Tips for Bargain Computer Shopping

As students across the country head back to school this fall, cash-strapped parents are looking for bargain-priced computers that will deliver the biggest bang for their bucks--and straight A’s for their kids. But a bargain is only a bargain when it delivers everything you need, at a price you can afford. Keep the following tips in mind as you shop:

•Buy in late summer, when computer deals are designed to attract new and returning college students. Great timing will get you the best deals.

•Shop online, not in malls or on the phone. The Internet is where you’ll find the best coupons, and the deepest discounts. Dell , for example, offers buyers several different coupons, including a sliding scale coupon. With this offer, the more you spend, the higher your discount, with some reaching as high as $600.

•Decide what you actually need in a computer before you shop. Don’t purchase features you won’t use.

•Performance saves. Look for a well-equipped computer that is configured to your needs. The faster the CPU, the faster the computer. Dual-core chips can add more speed, without a significant increase in cost.

•Discover “net books.” Some manufacturers have these smaller, lower cost computers for simple web surfing, email, and media. This could be an option, depending on your needs.

•Stick to important features like CPU, Hard drive size, and RAM (random access memory) (2GB of RAM is generally a good place to start), and a color monitor with at least a 15 inch screen.

•Think green. Look for a manufacturer that has a free recycling program to recycle your old computer system, regardless of make. Recycling may result in additional discounts on your new purchase, too.

•Buy computer products that carry Energy Star labels to cut your power costs.
Shop around before you buy. Make comparisons. List the pros and cons for each computer. Are you looking for a laptop, or a desktop? A pc, or a net book?

Follow these tips, and you will find the computer you’re looking for, at a bargain price.