How to Understand New Computer Pricing

1.  Expect PCs with a top-of-the-line Intel processor to be the most expensive, and machines with the second fastest processor to be the next most expensive.

2.  Expect PCs without a current-generation Intel processor to be much less expensive.

3.  Expect PCs with a non-Intel processor to be the least expensive.

4.  Prepare to pay a premium of up to 15% for a brand that consistently gets good grades in the PC Magazine reliability and customer satisfaction survey (published each July). Conversely, brands that score poorly typically cost about 15% less than average-rated brands.

5.  Think of how many radio, television, and print ads you've heard or seen for a particular brand, and remember that marketing and advertising costs are a high percentage of the purchase price.

6.  Consider that the length and quality of the manufacturer's limited warranty is included in the purchase price.

7.  Expect to pay more for machines with more RAM and bigger hard drives.

8.  Expect to pay more for additional or upgraded hardware, such as DVD drives, CD recorders, internal Zip drives, and cards with extra audio and video inputs and outputs.

9.  Expect to pay more for professional office software.

10. Realize that a low price indicates the omission of standard parts, including combinations of expansion ports, expansion slots, sound cards, video cards, video RAM, and processor fans.

Warning

Be aware that moderately priced and cheap computers may contain used or refurbished parts.