Notebook Computers

Thing No. 1  

Write down your specs before you shop. 

Specs?  What specs? What's a spec?  The important thing is you should have down what you want before you shop.  Then be a bit flexible based on the deals being offered.

For all the juice on specs and choice go to: cnet.com/notebooks

Thing No. 2  

Try retail and online.

If you're reasonably serious about research then do two things:  look around at models that fit your specs at retail (and you can gather up some initial pricing and ask questions while you’re there) and go online and read reviews on the models that you liked at cnet, or Consumer Reports (or vice versa if you're a style nerd who only cares about specs and reviews). Then search price comparison websites nexttag.com and mysimon.com and double-check retailer websites frys.com,  compusa.com,  circuitcity.com, bestbuy.com or apple.com because sometimes your local store will let you buy online and pick it up so you still get the online price but you don't have to pay for shipping. You should be able to type in your model and all your specs and get comparative pricing.  Look for 5-star buyer ratings with 10,000+ buyers especially if you find the best price at Joe Schmo’s PC Outlet. You might as well read the buyer comments on the model to see if you learn anything although you never know who is writing those things – could very well be Mrs. Schmo or Grandpa Schmo.

Thing No. 3 

Warranties are not just for the weak.

It might come in handy although the old rule does apply here – if something is defective, it’s likely going to show up in year one.  Don’t buy anything that doesn’t come with a one-year manufacturer’s warranty. You shouldn’t buy a 3-year warranty that costs more than 25% of the cost of the computer.  If it’s going to be moving around a whole lot or you tend to be tough on your stuff or you’re just a spaz or you have a machine-eating dog, see if you can find one that covers spills, drops and other accidents. (Manufacturer’s Warranty does not).  If you can't get klutz coverage from the manufacturer, you can get a quote from safeware.com. You might be able to get it from a retail warranty but generally, we're not fans of these (they're going to hit you up hard to buy one) because you don't get the tech support or the handy access to the right parts. But, if you don't think you're going to be able to handle sending your notebook off in the mail for repairs and really prefer to hand it off to an old-school human then, maybe.  Before you do anything, check out credit card warranty upgrade options available with credit card purchases -- American Express Buyer's Assurance doubles your warranty up to 5 years, MasterCard Purchase Assurance (on Platinum and Gold cards) will double a 1-year warranty and Visa will double your warranty up to three years for Visa Signature purchases.

Thing No. 4  

The nice thing about laptops is they’re easy to lift and go. 

Figure out if you have any insurance that will cover theft. If you think this is a potential problem, you might cover it in your homeowner’s or renter’s insurance (for an increased premium) in which case, check into purchase price replacement value since depreciation is a bitch.