©
2007 by Bart Smith, TheMarketingMan.com and Founder, MyMarketingCart.com.
All Rights Reserved.
In
this section, you’re going to learn a number of tips
on how to shop for a new computer or a new laptop. Now,
before we really get started, the big question always comes
up ... "Should you buy a Windows-based personal computer
(PC) or an Apple MacIntosh computer (Mac)?"
Well,
here's what I know ... I've been working with computers
for over 20 years. I've enjoyed the privilege of working
with both PC and Mac extensively during different times
in my life. I've had the luxury to view and use similar
programs on both, and programs exclusively written for the
PC and for the Mac independently. I've also had friends
who use Macs exclusive and I have friends who use PC's exclusively.
Personally, I've always chosen to work with a PC and always
will. Macs are beautifully designed computers great at very
specific tasks, like creating/manipulating graphics, editing
multi-media (i.e., movies, audio, etc.) If you work in an
environment where Macs are the preferred computer, then,
by all means, get a Mac. But, if you're on your own, and
you have the choice to purchase a PC or a Mac, buy a PC
and I'll tell you why:
 Walk
into a computer store and look at all the software shelves
devoted to selling software to PC's and how few there are
shelving software designed for the Mac. You'll find there
are a lot more software companies (online and offline) producing
software for PC's; even though the market for selling to
Mac users is increasing, and Macs can read some Windows-based
software. Still, it's a PC world out there, despite what
Hollywood (and the movies we watch) would lead us to believe.
Keep that in mind: more software is made for the PC.
Do
PC's crash? Sure they do. Has my PC? Nope. My PC hasn't
crashed in??? I can't remember? I've been using XP for years
and haven't seen a crash since Windows '98. Yes, in those
days, operating systems were pretty unstable; but now, hardly
ever does my computer have problems. (e.g., I take good
care of my computer, that's why). Do Macs crash? You bet.
I had a friend, who owned a Mac, tell me her Mac crashed,
as well as another associate of mine who said the same thing.
I had to ask them to repeat what they just said, "What
was that? You said your Mac crashed? I thought Macs don't
crash?" They said, they had to take it in to the Mac
shop for repair. Hmm. Sounds like a level playing field
to me. Do all computers crash (or have problems) from time
to time? You bet ... No computer is 100% exempt.
Another
interesting tip for ya, I look at web site counter statistics
for all my web sites and my clients' sites and would you
believe it? I find that more than 60% of all web site visitors
to all these sites has been primarily made up of PC users,
an not Mac users! Isn't that interesting? Wow, I guess it's
a PC world out there ...
And,
if you want one more reason to buy a PC (over a Mac), PC's
are much easier to repair when there's a problem; you can
add or switch out specific parts in PC, than you can with
a Mac ... Overall, working with a PC is much simpler and
there are a number of repair shops that can repair your
PC versus trying to find a special Mac store, when you have
a problem.
Well,
those are just some of the reasons to buy a PC over a Mac,
but you make the final decision. I know if it were me, I'd
buy a PC any day.
So,
having said all that, when it comes to purchasing a new
computer these days, here's what goes through my mind and
here's what I do when shopping for and pricing the best
computer for my needs:
Look in the Sunday’s
newspaper for computer store magazine advertisements
which announce specials on all new computers, laptops, parts
and accessories. Listen, take the magazine advertisement
into the store with you and say, "I want this! (i.e.,
point to/describe what you want) Do you still have any in
stock?" HOT TIP = HURRY! Many stores offer deals specials
only with limited quantities in stock. You can't order special
discounts = you have to get them while they last! So, get
to the store EARLY, not later or you'll be on the "next
time" bus, before you can say "Ah, shucks!"
Ask your friends where they
bought their computer.
Maybe they had their computer built by someone they knew.
Great! See if they’ll build you a computer too. In
some cases, you can save money, and the best part, is you
have total control of the quality of parts and components
that get installed inside your computer, as opposed to just
buying a system right out of the box made with generic,
lower-quality parts from a manufacturer. If you do have
your computer built by someone, make sure they know what
they’re doing and will be around in case something
goes wrong. Ask your friends, who have laptops, how they
like theirs.
Research
the Internet for deals and reviews on computers.
Click here to visit the online resource
section below for links to web sites and companies who sell
computers. Make notes on a piece of paper or print out what
you see and bring it to a store near you.
When buying laptops, definitely
do your research online and at each store you shop. Ask
the store clerks in the laptop department what they know
about specific makes and models and which brands other customers
have been happy with. If
you shop around, you should be able to find a great laptop
for right around $999 (plus tax). Throw in a rebate or two
and you’ve got yourself a pretty good deal. Your laptop
should include a CD and a DVD burner, a DVD player, between
40GB and 80GB hard drive space, 1GB of memory and a slew
of other great features and benefits.
