Computers are a major purchase for most households, which means upgrading can take a lot time to budget into the households expenses. This can be a problem when something bad happens to a computer and households can end up not having this important technology in their home for some time. There are many ways to avoid the high price of computers when you do need to replace an old one. When you follow these simple tips you can knock at least a hundred dollars off of the price of your computer, which can help make your budget happier than ever.

1. Upgrade Older Machine
You might not think about it when you are having computer problems, but upgrading an older computer can actually solve your computer crisis. If you have a computer that is running slowly or just doesn’t fit your household’s needs then you can always upgrade various pieces of the machine. You might have to have the computer checkout out by a professional before you do this, but it can really keep you from spending a whole lot of money on a newer model. Generally, when you have an older computer you will need to provide it with a new processor or other items that can help spend it up. Adding new memory to the machine is generally a bonus too, especially if you plan on adding new software or playing games. A lot of the time you will have to upgrade the graphics card too in order to keep up with the newer programs. Of course, these pieces might cost more than you would want to spend on their own, but when you compare it to buying an all new computer then you will be doing a whole lot better money wise.

2. Shop Used/Refurbished
If you’re looking for a new computer then you might already be making a huge mistake. When it comes to budgeting you should always looking into the used and refurbished section before planning on spending a lot more cash on a brand new machine. There are a lot of used computers that come backed with a warranty from the supplier. Generally, these computers are still in perfect order and can really make you happy with your choice. A lot of companies will also offer you a refurbished item, which means that the computer has been altered to its original factory setting. This will make you feel like you have a brand new computer without having to pay the hundreds of dollars extra to get one. Refurbished computers are great starter computers too, so if you’re looking to get your child their first machine then you might want to start off here.

3. Know What You Want
When it comes to buying a computer it is actually incredibly important to know what you want before you go shopping. In a lot of cases, shoppers who blindly look at computers will end up paying a lot of extra money for things they don’t actually need or want. So, before you go shopping make sure you have a list that will help you decide what machine will work best for your personal needs. If you shop online or order a custom computer you can actually get it with very few items already attached to it. The more you add onto a computer the more you will have to pay out of pocket, so try to limit the things you add on to items you actually need. This is especially true for software that comes with many of the newer computers as manufactures tend to try to bundle different software to encourage people to buy from them.

4. Build Your Own
You might not realize it, but building your own computer can be one of the best things you do. Although, you might need to have a little technological know how, or at least have a friend that does before you try this. When you build your own computer you have to order each individual part to your specification. This will allow you to get exactly what you want in a computer without forcing you to spend money on things you don’t really need. When you plan out your future computer you should have a list of all of the items you need to get it up and running. You should also so research before you purchase the items as you are going to need make sure you are getting good quality item. This is especially important when it comes to cooling devices for the computer. As you choose items for your new computer make sure you keep in mind that you can always upgrade later, so you don’t have to spend a fortune on items today.

5. Rebates/Coupons
When it comes to purchasing something new the best thing you can do is look for coupons and rebates prior to making any purchase. The great thing about internet shopping is there is a wide selection of coupons that can take a lot of money off of your purchase. This is especially important on big items such as computers. So, before you choose a location to buy your computer from look around for coupons that can help get rid of a percentage of your fee. You might also want to call and ask about rebates for your computer. Rebates are one of the best ways to save if you have the cash to pay for an item up front. Sometimes, rebates can even give your hundreds of dollars in return, which is more than a fair deal. The effort you tend to put into your work the better off you are going to be when it comes to tallying up the final cost of your purchase. You might also want to wait and look for a new computer whenever there is a sale going on, which will take off just a little more at the end of the purchase.

6. Say No to Brand New
When you’re shopping you might be tempted to buy a brand new model of computer. This can be a huge mistake in terms of money though. Generally, new models don’t have a whole lot of new features to justify the cost so you will end up spending up $200 of more for a model that is just as good as an older one. A lot of new models, especially with brand new operating systems, often have a lot of kinks that need to be worked out before being used effectively. These problems can cause you a lot of grief and might even make your experience with the computer seem like a huge mistake. So, in order to save some money try to buy a model that you know is going to work well for you. It will be a lot cheaper and you will know that you will be able to smoothly work on the computer without having major issues that can cost you even more money.

7. Shop Around
When you buy anything you should never settle for the first price you seen. Shopping around is one of the most rewarding things when it comes to buying new products, so don’t make your computer shopping any different. Whenever you are looking for a new computer you should start buy looking online. This will allow you to search local stores as well as online stores. Usually, you will find an outstanding deal online through the manufactures site or sites that are designed to get you the best deal possible, like Amazon. If you do find a computer online that is from a store such as Best Buy or Wal Mart then you might fight it more useful to actually go to the store in person to pick up the computer. This saves you on shipping cost, but might also help you not pay several of the fees that are often tacked onto the price. You might even get lucky and find the salesperson can offer you a reduction or rebate for shopping in the store. Make sure you have spend some time thinking on the purchase though, so you won’t be disappointed in what you get.

8. Stay Away From Extended Warranty
When you purchase your computer you will be offered the option of an extended warranty. This is usually not a great buy. Generally, when you purchase a computer it comes with a warranty that guarantees you a certain amount of protection for your purchase. Typically this warranty with cover most of the issues you will have to deal with when it comes to the computer. An extended warranty often doesn’t cover a lot of the problems you will have after the original warranty expires. Sure, it will cover an occasional repair, but with the money you put down on the extended warranty you can easily pay for the repair yourself. There is a lot of fine print when it comes to extended warranties too, which could cause you to not to get the services you need out of the warranty you’ve paid a lot of money for. So, if you’re really worried about your new computer breaking you should take the money you’d put on the extended warranty and put it in your savings account to help pay for a new computer or any needed repairs.

9. Operating System
When you buy a computer it is crucial that you make sure there is already an operating system installed. This will help save you hundreds of dollars. Usually computer come with the operating software, but if you’re looking to save money you might accidentally purchase one that is entirely blank. If you miss out on an operating system you could end up spending more money than you saved just to get an updated version of the software you need to run the computer. If you are unsure if a computer always has its software installed then make sure you ask a sales person before you purchase. You can typically find what the computer comes with one the box or on a display near the computer. You will also want to make sure to backup your software on a disc so you won’t have to but it later on.

10. Accessorize Later
A lot of today’s computers offer all sorts of bells and whistles, which is nice but can cost a fortune. If you’re looking to save then you should always try to buy these things after you have made you initial purchase. For instance, some laptops come with a webcam already installed in the computer. This can really hike of the price, so make sure that you’re getting a computer that is simply designed. You can always buy a cheap microphone and webcam when your budget permits. A lot of computers will also try to tie in game packages and anti-virus software. These are totally unnecessary for an initial purchase so skip out on the option and order something that is cost effective for you when you are ready. You might also be offered software such as Photoshop and Dragon, which are both very expensive and can really make your computer seem ridiculously price. You should also avoid customized exteriors until later as well!

Purchasing a computer is something most people will do a few times in their lifetime. It doesn’t have to be a difficult or expensive task if you know what you’re doing. With these simple tips you can have a computer that runs like a dream without having to empty your bank account to get to it. Now, you can enjoy the time you spend on your computer without worrying about what can go wrong.

Author: John Terris