Mail-order companies generally offer low prices but service and support is less personal than local purchases. If you need to have quick response to questions or feel uneasy about opening your system, you might be more comfortable with a local vendor. Be sure to find out if support is free or provided at an hourly rate. Check several sources of computer information before making your purchase. Magazines and newspaper articles can provide both advertisements with prices and comparisons of different computers.
Local libraries have popular computer magazines.
Talk with friends and co-workers to see what they like about their computers and where they purchased their systems. Remember sales personnel can provide information, but it might be biased. Other considerations include the video or monitor size and quality, other peripherals such as a mouse, a modem for electronic communications and software included with the purchase of the computer. While printing is generally a function you want, buying a printer is a separate decision and the main consideration is making sure your computer and printer are compatible. If you decide what types of functions you want your computer to perform, take the time to check several sources of information and determine how much money you can spend, like the Smiths, you can select a computer that will fit your family's needs now and into the future.