, stores will often package computers with a bunch of free items to make it look like you're getting more value. Chances are the extras are either poor quality or items you're unlikely to use. Also, they're counting on you to not redeem your rebate, a very common occurrence.
Tip #2 -- Extended Service Warrantees:
Buyer Beware! They're a gamble, but not always a bad idea. If you're purchasing a laptop and you plan to travel a lot, an extended warranty that covers replacement of the monitor/display can be a good gamble. Replacing a display can cost $400-$600, making the warranty worthwhile. On the other hand, if you plan on buying the warranty for routine maintenance; save your money. Oftentimes it can take weeks for the store to send your PC out for service.
Also, remember the store where you purchased your computer does not always do warranty work during the first year, instead you may have to ship it directly to the manufacturer. In general, extended warranties cover electronics [things you can't see]. They don't usually cover physical damage. Most extended warranties have large gray areas, leaving the warranty provider a lot of room to reject claims.
Tip #3 -- Monitors:
Don't throw away your monitor if it's still working properly. Instead, keep it and save a chunk of money by just replacing your old CPU [computer tower]. Monitors last much longer than CPUs and the technology is usually compatible between your old monitor and the new CPU. However, if you're dissatisfied, then monitors, keyboards and mouses are the three tools to spend extra money on, since you use them every day!
Tip #4 -- Networking:
How are you connecting to the Internet? If you're using a high speed Internet connection, such as cable broadband or DSL, you'll want to make sure you have a network card built into your system. If you have a wireless network at home or at the office, save money and installation time by buying the wireless card built right into the computer.
About the Author
Sharron Senter is co-founder of http://www.visitinggeeks.com - an on site computer repair, security and networking company serving north of Boston, Southern NH and Maine. Visiting Geeks' technicians are crackerjacks at squashing viruses, popups and securing and making computers perform faster. Learn more about Sharron at http://www.visitinggeeks.com
By using your computer today you can find a lot... Read More
After another security hole recently surfaced in Microsoft's Windows operating... Read More
Cisco Certification: Taking Your First Certification ExamYou've studied hard; you've... Read More
Maybe you always wanted a feature that hasn't been available... Read More
Since the DOS days, batch files have been one of... Read More
The basic language of the internet is html. If you... Read More
Not sure what Windows registry is or how it works?... Read More
Feeling overwhelmed in selecting a new TV? With all the... Read More
There have been some questions on anti-skip protection on mp3... Read More
This is the third in a series of articles highlighting... Read More
Feeling overwhelmed in selecting a new TV? With all the... Read More
We have just entered the time of year that most... Read More
If you're like me, you occasionally find the ubiquitous mouse... Read More
This tip is on sharing files and folders on a... Read More
I have a p3 500MHz PC with 128MB RAM, 10.2... Read More
System File Checker is a great utility that is typically... Read More
Confused by EDTV vs HDTV? We don't blame you. The... Read More
Peoples' private information needs to stay private, even after it... Read More
Simone is exasperated. She has to work on her university... Read More
What is a Refurbished Computer?Refurbished Computers. Remanufactured Computers. Reconditioned Computers.... Read More
I've worked my way from the CCNA to the CCIE,... Read More
1. Let your PC boot up completely before opening any... Read More
Buying Your PCBuying a PC that's right for you and... Read More
Surf the 'Net for about 10 minutes and chances rate... Read More
It's hard enough as it is these days to get... Read More
express cleaning service Des Plaines ..You use Ctrl+Alt+Del to see what's running on your PC,... Read More
You don't have to fork out $250 for a super-diggy-whizbang... Read More
MP3 players are everywhere! It seems that the number of... Read More
When you think of a help desk, what do you... Read More
With a little tweaking and with proper tools, you can... Read More
If you've been kicking around the idea of building your... Read More
There have been some questions on anti-skip protection on mp3... Read More
If you're a computer expert, you'll probably already know about... Read More
Stop Getting LostOne of the greatest uses for a pocket... Read More
Winter?the official start of the cold and flu season. Though,... Read More
A computer needs a certain amount of information to operate;... Read More
Good Morning Mr. Sampson. Please type in you Personal Identification... Read More
This tip is on sharing files and folders on a... Read More
Confused by EDTV vs HDTV? We don't blame you. The... Read More
I am going to assume that you are running windows... Read More
Freezing is also known as crashing or hanging. It's frustrating.... Read More
The basic language of the internet is html. If you... Read More
The registry is where the computer stores information about the... Read More
Heading off on vacation soon?Then perhaps you're tempted to take... Read More
The following practice, if done regularly, may help you to... Read More
The Internet can be a dangerous place.While you're enjoying the... Read More
You???ve studied hard; you???ve practiced your configurations; you???ve used your... Read More
How familiar does the following sound? Your computer was working... Read More
Getting a new computer should be an exciting and gratifying... Read More
ComputersBusinesses and individuals alike have all grown to rely on... Read More
Personal Technology |