How To Save Big Bucks On A Laptop Computer

If you're a bargain shopper looking to get the most bang for
your buck, you'll find no shortage of deals on the Internet.

And that's particularly true in the fast-changing world of
laptop computers, where you'll find three bargain sources
right at your fingertips:

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1. Clearance Sales
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Just like many brick-and-mortar retail stores, many computer
manufacturer websites have clearance sections. On these web
pages, you can find great deals on last year's leftovers.

These are all new products (unless otherwise stated) and
carry their original warranties. The only difference is that
the price has been reduced.

Of course the manufacturers aren't the only ones with
clearance merchandise.

Major electronics and office supply retailers also include
clearance sections on their websites, where you may be able
to find the laptop bargain of your dreams.

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2. Refurbished Laptops
======================

Factory refurbs represent another great bargain opportunity.
It works something like this:

- Joe Blow buys a new laptop, but decides a week later he
doesn't like the color.

- He takes it back to the store within the store's stated
return period, so the store is stuck with it.

- Since they can't sell the laptop as new, the store sends
it back to the manufacturer to be "refurbished."

- The factory inspects that laptop to make sure everything
works right, and then ships it out to a retailer that deals
in refurbs.

- The refurb retailer then sells it to you at a great
discount off the original price.

Buying a refurb can literally save you hundreds.

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3. Online Auctions
==================

You can always logon to an auction website and find a great
deal on a used laptop. However, beware!

Buying anything used carries with it some risk. Buying a
used laptop carries more risk than most people should be
willing to take.

When you buy a used laptop from a private
party, you don't get any sort of warranty beyond DOA.

DOA stands for "dead on arrival", a common auction term that
means the seller guarantees the item will work when it
arrives at your house.

But what happens if your laptop dies two weeks after it
arrives? You're out of luck, that's what.

There are enough bargains available on warrantied laptops
that all but the most meager budgets should be able to avoid
buying used.

Stick to clearance and refurb machines and you'll save
yourself hundreds on your next laptop computer.

Copyright (c) 2004 HowToBuyALaptop.com.