5 Tips for Purchasing Tech
I routinely get questions about buying various types of technology. Here are some general rules for buying something like a smartphone, tablet, piece of software, laptop, desktop PC, really anything with a digital user experience.
Prior to purchasing, accomplish the following:
1. Read online reviews. Learn from other people, even if they’re not experts. Read written reviews, look up videos, and find other content relating to your piece of tech. If you’re techy, I encourage you to review the specs of the system as well. Building a custom PC? Use PCPartPicker.com. It will change your life.
2. Try it yourself. Remember, your relationship with technology is solely yours. If possible, go to a local store and try the electronic device you’re interested in. Make sure and test the features that people praised in the review, and the features that people weren’t as crazy about. You may find out that you have a completely different experience than most people.
3. Compare prices. Never just buy the first deal you see. Make sure you’re getting it a good price. I can recommend checking NewEgg.com and Amazon.com for good deals. They often offer fairly competitive prices. If you want an especially good deal, look at Craigslist or OfferUp for cheap ones in your area (but be warned, purchases can be sketchy. Use these types of services at your own risk).
4. Get a warranty. There’s nothing worse than dropping a device or having a computer crash within the first year of owning it. If you can afford it, I highly encourage you to make sure your purchase is covered by some sort of warranty so you can replace it early on if needed.
5. Take care of it. No, dropping your phone a lot doesn't make you cool. Along with your purchase, make sure you keep it properly protected. If you buy a smartphone, get a screen protector or phone cover. If you’re getting a laptop, buy a cover or cleaning kit for it. If you’re purchasing a tablet, get a cleaning cloth to take care of fingerprints. You’ll likely be using your technology a lot - even daily, and you need to make sure you’re keeping it in good shape for longevity’s sake. Make it last.