Purchasing a notebook computer can be a daunting task, especially with all the stores and online retailers that sell them.  With a few bits of info and a few steps, you should be able to simplify this step greatly.  Both online and in-store purchasing have their advantages and disadvantages.

Online: Online retailers don’t have the overhead costs that classical brick-and-mortar stores do.  Therefore, they frequently have lower prices as compared to conventional retail stores.  What many people don’t take into consideration is the cost of shipping, which can make those low prices not so low anymore.  Online shopping also takes away your ability to test a notebook out.

In-Store: In-store shopping can carry a larger price, but since you pick it up in person, there is no shipping cost.  Unlike many online retailers, conventional retailers will frequently run package deals, rebates, discounts, and sales that can equal large savings.  You can also test out computer in-store, seeing how different options work.

Now you know the basic positive and negatives of online and in-store notebook shopping.  The next thing to consider is hybrid notebook shopping.  This entails doing a little of both, trying to leverage the strong points of both styles of shopping.  Follow the step-by-step process below and you should be able to get the perfect notebook at the right price.  Before you start this you will want to make sure you have thought about what options you want for your computer.  You can check out the other posts if you need help.

1. Scout several different retail stores in your area, testing out the notebooks that fit the specifications you want the price that works for you.  After you test a notebook that you like, and feel that would work for you, write down the name, model number, price, and a few notes about why you like it.  Do this for each notebook you like at each store, keeping the stores separated.  Try going to several types of stores, such as Best Buy, Wal-Mart, Costco/Sam’s Club/BJ’s, Apple Store (if applicable), and your local small electronics retailer.
2. Take your notes with you somewhere where you can get online.  First thing you want to do is to go to the website of each of the stores you went visited (if they have an internet retail website).  Search the computer make and model, checking to see if there is a price difference.  Sometimes they will run deals online, which you can leverage, and then have them delivered to your local store.  Do this for all the notebooks you liked, noting any price differences or online deals that are running.
3. Next, you want to do a google search for your computer make and model number.  Click search, and then click on the tab at the top of the page that says “Shopping.”  This will give you shopping results for your computer.  You can use this to see if there are any online retailers selling the notebook for a lower price than you have found yet.  Make sure to include the shipping costs in your figures.  Record these prices, and the websites so you can find them easily if you need to.
4. Now you need to compare prices.  You will probably find a couple of computers that you like, are at a good price at one of the online or in-store retailers, and available.  At that point you will need to just make a decision between one of them.  You can search for reviews online of those notebooks to see what others say about them if that would help.  Either way, you should be able to find the perfect notebook computer at the best price.

Tags: Notebook Purchasing // 16 Comments »