 The magazine of the Melbourne PC User Group The Pitfalls in Buying a Computer Douglas Aberdeen |
Many people can tell you a horror story about buying a new PC, myself included. However there are steps you can take to minimise risks and ensure that you get the best deal.
If you are new to the fabulous and exciting personal computer world-read this paragraph. A common misconception among the computer illiterate is that a computer is a computer. This is not true. Assuming you have decided to buy an IBM-compatible computer (pretty much a standard these days), you have to deal with the myriad components that fit together to make a working computer. The old truism "You get what you pay for" has never been so apt. It is unfortunately very easy to be ripped off by one of the hundreds of dealers. The best way to avoid this is to educate yourself first, even by going to a computer store and confessing you don't know a thing about PCs. If you continue to read this article don't be discouraged by the language used. In a week you'll know it all.
The very first stage is to decide what you will use the new computer for. Leading on from that you can decide which software to use and what hardware is required. Don't skimp on speed and storage capacity as you always need more than you have.
Then most people consult the "Green Guide" or a computing magazine to check out the market. There are a couple of techniques which should be learnt to enable you to distinguish a good deal from a swindle (and there are plenty of those around!).
By far the most important technique is to learn the jargon. It is impossible to understand the advertisements unless you know, for example, what "256 kB cache" or "486DX-33" means. I'm not going to attempt to teach anyone this computer-speak but if you can find someone who will - become their best friend! If you feel that you have to dash out and find a computer before learning the language then make sure the salesperson is aware of your ignorance before he drowns you with acronyms and numbers.
The second technique: Read The Small Print. The following is a fictional example of how you can be fooled:
|
486DX-33 4 MB RAM Trident 512 kB Super VGA card 130 MB HDD 1.2 /1.44 FDD 101 key keyboard $1500 |
(Class of computer) (Main memory) (Graphics card) (Hard disk drive) (Floppy disk drive) (Standard keyboard) |
Those with some knowledge of the pricing of computers might believe this is an awfully good deal; that is until you read the small print:
To conclude, just remember to learn the jargon, push for the best value and then check every little niggly detail.
SVGA monitor $500, second FDD $99. Add 20% sales tax.
The price now becomes $2519 !!!
Once you have browsed the Green Guide and chosen a good looking deal, go and see it. Keep an open mind, but be wary. Many computer shops are very small and obscure, with hard drives and mother-boards lying on the benches. That can be taken as a sign that the salespeople know what they are talking
about - which is not always the case. On the other hand it could indicate an amateur business. Once in the shop the first thing to do after the initial sales pitch (buying a computer is like buying a
car - you always end up with an assistant whether you want one or not), is confirm whether the features you desire, which were not advertised, are part of the deal.
This brings me to another point. The advertisements put out by the smaller companies who build their own computers are only for sample systems. Once you find a company that will give you a good deal you can literally have a computer made to order at no extra cost.
The next thing is to take the computer for a test drive (buying a computer really is a lot like buying a car). If you've never had a computer then compare it to others you have tested. Even better would be to run some sort of diagnostics program such as "Check-it" or "QAPlus", which will tell you if the computer has the performance that the salesperson claims it has. Another option is a "benchmark" program which compares your system to standard systems. If this is not your first computer then you should test it with your own software to compare it with your old system's performance. Try to include things such as graphical programs (like Microsoft Windows), and programs that have complex mathematics involved, e.g. fractal generators or vector graphic programs (most flight simulators use vector graphics).
Once you get close to making a decision the next stage is to open up the computer and take a look inside. Make sure all the brands of the components are as advertised. These brand names are usually easily seen. Check that all the components are new, unless you are buying secondhand, and that you have access to things like the memory banks (get someone to point these out) without pulling the computer to pieces.
Your computer will probably have to be built after you place your order. In this case make sure the invoice that lists what you have ordered is unambiguous. For
instance if the order says "SVGA card" make sure it is changed to "Trident 1024 kB SVGA card" or whatever you asked for. Once this is done make sure the price has not mysteriously gone up.
After purchasing a computer it can take a couple of days to construct and test, if it is not pre-built. Once you have the computer at home, then again check the insides. This should be followed closely by a comprehensive test that checks all the features listed on the order form, plus things like printers, serial ports and any software that
was included.
If it's all satisfactory and you are happy, then congratulations. You have navigated your way through the treacherous waters of computer purchasing.
Notes and Tips
Reprinted from the November 1993 issue of PC Update, the magazine of Melbourne PC User Group, Australia
