| The decision to buy a new computer isn't a hugely | | | | printer, does it come with one? Some come with |
| expensive proposition; however you want to make | | | | ergonomic stands and other useful add ons |
| sure that you wind up with a product that does the job | | | | 8. How long is the warranty? If it does need to be |
| effectively. And you will no doubt want to avoid some | | | | repaired, find out where you will have to take the |
| of the pitfalls that can plague high tech purchases. | | | | computer to get that done. Read the fine print and |
| Going into the purchase with a strong background of | | | | don't be afraid to ask questions. Some warranties are |
| knowledge about the issues can save you time, | | | | effectively useless because the onus is on the |
| money and the loss of productivity that can arise if | | | | purchaser to deliver the device to a particular location |
| you make the wrong choice. | | | | 9. What do other people think of the brand you intend |
| Some considerations when buying your new laptop or | | | | to purchase? Hit online opinion sites and ask your |
| notebook. | | | | friends |
| Consider some of these points when buying a new | | | | 10. If Australian content is important to you do some |
| laptop or notebook. | | | | research and find out if the model you want has |
| 1. Budget. How much can you afford to spend? It is a | | | | Australian content or in some other way supports local |
| tempting trap to be lured into buying a more expensive | | | | industry |
| model, often by entering into a credit arrangement, but | | | | If you take your time and do some research, you are |
| this can be an expensive trap. Have a think upfront | | | | more likely to make a purchase that fits your needs |
| about what you can actually afford, and stay within | | | | and saves you money. If you are in the market for a |
| that budget | | | | new laptop, be very careful to avoid this scam, |
| 2. Think about the intended function. What will you be | | | | reported by the WA government; |
| using the computer for? Some models have functions | | | | Buying the right laptop computer |
| that you may not need and will add to the cost. A | | | | Do the research and you will wind up with a machine |
| laptop with all the bells and whistles may seem cool, | | | | that you find functional and matches your own |
| but you may just be wasting money | | | | aesthetic tastes. The main thing to remember is to not |
| 3. Ergonomics. How does it feel to use? Give any | | | | make any snap decisions. Without planning, you can all |
| possible purchase a good workout first | | | | too easily find yourself trapped in a finance |
| 4. Appearance. You have to live with it a long time, so | | | | arrangement you can't afford, or you can find that |
| make sure you like how it looks, and that it is as | | | | you've bought a computer that isn't ideal for your |
| portable as you need it to be | | | | requirements. With the right research and attitude you |
| 5. Finance. In house finance at dealers can be a real | | | | will spend less and have exactly what you want. |
| trap, and often plays upon the customer's impulse | | | | Do the research and you will wind up with a machine |
| desire to own the latest device. Have finance sorted | | | | that you find functional and matches your own |
| out before you enter a dealership. There are many | | | | aesthetic tastes. The main thing to remember is to not |
| horror stories about people being caught in high interest | | | | make any snap decisions. Without planning, you can all |
| finance arrangements with awful fine print details | | | | too easily find yourself trapped in a finance |
| 6. How much memory do you need? Whilst basic | | | | arrangement you can't afford, or you can find that |
| word processing and email doesn't take much, will you | | | | you've bought a computer that isn't ideal for your |
| want to run more complex programs? You may need | | | | requirements. With the right research and attitude you |
| external hard drive | | | | will spend less and have exactly what you want. |
| 7. What comes in the package? If you will require a | | | | |