Saving and buying tips on computer hardware

Article: Saving and buying tips on computer hardware

Here're are some saving and buying tips on computer hardware:

Purchase a computer that is capable of running software which you plan to use in the near future. If not, you may need to buy another faster computer to handle advanced software in a few years.

The computer hardware, it seems, loses its value in about one
or two months. It may be true for the latest computer as well,
and the latest PC is usually the most expensive one. So, don't
buy the latest model if you don't need it.

Don't shop for computer hardware such as motherboards, hard
drives, video cards, adapters cards that are not in their
original boxes and sealed. Human bodies can generate static
electricity from 500 to tens of thousands volts easily, and
when people touch the electronics components of computer
parts, electrostatic discharge (ESD) can ruin the boards. When
working on computer hardware, use grounding wrist straps to
dissipate static electricity charge from your body, and use
anti-static bags for packaging.

After you replace your old computer with a new one, sell your
old PC for money if you don't use it for any other purposes.
Since the computer loses its value quickly, don't leave it for
long in your attic, garage, basement, etc., or you may throw
it away later. According to goverment source, on average,
American consumers have put away two to three obsolete computers
in their closets or garages. By 2004, more than 315 million
obsolete computers could be disposed in landfills. By 2005,
most people will trade in their computers for newer models
within two years of buying them.

If you purchase more than one computer, call your vendor if
it can give you additional discounts.

Use rebates on computer boards and cards to get good deals.
Sometimes, you pay nothing for the cards with super rebates.

Buy computer hardware from reputable online stores. They
don't have to pay high rents, hire additional salespersons,
or maintain and decorate their stores so that they can give
you great discounts. Use coupons if they offer them.

Buy one whole package that contains a complete system: PC,
monitor, software, printer, fax, copier; it's usually cheaper
than buying each component separately.

Shop and compare computer prices among computer stores and
retail stores to get the best deal.

You may get big discounts when you shop for computer hardware
at goverment or private auctions, pawn shops, liquidation
and surplus sales stores, or unclaimed merchandise centers.
Some of these places sell computer hardware as is, so you
may not get the refund in case there's a problem.

Lastly, buy only Energy Star qualified computer hardware
equipment to save money on electricity.

Article: Saving and buying tips on computer hardware
By John Nguyen and Associates
Developers of Savingsforyou.net and Orange County Business Directory, CA