How To Buy the Right Computer For You

By Gary Orlando
CEO, Tech Services

Seems like every mass merchandiser is getting involved in computer sales these days. In as much as you would like to think they are doing you some good and saving you money, the bottom line is that mass merchandisers are selling computers only as a way to make more money for corporate. When this happens, the component qualities of these computers suffer greatly. In other words, components that are used to make the computer for you are picked solely on price, not quality, and you will pay the price for going the cheaper route. How will you pay? By having to put up with a slow system, incompatibilities, and expensive low-grade repair/replacement parts. Sometimes you cannot even use a standard replacement part, you have to get it from the manufacturer, and you’ll probably get substandard service as part of the bargain.

So what should you do instead of buying a piece of junk from a mass merchandiser? Find a good reputable local computer dealer. Ask friends and family who they use. Do some research; get in touch with your local Better Business Bureau and/or Chamber of Commerce. Your computer dealer of choice should have been in business at least 3 or 4 years, should work during normal business hours, should always be available to help if you need it, and should be understanding in helping you pick out just what you need—and not more than you need—without being condescending. Most computer dealers buy from authorized distributors and can get all the good stuff. All the name brands you can imagine—Intel, HP, Western Digital, Nvidia, and Sony, just to name a few.

Once you’ve located a reputable dealer, talk plainly to him and explain exactly what you want your computer to do for you. He might even have some suggestions for you that you hadn’t considered, so listen to what he is saying. And remember, nothing is set in stone as it would be with a computer from a mass merchandiser. For example, if you pick a low-end video card and find it is not quite as powerful as you need, your dealer can help you pick a suitable upgrade and install it for you, although it will cost you a bit more. In order to get a system that is perfect for you, it is best to know exactly what you need and be able to properly relay that info to your dealer. Most likely the computer system that a local dealer designs for you will be assembled from industry standard equipment, and any replacement part will work whether you buy it from him or not. He should be able to go over the system with you when you come and pick it up, or he may even deliver it and set it up at your house for a reasonable service charge. A local dealer can also help you understand any extra software or specialized hardware that you requested, so you don’t have to start from scratch by reading the tiny print in a user manual.

Do the extra service and quality components you’ll get from a local dealer cost more? Yes they do, but usually not a lot more, especially when you take into account the fact that you’ll have a better, more reliable system, with dependable service to back it up. You will find it to be well worth the extra cost down the road if you ever have problems or need some upgrades. Going to one location for your parts and information, and talking with an experienced computer technician in business for himself is priceless as opposed to walking into a huge computer superstore and talking with someone who used to work at McDonalds.