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When is the Best time to Buy a New Computer?

A few minutes ago, one of my cousins called and asked for my opinion on when the best time to buy a new computer happens to be. There is no right answer, but he had a few parameters which helped me narrow it down to the perfect season:

  • No tremendous rush to buy something immediately
  • Will be used by his son at school
  • Doesn’t need to be the latest and greatest

My suggestion for him is to wait until “Back to School” specials start later this year. I have no doubt he (or anybody) could find a good desktop for less than $500 and get tons of free software and hardware to boot. Honestly, I can’t imagine a better season to buy a computer for a student – as it certainly wouldn’t be in the middle of summer.

I would have killed to have a portable (laptop, notebook) computer in my school daze. Then again, we’re still not at the point where powerful hardware can run all day on a single charge. Perhaps by the time Ponzi and I decide to have children, batteries will suck less (in more way than one).

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If you are in the market for a Mac, then wait until Leo Laporte buys a new computer because the day after the new models will be released. :p

The correct answer to the question of “what’s the best time to buy a computer?” is NOT to wait for back to school. What you need to do is watch sites like slickdeals.net and bensbargains.net for some of the great deals that pop up a couple times a week. You’ll routinely find deals on these sites that simply blow everything else out of the water.

If bargain hunting isn’t your thing, then you can never go wrong just building your own computer which will be ultimately cheaper. Building your own of course has many advantages besides price. Building your own computer will increase the lifespan of the computer as well as giving you great opportunities to upgrade and/or reuse parts the next time you need a new computer.

I cannot remember who I got it off, but I am definitely not the person who came up with the following:

‘There are only two good times to buy a computer – yesterday and tomorrow.’

What Do You Think?