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From...
Where should you buy your dream PC?
September 5, 1998Web posted at: 12:30 p.m. EDT (1630 GMT)
by Harry McCracken
(IDG) -- It's official: You've decided to buy a new home PC or maybe a printer or some other goody. But where should you buy it? You can head to a megastore that sells nothing but computer stuff, or drop by the same place where you buy compact discs--or groceries, or paper clips. You can even sit back in your favorite easy chair and phone a mail-order merchant or surf the offerings on the Web.
The sheer range of shopping options is a little dizzying, especially when you're simultaneously trying to make sense of megahertz, gigabytes and kilobits. But some things are clear: You'll want a source that can provide advice and answer questions as you shop. Naturally, the retailer also needs to have a PC that's right for you, at the right price. And it definitely has to stand behind the computers it sells, just in case something goes wrong.
Read on for a quick look at the pros and cons of the seven most common places to buy PCs and peripherals. We can't guarantee shopping success, but some retailers are bound to fit your particular needs better than others. No matter where you shop, keep the following tips in mind:
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- ASK FRIENDS AND FAMILY for recommendations -- and warnings -- about local
stores before you head out. Better still, convince a knowledgeable acquaintance or
relative to tag along. Once you're at a store, if you don't get straight answers in a
reasonable amount of time, move on.
- COMPARE PRICES. Big dealers who sell brand-name PCs like Compaq and IBM
tend to price their systems very similarly, but you might luck out on a sale or
markdown. As far as pure bang for your buck goes, you'll likely find PCs with
similar specs for less money from mail-order dealers and mom-and-pop shops.
Also, remember that most big retailers don't include a monitor in the price. More
often than not, mail-order vendors and small shops do.
- INQUIRE ABOUT POLICIES, such as price guarantees if the computer's price drops
within a set period. Buy your PC from a vendor that offers a money-back
guarantee and ask about any restrictions. For example, beware of sellers that
charge a "restocking fee" (often 5 to 20 percent) and mail-order vendors that may
not refund the original shipping fee.
- PAY WITH PLASTIC. If you get into a dispute with a merchant, you'll have a better
chance of resolving things in your favor if you can call on the issuer of your credit
card as a mediator. So use plastic, even though some sellers will give you a
discount if you write a check or put up cash.
7 shopping options
Computer superstores
Big names: CompUSA, Computer City
Pros: Generous selection of low-cost PCs and other computer products.
Cons: Erratic advice; fewer high-end PCs.
These are the gigantic, supermarket-style retailers that probably come to mind when you think about buying a PC. You'll find lots of basic systems in the $800 to $1,200 range (excluding monitor), mostly from a few big brands, plus scads of software and other gizmos. Higher-cost PCs with the newest processors are scarcer.
You'd think that a store that specializes in PCs would be staffed by experts, but that's not necessarily so. Depending on your luck, you might wind up talking to a seasoned pro or a neophyte with only sketchy knowledge. At least these stores have on-site repair departments and can perform upgrades (for a fee).
Mail-order merchants
Big names: Dell, Gateway 2000, MicroWarehouse, Micron, PC Connection
Pros: Custom-tailored PCs at good prices; knowledgeable staffs.
Cons: Shipping fees; you might have to wait weeks for your PC.
Some mail-order dealers (such as Dell and Gateway) sell only their own brand of built-to-order PCs; others, like PC Connection and MicroWarehouse, sell all the big names, along with a selection of other products. Because these sellers tend to cater to more experienced buyers, their PCs are typically better equipped -- and higher priced -- than those in stores. Component for component, though, they're often terrific deals. It's safest to restrict your shopping to well-established mail-order companies. They may not collect sales tax, but you will have to pay a shipping fee of $75 to $100.
Home-electronics stores
Big names: Best Buy, Circuit City
Pros: Instant availability; decent assortment of low-cost PCs.
Cons: Skimpy software; may not do repairs.
Shopping at one of these dealers is a lot like visiting a superstore, except that PCs are crammed into one section of a store that sells everything from boomboxes to air conditioners. The selection is smaller than at a superstore but includes many of the same models at similar prices. Unlike superstores, these retailers don't have endless aisles of software, add-ons and supplies, and not all offer service. They're more plentiful in most parts of the country, though, and they might be worth a visit if there aren't any superstores nearby.
Warehouse clubs
Big names: BJ's, Price Club/Costco, Sam's Club
Pros: Low prices.
Cons: Spotty selection; no experts on staff.
That vast warehouse store where you buy ground beef by the ton and 55-gallon drums of shampoo probably sells PCs too. Prices look terrific, but these stores offer a distinctly no-frills experience; don't expect buying advice before you make a purchase, nor support once you take the system home. And in many cases, there's only a scattershot selection of PCs on hand, mostly closeouts on older models and ones from obscure suppliers. Take a PC-savvy friend along if you want to spot the genuinely great deals, and make sure the store accepts your credit card.
Office-supply stores
Big names: Office Depot, OfficeMax, Staples
Pros: Lots of stores.
Cons: Short on help; no service area.
They may be called office-supply stores, but these retailers sell lots of home PCs and printers, as well -- the same models as superstores and consumer-electronics retailers, at comparable prices. However, the selection is smaller, not all systems may be set up for hands-on testing, and it can be tough to find an informed salesperson. There's also no service department. If a nearby office-supply store has the system or peripheral you want in stock at a good price, terrific. But there's no reason to go out of your way to shop at these retailers.
Mom-and-Pop stores
Pros: Low prices, custom-built PCs.
Cons: Variable longevity; little software.
It's tough for a tiny outfit to compete with the CompUSAs of the world, but the best local stores hand-assemble PCs from quality components and sell them at great prices. They also can offer a personal touch that big stores can't match. If you feel comfortable going this route, buy only from a local shop that's been around for a few years; you want to avoid shaky enterprises that could close their doors before your warranty is up. Some stores offer a discount if you pay with cash or a check. Don't. Always use plastic. In fact, check with your credit card company to see if it offers extended warranty protection before you buy, so if the mom-and-pop shop closes, at least you'll have some coverage.
Web stores
Big names: Apple, CompUSA, Dell, Egghead, Gateway 2000, Internet Shopping Network
Pros: Buy anytime from the comfort of your home.
Cons: Better for veterans than first-timers.
The latest way to buy a PC? With a PC, by making your purchase from a merchant on the Web. Of course, you can buy a computer this way only if you've already got one. And while the best Web stores include useful info, they can't provide the personal advice that a good salesperson can. They're most useful if you know what you need and want to order it with a minimum of fuss. And if transmitting your credit card number across the Net makes you queasy, don't worry. Any reputable Web store will encrypt your number to protect it from snoops.