In this blog I tell you the 4 things to look for when buying a new computer (laptop or desktop). This will help you avoid "lemonitis" i.e. that is buying a computer that turns out to be a pain in the backside.
One – Brands
Often we are tempted to buy from some computer brands just because they are well known. In my experience there are certain brands you should avoid. If you are looking for a laptop or desktop computer and you want quality then I would suggest not buying anything from HP, Compaq, Lenovo or Vaio (though these are no longer for sale new in New Zealand). This is not to say that ALL their computers are bad but that on average you are more likely to get a lemon out of an HP, Compaq or Lenovo than other brands. This will mean more computer repairs than you might get with other brands.
The other issues with brands is that often have deals with Software manufacturers and fill your computer with all sort of useless and often “bloating” software. The brand gets a pay off from the software company to put a demo of their software on the computer.
For laptops, we’d suggest high-end Acer laptops, particularly the TravelMate's as we have found they require very little repairs.
For desktops, we’d suggest you avoid all the brands and buy locally made…see point two.
Two – Get it Locally… Genuine Service. Buy local. There are a lot of advantages. For a start if something goes wrong there is a REAL person you can talk to, at the very least over the phone and quite possibly in person. You might save a small amount of money buying a computer from overseas or even just from Auckland. But I have heard a lot of stories of people buying a laptop or desktop and then it either never turns up or is not even close to what they thought they were getting. But if you buy that computer here in Christchurch you can be sure of getting what you are paying for. Better than just blindly hoping.
For laptops buying locally will allow you to easily return the laptop in case of issues and also mean you can get the supplier to transfer your data and settings (usually an additional cost but well worth it! Computer Help NZ even offers a package deal where they do that, and complete the setup at your place and give you a tutorial on how to use the new computer – not to mention an extended warranty!)
For desktops buying locally ensures a high build standard. I have found that many brands built PCs vary in quality but buying a PC built here in Christchurch from a reputable firm that has been around a long time usually avoids this issue. These good quality desktops usually require very little computer repair as they have had all the important little details sorted out and been put together properly.
Three – SSD
A very practical tip for when you want to buy a desktop or laptop – get a Solid State Drive (SSD).
This one feature will make your computer go significantly faster, last longer and if it’s a laptop make the battery last longer. You do get less storage for your money than a mechanical hard drive but the speed makes it worth it. For most people a 128 or 256 gigabyte drive is enough.
As an aside, if you already have a computer you can speed it up by upgrading your standard mechanical hard drive to a Solid State Drive.
Four – You Get What You Pay For
It’s cheap for a reason. You can have two different computers with the same specifications and one will cost twice as much as the other. Why is that? Components. The more expensive computer uses much better quality components hence the bigger price. So what? The cheap computer may last a year but the more expensive one may last 5 years. It’s that simple. The more expensive computer ends up being cheaper in the long run. Computer engineers work hard to get the costs down to the bone on cheap laptops and desktops, so they design them to juuuuust last past the warranty period.
So be wary of buying a cheap computer – it may cost you in the long run.
Matthew Gilling
Computer Help NZ
Christchurch, NZ
0800 FIX NOW
0800 349 669
Same Day Repairs, Plain English, Fast and Friendly
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https://www.chnz.co.nz/laptop-repair
https://www.chnz.co.nz/pc-repair