Buying a Computer; The Unhurried Approach

We see a lot of folks who don't get the computer they want or need because they buy in a hurry. No, they don't mess up. It's just that they go out to buy when they really need a new computer that very moment and can't get a deal on the "right" machine. Buying in a hurry is sometimes necessary. But if you can avoid it, you can do a lot better for the amount of money spent. I know this sounds like simple stuff, but you'd be surprised at how many people can't or don't pay heed to it.

The great deals offered by Dell that Peter mentioned a few entries below this one are a case in point. If you were at the point where you were going to need a new computer soon and were already sitting on the money, this would be the time to jump in and buy. If you are forced to buy at a given time, it's bad odds againsti you won't be able to get a deal. It's simply thinking ahead, but it is going to pay off more in the next few months than at any time in the recent past.

Why? Well, all the PC and notebook makers are going to be offering different models in the next 3 or more months. More new models than they usually introduce in a short period. New single and dual-core processors and peripherals are going to dictate this. Any company who doesn't bring out models based on the new parts in a hurry is going to lose brownie points, so they'll all be doing it. And because they can't afford to have too many different models floating around (for store inventory reasons and limited available display space, mostly) there will be sales to move the "old" merchandise.

Now some of use just won't be able to live without the newest, fastest computers. Most of us, however, have no problem existing with a slightly out-of-date machine. (I'm typing this on a 500 MHz AMD K6 powered desktop. It's still a very useful box to me.) There is still a LOT of life left in both single processor and 32 bit computers and computing. Many of us-perhaps most of us-can get on just fine with these machines. The geek in me wants the hottest new gear, but the truth of the matter is that I can live and do my work just fine on a single cpu, 32 bit machine. Newer, 64 bit hardware would float my boat, but I don't need it.

I suspect notebook buyers will have it best in this, because notebooks have a longer lead time; meaning the time between manufacture and arriving at the point of sale. The new lines of slim and yet high performance notebooks will likely replace a higher percentage of stock than those desktops that premier will.

So, if you're going to be in the market soon and can live well with models currently offered, rather than the newest stuff coming along, put the money in the back of your wallet now and start watching for spot sales. There's going to be a lot of them; some big and some on only a few machines. A bit of judicious shopping will really pay off in the next few months.

Jack