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Top 5 Tips on Buying Technology: Hardware and Software

Thursday, November 29th, 2007
at 1:28am

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I am an early adopter when it comes to technology. I tend to spot tech trends sooner than the average consumer, and I’m quick to buy something when it’s hot off the shelf. However, this isn’t always the best way to go about purchasing new technology. Here are Pongo Shawn’s top five tips when buying new technology products:

  • Don’t buy immediately Is this something you really need? Or do you just want it, because it looks cool or everyone else is buying it? Chances are, if you buy based on “want”… you will end up wasting money on things you’ll never use. Also, look for discounts whenever possible. You can always keep an eye on my chris.pirillo.com blog for special deals and coupons.
  • Don’t always shop at the same store Even if you have one favorite place where you like to buy all your techie products, shop around for other stores who may have the same thing at a much lower price.
  • Do your homework This is a must no matter what you’re doing. Check online for product reviews, but take them with a grain of salt. If people are complaining about the color… and that doesn’t matter much to you… then it’s not really “negative” feedback, is it? However, if many people are saying the same things about defects, you better think twice about that particular purchase.
  • Be careful buying used items This is especially true with buying through Ebay or other similar sites. Check out the person you’re wanting to buy from. For instance, on Ebay you can view a seller’s rating. My video uploader Kat has a method she always uses. She refuses to buy from anyone who has less than 1000 ratings. Of those 1000, they must have a minimum of 99% positive feedback. Otherwise, she looks for someone else to shop with. This is just for your own protection, folks.
  • Don’t wait forever for new versions There will always be something newer, but it may not always be “better”. When you find what fits your budget and your needs, buy it once you’ve researched.

Edited to add follow-up. I received another excellent tip via Email after this video was posted, and wanted to pass it along:

Hey Chris,
First i want to say that i am an extreamly avid readier of you blog, chatter in your chatroom, and subscriber to the Youtube channel, and podcast. Recently, I watched a video that you posted on Youtube, about a top 5 that you read, about Buying Technology, Hardware and software.

After watching it, i really wanted to bring-up another point: about 90% of the time, there is a free/shareware or opensorce alternative to the software out there. Allot of people don’t like this, because of things they have heard in the past about free software, (that they cause virus etc..) but as long it is trusted, and recommended by people that you trust, (like you!) you should be fine. Allot of the time, the free alternative is just as good, or better than the one you where going to pay a fortune for. Also, when buying software, don’t immediately buy it at the store. Not only can you most likely get it cheaper online, but sometimes, there are free demo downloads for the software on their website, or other trusted places, like Apple.com.

Hope this helps!

~Steven, Naples, Florida

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52 Comments

iEvan07

November 29th, 2007
at 4:37am

buying something when it first comes out is half the fun!

boobyman

November 29th, 2007
at 4:51am

I’d like an apple coupon, or well. An iPhone coupon =) Post link.

triggerhappy341

November 29th, 2007
at 6:30am

Jesus, talk about stateing the obvious. Your videos have gone seriously downhill. Do something remotely interesting like you used to instead of helping morons!

qzpoint | Tips World

November 29th, 2007
at 7:28am

Domain Buying Tips from Monte Cahn of Moniker; I’m Not Buying a Zune!!! New GnomeTomes! Buying Digital Content at Gnomedex; HDTV Tips; Intel Hates Bloggers? How to Flash iPhone Firmware; Top 5 Tips for Buying an Audio Mic and USB … all the detailshere

califasio

November 29th, 2007
at 8:28am

i am switching to a MAC wii!!

EvIlK3Rn3L

November 29th, 2007
at 9:34am

hey… leave the morons alone! if it wasent for stupid morons we wouldent have any reason for simple, basic things… like windows vista… hmmm, actualy, on second thoughts, **** the morons :)

Windows Vista Torrent

November 29th, 2007
at 9:57am

Tech InterviewsTop 5 Tips on Buying Technology: Hardware and SoftwareTop 5 Tips to Avoid Viruses and Spyware Top 5 Tips on Repairing Your own Computer: PC and Mac Top 5 Tips for Buying an Audio Mic and USB Headset Yule Log: Fire Video Screen Saver for your Desktop or iPod

Bruce

November 29th, 2007
at 6:04pm

Awesome tips chris, i know people who buy too early and don’t have the power required.

triggerhappy341

November 29th, 2007
at 9:43pm

Hehe, well at least its not as bad as his ‘How to change a desktop background’ That was truely shocking.

Get back to the techy stuff chris!!!

christoff10

November 29th, 2007
at 11:22pm

as far as software is concerned download the demo and try it yourself is it easy to use, does it suite your style of working or even if you use it at all.

davidsk8cat

November 29th, 2007
at 11:32pm

actuslly ive changed my mind te quality sucks

channel643

November 30th, 2007
at 5:59am

stiop america, the poeples going to back

kbj76

November 30th, 2007
at 9:07am

I Love Your Broadcasts. I Really Learn From Them.

DirectFilms

November 30th, 2007
at 9:07am

Thank you, I get spyware all the time

DirectFilms

November 30th, 2007
at 9:19am

thanks for this I will think of this next time I buy hardwarre

akafurious

November 30th, 2007
at 9:38am

i buy hardware and software that is cheap but good quality. i am a computer and technology enthusiast. chris your a Presumer not a consumer
Profession consumer

mauriciomblog

November 30th, 2007
at 12:38pm

Only 26 Shopping Days ’til Christmas TechSay Says IT Surveys PayTop 5 Tips on Buying Technology: Hardware and SoftwareTop 5 Tips to Avoid Viruses and Spyware Top 5 Tips on Repairing Your own Computer: PC and Mac

ShawIV

November 30th, 2007
at 4:31pm

you are a ******* NERD lmao you dont have to talk like that and dress like that to love computers you dumb loser LOL get some ***** LMAO

dmethoxibit

November 30th, 2007
at 5:20pm

wil two 9800s in sli run crysis on very high settings and full AA?

