subject: Purchasing A Computer On The Cheap [print this page] If you do not have a lot of money to spend on a new computer, but you need to get one, then there are many ways in which you can do it on the cheap. In this article, we shall look at a few of the things you can do to get a computer for less.
Buying a low end new model
High end computers are made to a high specification with top quality components, but these elements are sacrificed in cheaper models. On the whole, cheap computers are less powerful and reliable, but this might be more of an issue for some users than others. In general, laptops suffer more from this than desktops, as desktops are generally cheaper than laptops. You might find that a desktop will prove to be a wiser investment if you do not really need the convenience a laptop affords.
Second user models
Second hand computers are a lot cheaper than new ones, and often you will be able to find a second hand high end model for the same price as a low end new model. This can make a lot of sense, especially when it comes to laptops, as a high end second hand model is likely to last a lot longer and be a lot easier to use than a similarly priced new model, as long as it is relatively new and has been well looked after. The trade off is that you do not get a manufacturers warranty, so if anything goes wrong you will have to pay for the repair out of your own pocket.
Self build PCs
While this may seem like a daunting task, this is not as difficult as it sounds, and you do not have to be an electronics whiz. You can buy all the parts that you need online or from electronics shops, and put them together with relative ease. If you are on a really tight budget, you could even assemble a desktop PC from second hand parts, which you can rescue from old machines or buy online. While this involves more work than most people would be willing to put in to get a computer, it is a great solution if you have a bit of time on your hands, and gives you a greater understanding of your computer and how to fix it if anything goes wrong.