How to Buy a Computer

Summary

1. Buying a computer on the Internet

2. Big stores

3. Buying a computer: specialist shops

4. Buy a computer from an assembler

5. Used computer

Should you buy your computer online, in supermarkets, or in specialist shops from an assembler?

Have you decided to buy your first computer or replace your old one? Then you need to decide where to buy your computer.

For this purpose, a wide choice is offered to you:

• • Internet, mass distribution,

• • specialty stores, an assembler.

1. 1. Buying a computer on the Internet

If you don’t want to travel and you want to benefit from attractive prices, the Internet can be a good solution.

Many sites offer a wide selection of computers and sometimes even offer exciting promotions that you will not find in stores.

However, it can be annoying not to see the computer you are buying.

2. 2. Big stores

The various supermarkets also offer a range of computers and interesting promotions.

However, these are often entry-level or mid-range computers: there are very few high-performance computers.

If you are looking for a specific computer, you may not find what you are looking for.

3. 3. Buying a computer: specialist shops

You can also go to specialized stores offering computers of different ranges and budgets.

The brands and types of computers offered will be comprehensive, and you can ask a salesperson for advice.

If you are unsure, you can also ask him to advise you according to your budget and the type of computer you are looking for.

4. 4. Buy a computer from an assembler

Computer assemblers will offer you standard, pre-configured computers, but you can also build a custom computer by choosing all your computer components.

You can ask the assembler to take care of the installation of your computer or choose to buy the components and assemble your computer yourself.

To assemble your computer yourself, it is better to know a minimum of what you need to know in order not to get stuck or make a wrong manipulation during the assembly.

Before deciding, it is worthwhile to take stock of the advantages and disadvantages of a PC assembler:

Advantages of the PC assembler	Disadvantages of the PC assembler
Possibility to choose quality components, Possibility to choose exactly the computer you want, Makes money on a quality computer compared to a department store, For those who do not want to choose the components, there is the possibility of buying a computer with a typical configuration at an interesting price, Possibility to assemble your computer yourself or to have it assembled.	It is preferable to know a little about it to choose the right components, It is important to take the time to learn about the different components, It is necessary to compare the different assemblers and avoid scams, In the event of a breakdown, you must determine the defective part and return it to the assembler or pay for troubleshooting.

If you choose to assemble your computer yourself, it’s still a good idea to have the processor mounted on the motherboard and ask for a test to ensure the processor and motherboard work.

In general, this assembly is free of charge and will prevent you from making a bad manipulation with these components, which are particularly fragile.

5. Buying a used computer: advantages and disadvantages

When you’re on a tight budget, it can be tempting to turn to buy a used computer.

Many IT professionals regularly renew their computers and sell the old ones, but some individuals often change their desktop or laptop and offer good opportunities.

It is essential to weigh the pros and cons before buying a used computer because if it can be interesting for some, it is not necessarily for others.

Here is a list of the advantages and disadvantages of buying a used computer:

Benefits

Disadvantages

Possibility to find a powerful computer at a low price, A used computer is already configured and ready to use, The computer will most often be sold with numerous accessories and software, Possibility to find a high-end computer for the price of a new low-end computer, Possibility of acquiring reconditioned used computers under warranty. Good to know: the law defines “reconditioned product”, reserving this term to second-hand products that have undergone tests on all their functions or even have undergone one or more technical interventions to restore these functions.

It is preferable to have some knowledge of computers to be able to evaluate the performance of the computer, The used computer will have a shorter life span than a new computer, The components of the user computer may be already outdated, Except in the case of a warranty, you are not safe from the fact that the computer breaks down sometime after the purchase, Beware of scams and sellers who sell defective, used computers without informing the buyer.

Buying a used computer can be interesting if you are looking for a complete computer, already configured and quite powerful.

However, buying a new computer in a store is often just as interesting for those looking for a basic computer.