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Computer Buying Part 1: Why Buy?

© Donna Dunn

I recently spent a few hours in the real world shopping for a new computer. And all I had to show for it was a headache.

The market has changed since we bought our first computer a few years ago. And unless you're very comfortable with the technology and terminology, computer shopping is about as relaxing as shopping for a car. In fact, although the financial commitment is considerably less, computer shopping may even be tougher than buying a car. Here's why: a car dealer won't offer you a dazzling selection of engines from different car manufacturers, and then invite you to choose from another dazzling selection of chassis and power trains, not to mention upholsteries and a few dozen options. In other words, car dealers don't give you such a bewildering assortment of mix-and-match choices.

So I really didn't expect to come home with a new computer after just one shopping trip. But I didn't think I'd end up feeling quite so confused, either. Spending money is tough enough for thrifty types; put us in a situation where we feel out of our depth, and we're likely to turn and run, without spending a cent.

And after our first shopping trip, that's exactly what we did.

According to a few websites I've found that are geared toward wary computer buyers, it appears that's exactly what we should have done. At our house, we needed to rethink the whole issue: Do we really need a second computer? Do we need the whole kit-and-kaboodle? Can we make do with adding more memory? A new processor? A new printer?

In our case, it has all come to a head because of a digital camera. (Kind of like buying an car stereo first, and then buying a car that it will fit into.) So we're also looking at a new printer. And once we started thinking about it, we also want a second computer at home for our son, who has benefited a lot from technology. I also want a faster modem, and just for fun want a faster processor too.

To make matters worse, some experts, like David Coursey at the ZD Net Anchor Desk, are saying that now might be a great time to buy a computer. Pre-Christmas sales were a little disappointing apparently, so computer manufacturers will be needing to clear out their inventory.

So there's one more rational reason to buy. And staying rational seems to be a key factor in making good computing purchases. It can also be a little tricky. Dave's Computer World has an interesting list of Excuses for Buying a New Computer. (Notice that he calls them excuses, and not reasons.)