Know your needs when shopping for second computer

By BILL HUSTED

Cox Newspapers

October 6, 2009

ATLANTA -- Now that school has started, some of my readers tell me there is often a grumbly and impatient line at the family computer. Dad is getting bumped off in the middle of his computer game and mom can't peacefully shop for clothes.

Even families with two computers are feeling the pinch as school work demands computer time. For many, it's time to shop for a second or even third computer. And that creates a confusing series of choices. Today we'll try to sort out some of the questions and answers.

Know your needs

Sounds logical enough. But not enough people pay attention to this first step. You need a clear idea of how the computers you have fail to meet your family's needs.

Can a little rescheduling solve your problem without buying a new machine? Do you already have a laptop computer? If not, perhaps it makes sense to add one to your arsenal. How powerful are the computers you already own? If they're rapidly becoming antiques maybe a modern desktop computer is the answer.

Do the research

Once you have a clear sense of what you need, start researching. The best place to start is Cnet.com. For years I've been impressed by the clarity and toughness of the reviews.

Look on the left hand side of the site's home page (http://www.cnet.com/) and you'll see links for both laptop and desktop computers. Make your choice and you'll see that the reviews let you search by price range or manufacturer. You'll also find general buying guides. Or you can let the editors pick up some of the load by clicking on a link that offers only the machines that got their highest marks.

When you're done, you should have a list of two or three finalists -- any more than that and the next step will be too confusing; any less and you lose flexibility in finding the best deal.

Shop for the best deal

Here's where the Web is a wonderful tool. Start comparing prices for the machines that made your final cut. But stick to brand name Web sites. In almost every case, if you find a price that's too good to be true it should raise warning flags.Also resist the temptation to click the order button before checking local merchants. Compare prices at the store with what you find online and -- both online and at the store -- make sure you are comparing what the final total cost will be. That means factoring in shipping costs, sales tax and any other charges.

And take along any online price quotes when you go to the local stores. Don't be afraid to show the prices to the sales person and ask if they can match them. Do a little bargaining.

Extended warranties

You'll almost certaintly be given the option of buying an extended warranty for your new machine. It will have, or should have, a 1-year warranty included in the price. My advice: If you're buying a desktop computer, don't consider an extended warranty. Even if that machine breaks down after the 1-year warranty expires the repair cost is likely to be less than the cost of the extended warranty.

Laptops are a different matter. They're hit by this triple whammy: (1) They aren't as sturdy as a desktop, (2) they are more likely to be subjected to the bumps and bruises of travel and (3) repair costs are often higher than for desktop machines. So, especially if you buy a relatively expensive laptop, at least consider an extended warranty. Do the math and see if it makes sense for you.

Don't forget the add-ons

With desktops, it's smart to buy a UPS -- uninterruptable power supply. It'll furnish filtered power as well as provide enough juice to let you safely shut down the machine during a power outage. I've always favored the APC brand when it comes to a UPS.

Laptops that get heavy use at home need extra cooling. At home, we simply set our laptop on a cake cooling rack. But you can also buy special cooling pads. Heat build-up is a real problem for laptops, so take a look at this Web site: http://tinyurl.com/mamrnv. Besides offering general cooling tips, it'll talk about various commercial cooling pads.

If you follow these tips you'll probably save money and make a purchase that will please you for years to come. And you'll certaintly reduce the size of the line forming at your computer.

Bill Husted writes for The Atlanta Journal-Constitution.