Laptop
Case: When buying a portable, protective case for your laptop,
be sure there’s ample room for laptop cables and power
cords. Also, make sure when you close the lid of the laptop
case there isn’t a zipper clip sticking out which
touches, I mean scratches, the top surface of your new and
beautiful laptop when closed. After
closing the protective case time and time again, the top
surface of your laptop can get scratched and beat up. Whoa,
not good! 
Now,
if you find a case you really like and there is a zipper
clip, just place a small cloth or thin sheet of foam protection
between the two when you pack your laptop and you should
be all right. Travel Mouse: You might purchase a regular
mouse or mini-travel mouse (about 1/3 the size of a regular
mouse) to fit nicely in your portable laptop case to be
used with your laptop (cost: $9-$29). You might find it
more user-friendly moving the cursor around on your screen
if you have a real mouse versus using just a finger or two
on the touch pad of your the laptop. Regular Keyboard: You
might also purchase a regular keyboard (cost $9-29) to use
when spending long hours at a time typing on your laptop.
Some
Laptop keyboards, not all, are small, cramped and often
do not have the same keys (located in the same place) on
a regular keyboard. So, why not just use a real keyboard?
You don’t have to use it all the time; just when you’re
working for long periods of time and you’d like to
type on a familiar, regular keyboard. Just remember, you
have these options.
Again, PC or Mac? For most
users, PC is the preferred choice over a Mac. The reasons
are quite simple, it’s a number’s game. The
world has moved in the direction of the PC over the Mac
in large numbers. Walk into any large, reputable
computer store, such as CompUSA®, MicroCenter®,
Fry®’s, and the like, and look at the number of
aisles dedicated to selling PC software and computer accessories
compared to the number selling Mac software and accessories.
Then, look at the number of PC systems they offer versus
the number of Mac systems. After making these comparisons,
you make the decision. Now, I have experience with Mac products
and while I appreciate their capabilities, I’ve decided
to go with the flow on this one. My choice stands with using
a PC.
Keep your eye out for special
deals and bargains
where it relates to new and advanced computer parts
and technology. As technology improves – prices drop!
A good thing! Memory, hard drives, CD burners, DVD drives,
motherboards, video cards, sound cards, monitors, etc.
Check to see when stores open
and when they close by looking up their
hours at their web site. When you're shopping for a computer,
no doubt, you'll want to visit a lot of stores to shop around
for the best price, best computer, options, features, customer
service, rebates, specials, discounts ... you name it! So,
having said that, it would be nice to know when these stores
open and close so you can make the most of your shopping
day (or evening). Go online, find the store you want to
visit and click on the STORE LOCATOR (usually at the top
of the web page), find their hours, or call the store if
you need to and plan your computer shopping day with timely
precision. You'll thank yourself that you did.
How much money should you
spend when buying a computer? If you're
buying a laptop, you can pick up a very good laptop for
between $700 and $1,200 depending on the number of features,
bells 'n' whistles you want on that laptop. Also, the screen
size, hard drive space, memory and other features that come
with that laptop will play a role in the final price. If
you're shopping for a PC or desktop computer, you might
not have to purchase an entire system. Instead, ask yourself,
is your monitor in good shape? Do you have a nice set of
computer speakers? How about your keyboard and mouse, are
they working fine? If so, and if you don't really need to
replace these items, you might be able to just purchase
(or replace) the PC tower unit. If this is the case, you
can easily pick up a PC tower unit with all the latest upgrades,
bells 'n' whistles for between $250 and $500 depending on
the store you shop at. Do your homework, do your research
and shop wisely!
What about protection plans
and warranties? Are they worth it? In some
cases? Yes! If you could spend an extra $100 (or so) to
add additional protection in the event something goes wrong
with your computer, it's worth it. Here's why, laptops wear
out faster than desktop computers. If your laptop is on
the brink of dying, you might wish to take advantage of
the special protection plan to get it fixed while you save
up the money and research for buying a new laptop. Desktop
computers? They're a little more durable and tend to last
longer. But laptops, definitely, consider purchasing the
extra protection coverage if you can afford it and it applies
to your purchase.
Also, visit PriceWatch.com.
PriceWatch.com is the fastest way to find a great street
price on almost any computer product. A very cool site;
loaded with lots of products, price and vendor options.
Also, check out these online
computer/electronic stores below. When you
first visit their site, look for specials. Then, compare
prices, features and service/warranty plans between the
different sites. You can do this on a piece of paper or
PRINT OUT each computer you're interested in. Then, you
could call the store in your area to see if they have that
particular computer available. If so, go down there and
check it out. Bring the printout with you! When you've done
your homework, you know you're getting the best deal possible!
Good luck to you!!!
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