Buying a Laptop part 3: Finding the Deal

     So far in this series, we've covered what operating system you want, and what hardware ranges you want in your machine.  If you are interested in persuing a mac, the search will be much more limited, and I'll look more into a PC, but that doesn't mean you cannot find deals.

     What's your flavor?  There's all kinds of companies making computers out there.  Most make pretty decent quality stuff, so what differenciates them?  Well price for one, customer service, warrenty coverage, arrangements of specs and hardware, after all that, I would really focus on specific models.  Check an independant review  of several models, especially the ones you are considering, because some models are flimsier than they appear, or have great specs, but due to the mother board, or hardware arrangement, they do not perform well.  Several companies allow you to customize most anything that the motherboard can possibly cater to, while others offer specific models with specs laid in stone.



     Take advantage of the promotional discounts on the website, but don't enslave yourself to it.  Those promotions change constantly, and if a deadline is coming up soon, don't fret, there will be another coming soon.  In most purchases, if you get buying fever, you won't find the best deal.  Check out Newegg.com for deals of the week.  If it's approaching a holiday, keep an eye out for those promotions too, but don't buy a laptop that doesn't have the criteria you decided you wanted.  Also don't be afraid to look at other sites like retailmenot or sites that post deals.  check their facebook and twitter, Dell has an outlet facebook account that releases limited quantity promotional codes.  Between promotions and buying from an outlet, I recently bought a laptop for $470 that would have been over a thousand brand new.  I took a risk by doing so, but I have yet to find any issues with the computer itself.



     Now I'll address your paranoia regarding used computers.  Used computers can have issues.  That statement is very true, but that does not mean that a used computer does have issues.  If you are not super tech savvy, which is most people reading an article like this, you don't have to limit yourself to a brand new off the line computer, but you don't have to flip a coin on whether it will work or not either.  Recertified.  That can be a valuable word.  Recirtified computers can absolutely have problems still, but it comes with a manufacturer's warrenty to the working condition and quality of the product.  Even if there are several problems, and you have to pay to mail it back to the company, you can usually cover that risk with the money you save on the purchase price easily.  Brands like Dell, Sony, and HP have outlets online where you can view laptops that they have available recirtified, or dented at incredible discounts.
     Happy shopping.