7 Things to Consider before Buying a Computer ...

1. Your Budget

Before buying a computer, it's important to decide how much money you are comfortable spending on one. Many computers cost $1,000 to $2,000 and some people feel they can't afford to spend that much. Luckily, many computer companies like Apple and Dell will allow you to finance their products and pay a monthly payment, if you buy directly from them. If you’re looking for a less expensive option and don't want to finance, you can still get a good computer for around $500 at stores like Walmart and Amazon.

2. New or Used

Some people are against buying a used computer, but I think that it can be a great way to save some cash. I purchased a used computer from eBay about a year ago and it's been one of the best investments that I've ever made. If you decide to purchase a used computer, make sure that it has up-to-date software. It's also a good idea to make sure it has a return policy.

3. Type

When looking for a computer, it's important to decide what type is best for you. An easy way to do this is to ask yourself what the computer will be used for? Will it be used to surf the internet and check emails, or will it serve as a family computer? Perhaps you will be taking it with you to work each day. Your personal preference also matters. I like to use a desktop computer when I'm home, but my husband prefers to use a tablet because it's smaller.

4. Reviews

One wonderful thing about having the internet is that it gives us access to product reviews. I think that it's always a good idea to read some reviews before you purchase something. Other than clothing, I rarely buy anything without reading reviews. Reading product reviews can prevent you from making a costly mistake.

5. Warranty

Getting a warranty is very important when buying a computer. Even though the last computer I purchased was used, I made sure that it came with a warranty. Some retailers also offer extended warranties. The cost of these warranties will vary depending on the brand of the computer and where you buy it.

6. Tech Specs

Understanding the technical specifications of a computer can be hard. For some people it can be so confusing that they become discouraged. One general rule that I find handy when looking at computer specs is “bigger is better". A computer with a bigger memory will likely perform better than one with a smaller memory. If you're worried about buying the wrong computer, consider asking a tech savvy friend or family member for help.

7. Operating System

Before you complete a computer purchase, determine what operating system the computer has. I will tell you that it's usually cheaper to get a computer with an older operating system, but that's not always a good thing. Older operating systems such as Windows XP can no longer get needed updates from Microsoft, which can put your computer at a greater risk for viruses.

Purchasing a computer can be an overwhelming, but exciting experience. Have you recently purchased a computer, or are you thinking about buying one? What do you think people should consider when buying a computer?