A company likes to test their software using a smaller set of customers at first before releasing to large numbers of people so there aren't a lot of problems. Just call up the company that has a product your interested in and ask how you can be a beta site customer. Stop paying your broker or other service. This site lists dozens of mail order firms prices for hundreds of items. Try sending instant messages to someone your interested in.
Many people list the things they like in their on-line profiles.
When ordering a computer always ask for a written price quote showing everything that is supposed to be in the computer or come with it. Have them fax it to you before you order.