There are many ways to pinch pennies on PCs. Saving on computers, accessories and software may be easier than you think. They cost us too much because we’re too willing to buy too often.
Now and then, parts of the computer go through rapid and worthwhile improvement–such as modems moving up from 9,600 bits per second to 28,800 and 56,000. That makes a real difference when online.
Most software upgrades merely add features you’ll never use. And most hardware upgrades– such as faster processors and higher-capacity hard drives– basically add more speed and space to keep all those extra software features from slowing the computer down.
Here’s my advice, from general principles to special ways to pinch your pennies.
– Slow down the cycle. Don’t buy every upgrade or even every other upgrade. Who needs upgrades? Graphics professionals certainly do; for them, keeping up with the latest personal computer technology may actually cost less than making graphics with older technology or more hired help. So do game fanatics, for whom the word “budget” has a very loose and half-forgotten meaning.
Go from version 2.0 to 4.0, skipping right over 2.1, 3.0 and 3.1. Such version numbers are about as reliable indicators of feature changes as dress sizes from different manufacturers and countries, but at least they give some idea. Think about buying a new computer only as often as you buy a new car.
– Don’t buy the absolute best the day it comes out. If you really, really want it, wait six months. Then it will only be second or third best, and will cost a fair amount less –because some other, glossier new “state of the art” tool will be available.
Ignore the argument that buying the best today means a longer life for the system. Let’s say it takes X years for a computer to become obsolete. Well, in X years you’ll be tossing out that best from today to buy the best from then. If you buy the second or third best, in X years you’ll be tossing that out to buy the second or third best then. Same lifetime, slightly less performance, far lower cost.
– Avoid paying full price for software. Most important programs–especially for business and office “productivity”– are sold two ways: as full packages and as upgrades. The full package might cost $500 and the upgrade just $100. The software company hopes to make that $500 off you the first year and then another $100 every year or so afterward.
Read the fine print on the “upgrade” offer. Usually, you qualify for an upgrade if you use an earlier version or a long list of competing programs, one of which may already be on your hard drive or have come free with your scanner or modem. Maybe you can even buy it used at a swap meet; a $10 or $50 program could save you $400 or more. An old word processor from any of a dozen companies may be enough to get you the latest full office suite with word processor, spreadsheet, database and more.
– Buy technical support before technology. Unless you’re an expert, you’re better off with a 24-hour toll-free line than the fastest processor. Make sure that support line actually has live people on the other end, not just recordings or fax-back help. If you’re doing a lot of home computing, look for weekend support hours.
Ask if the tech support covers everything, because some hardware companies are now excluding bundled software; they’ll enthuse about what’s there, but won’t help you use it–and often the companies that sold them the software at a huge discount won’t help you either. And remember that some software companies charge extra for supporting certain features, such as Microsoft’s policy with the “networking” features of Windows 95, which seems to include fax sending and receiving.
– Look at the warranty. If it is 90 days, don’t buy. If it is one year, ask the salespeople if the item is really worth the price if it will only last a year. If they assure you it will last longer, then why won’t the warranty? It’s the most important part, and if the company is afraid it will break in a year, you should be afraid, too. Three years is better and five is better yet. And if those years include on-site fixing and quick-turnaround replacements, so much the better.
– Negotiate. Not all computer stores or mail-order companies will bargain with you, but some will. They’ll cut the price, beef up some hardware component, throw in some software or supplies, extend a warranty, etc. Always be ready to go elsewhere, or to another 800 number, and do so if you can’t make a deal. Compare prices head to head. Remember that model numbers are sometimes intentionally diverse to make it hard for you to compare directly. And ignore small differences in speed and capacity.
– Beware restockings. Some companies guarantee that you can return an item in 30 days for any reason, and then charge you a “restocking fee”– sometimes hundreds of dollars–to take it back. Don’t buy if there’s a restocking fee.
– Ask if batteries, cables or other needed parts are included. Are there any other elements you’ll need? Each might only cost $10 to $20, but that adds up, and some companies toss them into the computer, printer or software box at no extra charge.
– Check the price of consumables. Your computer system may soon feel like the hungriest mouth to feed in the house. The printer is the worst offender, with many of the latest printers intentionally designed to send you back to the store regularly to buy $40 ink cartridges and $1 sheets of special paper. Some of the latest removable disk drives are also greedy for regular meals, offering more megabytes of storage but at a cost of $10 to $100 per blank disk.
– Check monthly prices. Technology companies are high on these, hoping to lure you every month for such things as Internet service, special online content such as news, online gaming, anti-virus updates and more. Try to keep such add-ons to a minimum.
– Bonus category: Rebates. I discovered that only about 20 percent of buyers ever send in a manufacturer’s rebate coupon–even if it’s for $50 or more. Companies love this: They can advertise those “Only $200,” prices, with small print saying, “after manufacturer’s rebate,” and yet rarely have to pay the rebate. Send that coupon in as soon as you get home.
