Knowing a little bit about the PC you’re purchasing is one of the most important things you can do to make an informed purchase. Some research will go a long way to getting the most out of your budget and ensuring you buy the right PC for you.
Configuration
The latest greatest super computer with 101 features is all well and good, but aside from being expensive there is a chance it will contain a lot of features that you simply don’t need. Figure out how much RAM you need (we recommend a minimum of 2Gb especially when running Windows Vista or Windows 7) and how large the hard drive should be (keep in mind that external storage is cheap nowadays so external hard drives, USB memory sticks and DVD discs can also be used for storage . What size of the monitor do you want? Think about what you’ll be using the PC for. If it’s for watching movies or gaming, a bigger monitor (if you’re budget stretches) might be something worth considering.
Shop around.
Shopping around can save a few pounds especially with the price differences among most retail stores today. Why not start your shopping right here on ShopCompare with our bestselling laptops? Try not go for the first laptop you see or like. Take time to browse around.
Read testimonials and reviews
Unbiased consumer reviews and editorial reviews will help you decide which brand or model is the best for your budget. Take time to read computer editorials, consumer comments and manufacturer guides. Consider the positive and negative reviews and weigh up the pros and cons.
Buy online
Buying online will more often than not get you a cheaper price online than offline. If you find a PC you love online you could always take a print out into a local store and ask if they’ll consider a price match. A word of warning though, many retailers will be unable to match the online price but you can but try! Consider both new to used or refurbished models. Refurbished models are often very reliable and if you shop around there are some fantastic bargains out there for very high spec’d machines!
