How to Buy a Computer - Part 3

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Where Should I Buy From?

Local Dealer

This is your best bet if you are a newcomer and you can find a dealer who 
actually will take the time to talk with you about your needs. Ask also if 
he offers a money-back-if-not-satisfied guarantee and has classes in the 
areas of computing you are interested in. Try to stay away from the big 
discount stores with household appliances and electronics all under one 
roof. You'll seldom find knowledgeable salespeople and they have an 
interest in selling you "what's in stock."

Mail-Order

There are two vendors that have consistently rated at, or near the top, 
both with Consumer's Reports and the computer magazines -- Dell Computer 
and Micron Electronics . They will custom-configure a system for you and 
offer optional on-site service and extended warranties along with a 
money-back policy and leasing options.

* Dell Computer, 800-283-1480, http://www.dell.com/buydell/ 
* Micron Electrronics, 800-486-2062, http://www.micronpc.com 

Computer Show

This is a choice if you have a knowledgeable friend, or know enough about 
computers yourself, to allow you to make intelligent choices about the 
items offered. You'll need to make a list of exactly what you want before 
hand. You usually wont get a return policy if you make a mistake and 
purchase the wrong item. You can usually exchange defective items as long 
as you can either get to the dealer's store or the next computer show he 
attends.

Classified Ad

This is generally the worst way to buy a computer as most items for sale 
this way are not going to have any return policy and you won't know if 
there's a defect until you've had it a while. Most sellers have an 
inflated idea of the worth of their computers and price them way too high. 
You shouldn't pay over $350 for a used 486 (add $100 for a working SVGA 
monitor and nothing for a plain VGA one) and about $500 for a used 
Pentium(less monitor.)

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Prepared by Peter Conrad Cumminsky, consultant, ASEE, CET, Team OS/2 
(707) 987-9484
Visit my Computer Taming web site at http://www.angelfire.com/biz/taming/ 


(C) Copyright 1993-1998 peterconrad@hotmail.com