Fortunately, you can prevent headaches and save money by checking into some new options.
Internet entrepreneurs operate online shops and PC auctions.
There are a lot more choices than most people know about,'' says James Taylor, senior vice-president at Gateway 2000 in Sioux Falls, S.D. Gateway, for example, now has showrooms in Charlotte, N.C., and New Haven where shoppers can try models before phoning in their orders. The Internet is another important stop for PC shoppers. Almost every PC maker keeps a Web site full of product information, along with lists of its retailers. There are super prices across the board,'' says Seymour Merrin, president of the market research firm. For the ultimate in freshness, of course, you still can't beat the direct-marketers that build PCs to order.