A Great Guide on Where to Buy your Next Laptop

By Jeremy Szechenyi

When you buy a notebook computer, you are presented with a ton of choices. All the laptop brands, specifications and options seem endless. Fortunately you can do some research to cover that. Figuring out whether to buy online or in-store can be an equally daunting task. If you spend some time to learn the difference between these version of retailers and how to choose the best notebook for your needs and wants, you will be just fine.

In-store and online are the two types of retailers you will find selling laptop computers. The main difference is that in-store retailers have physical locations you can go visit. This typically causes them to have slightly higher prices as a result, but items can be tested and purchased right away. Online retailers typically have lower prices, but need to be shipped to your home. Knowing just this info does not make it very clear which to choose.

You should keep in mind the pros and cons of both the online and in-store retailers when you begin shopping for your laptop. A good way to leverage the positive aspects of both retail variations is to combine them into one. Follow the 4 steps listed below to leverage this concept.

Step 1: You need to go look at laptops at some local retailers to get an idea of pricing and availability. After you do notebook computer research, and feel comfortable in what you are looking for, visit several stores to test computers. Make a note of the ones you like, writing down the name, price, model number and positive/negative reactions to it.

Step 2: Use your notes to do online research. Start by visiting the websites for the retailers you visited in your area. They might run deals on line, and offer free delivery to your local store. This could save you time and money. Check all the notebooks you saw and note pricing differences.

Step 3: You need to research online only retailers selling the laptop computers you found in-store. Use a Google or Yahoo search to find online retailers that sell laptops. Note prices, including shipping costs, of the computers you found. Don't forget to record the websites so you can easily find them.

Step 4: You will have prices for the in-store retailers, in-store websites, and online retailers, and you need to determine which to go with. It will be clear which place has the lowest price for the laptop you want, but you should also consider non-price related issues as well. It might be worth an extra $20 to buy from a local retailer if they give you a 90 day money-back guarantee, allowing you to test the laptop to make sure you really like it. Decide which one to buy from based on these factors as well as price.

If you spend some time research in-store and online, and compare what you found, you will be able to find a great laptop at a good price. It is important to do plenty of notebook computer research in advance of the 4 steps so that you are looking for the right laptop. That will make sure that you get the right laptop, and can ultimately save you the money of having to trade in or buy a new laptop in the future. - 30432

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