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There are questions to
ask about everything from package deals to warranties
By
Don Arnoldi
WE Tech Computers
Have
you ever asked yourself “What is the difference between
this brand name and that one?” What is really important
isn’t what brand name is on the outside of the computer,
but how the computer is built, the quality of the parts
inside, how do they work together, and most important, how
well will it work once you have it at home? There are so
many choices to make when you look for a PC.
All
those ads on TV really make it seem as if there is no other
choice but to buy from them. Look at those ads very closely
and you will see some of the tricks they use. When buying
a PC, remember the first rule of any purchase, “Nothing
is free, everything else you pay for.”
Beware
of “package” deals. Ask what is the difference
if you bought these parts separately and “can I make
changes?” Did they offer you training and all you got
was time with a CD? Is the PC built for you? Does it come
with the software that YOU want? Will it be capable of meeting
your needs today and tomorrow? Will you be strapped with
an Internet provider for up to 3 years, even if you don’t
like them and want to change?
Are
“custom built computers” really more expensive?
Let’s just compare what you get. Most custom builders
will sit down with you and try to determine what your needs
are, first starting with your budget. From that they can
help you pick out the components that will fit your needs.
These can be as simple as an integrated system that will
get you on the Internet and give you the capability of doing
simple research or just keeping in touch by e-mail with
your friends and relatives. In most cases, a person wants
to be able to expand the capabilities of their computer
with the growing needs of their software. This will cost
more because now you have to look at a system that can be
upgraded.
Upgrading
is limited to the technology of the components used in the
existing computer. This is an important question to ask
when you’re looking at purchasing your system. Computers
that have parts integrated into the motherboard will be
very difficult to upgrade, and thus more expensive. Most
custom built PCs have interchangeable parts that can be
easily replaced and then cost you less.
If you
spend a few dollars more on a system that is capable of
growing, you will pay less when you either need to make
changes or have repairs. Some brand name PC’s require
that you buy ALL of your replacement parts and upgrade components
from the brand company; they normally cost more and are
sometimes hard to get.
Why
would I want to make changes to my computer? Some people
as they get used to their computers begin to look at new
software. Software is the number-one reason to make changes
to your computer. There is not a computer built today that
will handle every type of software available. This is why
custom builders will try to help you determine what system
will suit your needs. As your needs change, your computer
might have to as well. Have you ever wanted to design your
own home or landscape? You might need a better video card.
Do the kids want to play some computer games? Then you might
need a faster CPU or more memory. Is your system capable
of adding a scanner? What kind will work best with your
system and what software is needed? These are all reasons
to upgrade your PC.
One more important question to ask is about the warranty.
It’s not always “how long is it good for”
but more important, what does it cover and how much will
it cost if there is a part that is no longer available?
Many companies will charge you the cost of the “upgraded
component.” Guess what — you probably just paid
the dealer’s full price, what he paid for the part.
Good builders will not charge you for an upgrade if they
don’t have the original component.
Will
you get the system back right away? Do they carry the parts
that make up your system? Do they have replacements on hand
or will they have to send out for the parts and then increasing
you’re down time? If you buy a system from a store
that only sells the computers, where will you have to get
the replacement parts from? Will the store repair the computer
or do they have to send it out to someone who can? If the
people who sold it to you do not fix it, why buy it from
them?
You
must invest as much time in buying a computer as you would
to buy a TV, a stereo or even a car. If you don’t,
you might get just what you paid for. Ask for references
and shop around. Good luck and happy computing.
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