Brandon

November 30th, 2007
at 6:06pm

Watched all the Top 5 videos :D

VistaMeetsNick

November 30th, 2007
at 6:06pm

Chris this one helped me today when i was about to buy dreamweaver. Thank you

Gabe

November 30th, 2007
at 6:08pm

well, i have a mac

thatwhiteguy

November 30th, 2007
at 6:09pm

thanks for the tips. that helped a lot.

Thatwhiteguy

lolchrisisfunny

November 30th, 2007
at 6:12pm

oh i’ve tried to buy from other stores but my mom doesn’t trust other stores around my like “best buy” and “circuit city”, so we go to wal-mart

TJENN

November 30th, 2007
at 6:14pm

Great blog! Another tip I have come across is be cautious of rebates. I have ran across some misleading and simply untruthful rebates. First, make sure the item is worth it. Make sure the rebate is actually saving you money in the long run. Also, if you do get and item that has a rebate, return the rebate ASAP! Oh, another good thing is if you send the rebate through the mail, make sure to have the company sign for it when they receive it. This is to keep companies saying they never received your rebate.

boredcollegekid

November 30th, 2007
at 6:15pm

I had to learn these the hard way, shopped at the same place and got burned. Made a bunch of stupid decisions when buying stuff and got burned more than once. Great tips sorry to say many people don’t follow them.

lolchrisisfunny

November 30th, 2007
at 6:20pm

my mom tipically shops at one store “wal-mart” , when i want to go to some place like circuit city, or best buy idk but i love this blog

cb14

November 30th, 2007
at 6:20pm

Those are great tips for finding good technology at low prices.

Fireman17

November 30th, 2007
at 6:43pm

I always do research on items before buying. That is where you know what you buying and if you can get a better deal some where or find the same items but better sometimes by researching…

pandaSmore

November 30th, 2007
at 7:28pm

I personally found this blog useful. I will be buying my 1st laptop soon, and will use these tips when choosing and purchasing a laptop. I’m looking for a gaming/art laptop.

-pandaSmore

HUnter

November 30th, 2007
at 7:35pm

I have spent a little extra to shop at my favorite store. When I could have gotten it cheaper somewhere else.

Brandon "yo"

November 30th, 2007
at 7:48pm

hey chris thanks for the blog. i was about to buy a camcorder but then i saw this. i really like you blogs. i did my homework and chose a different webcam. thanks for posting and awesome blog.! :))

Mitchell

November 30th, 2007
at 7:48pm

Very good tips, especially the waiting for new versions one.

blueSOD

November 30th, 2007
at 9:00pm

Just want to add some other info on rebates. You have to make sure you read the fine print because sometimes you are not eligible. Sometimes the rebate is only if you bought the item in a certain interval of days. Keep your receipts too!! And make sure its postmarked by the date they specify.
Happy Holidays!

-
Mirza Joldic

Matt Bird

November 30th, 2007
at 9:02pm

Well now i guess i need to get a job so i can buy some technology!

NH|Computer|Geek

treberif

November 30th, 2007
at 9:02pm

I always just buy from Newegg, because I find them most reliable. I almost never check anywhere else for hardware.

superhobo

November 30th, 2007
at 9:02pm

thanks so much, i’m going to use these tips next time i buy technology stuff

GergCofC

November 30th, 2007
at 9:04pm

I think I’m getting an iPhone for Christmas! I am SO excited!!

mhs2011

November 30th, 2007
at 9:31pm

Your so right about the second one.
I always used to buy at best buy, it was my favorite store.
I started going to other stores and got better service for a better price too. So i have plenty of favorite stores now, =D.
About number one, i have buyed stuff, and barely ever used it, make sure you do “need” it, just because you want it doesnt mean to get it, trust me. lol.

Tallguy

November 30th, 2007
at 9:32pm

Awesome Tips Chris , Keep it up

Rockbuddy

November 30th, 2007
at 9:38pm

Chris I do agree that it is an important decision when choosing harware and software. You don’t want to spend too much money on hardware or software, but if you don’t spend enough then you might just be getting ****.

viperdeck6

December 1st, 2007
at 7:08am

you blew my ears out when you said “WHY IS THIS BUTTON RED” .. -_- lol

ssssroryssss2

December 1st, 2007
at 10:15am

You do realise he is very happily married?

ilijab2006

December 2nd, 2007
at 10:08am

happened before he became a nerd :P

livvidd

March 12th, 2008
at 12:45am

Let me get this Straight, You shouldn’t buy anything until the next upgrade, But you shouldn’t buy the first run of any product either. That leaves a small window in the year when its o.k. to spend, And we all know how much Windows suck.

thekingdor

May 19th, 2008
at 5:31am

is it me or was there a huge USB cable in the “wireless mouse” package? :-D

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July 25th, 2008
at 9:17pm

s much better for the CD if you print directly on to it. Fast printing. If you’re going to use this regularly then you want to make sure that you’re not waiting forever for it to work. To purchase this kind oftechnology, you want to do some comparisons between different products. Ultimately, though, it will be a good disk printer if it meets the above criteria. Technorati Tags: disc printer, CD printer, disk printer

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