Shopping for a new laptop or tablet? These tips for finding the best laptop computer deals will help you choose the perfect device for you. See below for great deals and tips on the best deals for laptops!
In our age of constant information, it’s important to be connected, and the best way to do that is through a good quality laptop. But with so many options on the market, finding the right laptop for your abilities, needs, and budget begins with a good understanding of what that market looks like. So let’s get started.
Finding the Right Refurbished Laptop
When considering what kind of laptop serves you, the first questions should be: How much do you enjoy technology? Certain laptops, like some of the more expensive Microsoft machines, require a high rate of technological literacy from their consumers. This is not just a question about the operating system, though: Are you interested in a hardware keyboard? Do you want a touch screen?
If the answers to these questions are "no," or even "I'm sorry, what?" then it might be a good idea to begin investigating second-hand or refurbished laptops in your area. Refurbished laptops are just older laptops that technicians have wiped and restored. People who refurbish laptops are often extremely knowledgeable on technology, and if there is anything wrong with the computer, they are often happy to repair it themselves.
So how do you get one? Well, one-on-one vendors often sell refurbished laptops. If you can find one in your neighborhood or area, they'll be the perfect advisor for your laptop search. Buying refurbished products online is a little more complicated, but major retailers including Amazon still sell them.
You can get some amazing deals on laptops of all qualities and types through online retailers. Still, be aware that there is less accountability for the sellers than at your local shop. Although many sellers have return policies, these can often only be for limited time, which would mean that you might not notice any damage to the laptop before it's too late.
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Finding the Right New Computer
Buying a refurbished laptop isn’t the only way to get a great deal. A simple way to save even on new laptop purchases is to try and negotiate a lower price. Yes, really! This will be easier in smaller stores than in large superstores, but you can still be successful in your quest to get a deal. Specific laptop stores like BestBuy do let people negotiate, even when they don’t publicly state it on their website. Was the laptop on the show floor? That’s eligible for a discount!
Another way to save money on new laptops is to buy it online. Online stores don’t have the same overhead costs as local stores, so they can often pass their savings onto customers. As always, though, be sure to comparison shop, and make sure to pay attention to warranties and refund timeframes when shopping online. All new laptop computers should have a warranty, and it’s usually good to check with your seller whether the warranty is with them (this is preferable) or with the manufacture (this is less preferable).
The Best Time to Buy a Laptop
There’s also the element of timing when you're considering a new laptop purchase. Buying a new laptop at a certain time of year can be an excellent way to find great deals. Lots of students are looking to purchase new laptops in September, so often companies will offer discounts with a student email address or other proof of schooling. For non-students, Black Friday deals on electronics and New Year’s deals at the beginning of the year often yield excellent results.
Lastly, it’s important to define your laptop budget before you start searching, no matter when you're looking. If your budget is less than $1,000, it's unlikely you'll be able to afford an Apple computer. If your budget is higher, a refurbished machine might be a good option for you. And use your discretion: Distrust deals that seem too good to be true, especially online. Often, they are.
These tips are a great starting point for figuring out how to advance with your laptop purchasing. If you are interested in maintaining a relationship with a smaller laptop business or electronics store, check out your local options. If you’re willing to research and comparison shop for a laptop, there is absolutely no reason why you wouldn’t get an excellent deal.