Buying a Computer 101
Five Female-Friendly Tips to Getting the Computer You Need!
Toronto, Canada (PRWEB) September 18, 2006 -- Buying a new computer can be intimidating. Technology marketing often consists of little more than techno-babble that can leave one confused and frustrated! And at the retail level, the endless choices, options, add-ons, and up-sells can be dizzying.
But never fear! Here are some simple tips for women who want to take charge of their computer buying experience:
1. just like school, do your homework
| | - What do you want to do with your new computer? Is your computer for work or home use? Do you want to email friends, store photos, download music, design web sites? Do you need the mobility of a laptop or the simplicity and lower cost of a desktop?
- Confirm the type of software you’ll need. Most computers come pre-installed with various software programs. Don’t be up-sold into paying more for programs you are unlikely to use.
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2. memorize this mantra: “i will not be intimidated by computer stores.”
| | - Don’t feel foolish or intimidated while talking to the sales person. They need to convince you their product is right for you.
- There are no stupid questions. If you don’t get the answers you need or if the salesperson is too busy to help you, go to another store and find someone who will.
- Esthetics, weight, colour and size do count! Don’t let anyone tell you different!
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3. embrace window shopping - compare and contrast
| | - Visit stores and use the Internet to research, as prices can vary widely from store to store as well as online. Comparison shopping websites like www.pricecanada.com can help you find the best offers.
- Customer service matters. There are pros and cons for every brand of computer, and many opinions can be found in forums on sites such as www.redflagdeals.com.
- Call the manufacturer’s customer service number. Are you on hold for a long time? Is the help desk’s hours limited?
- Check warranties and repairs. Will someone come to fix it? Do you have to bring it back to the store? Will the company send you replacement parts that you have to install yourself?
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4. just like sunscreen, take precautions
| | - Buy new and not refurbished (used, damaged or repaired) computers. Ask the sales clerk if the ‘new’ PC you are considering contains entirely new parts - some don’t.
- Absolutely invest in:
- A firewall program - restricts the ability of web sites and hackers from remotely accessing your computer when you are connected to the Internet.
- Anti-virus software - prevents your computer from being infected with malicious programs designed to steal your information or infect other computers.
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5. do what girls do best – talk
| | - Go for coffee, arrange drinks on the patio, and send out emails to your contact list. A second opinion always helps!
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About Price Canada
PriceCanada.com (www.pricecanada.com), RedFlagDeals.com’s sister site, was launched during the Fall of 2005 to give Canadian consumers searching for computers, computer accessories and electronics a tool to take full advantage of the online shopping revolution. PriceCanada.com is a Canadian shopping search engine that connects savvy consumers with trusted retailers. The site aims to be Canada’s premier shopping search engine for computer and electronics products.
About Red Flag Deals
Launched in November 2000, RedFlagDeals.com uses the power of community to alert bargain-hunting consumers to Canadian retailing deals via the Internet. Headed up by Derek Szeto, the site currently boasts over 800,000 unique sessions and over 16 million page views every month.
RedFlagDeals.com is a web site dedicated to helping shoppers find the best Canadian deals both online and offline. Visitors to the site find not only the hottest deals on the Internet and in stores, but coupons and rebates as well. The site is updated daily and there are more than 200 non-expired deals, and 5000 archived deals at any given time. Visit www.RedFlagDeals.com
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