"Does it make a difference where I buy my computer "

Yes! It does make a difference. Especially after you’ve owned your computer for a while .Computer shoppers now have far more purchasing choices than they had even ten years ago. There are two broad categories of sales outlets: local computer resellers and mass merchandisers. 

Mass merchandisers include computer superstores, warehouse clubs, office supply stores, department stores, mail order firms, department stores, and appliance stores.

These sales outlets provide different levels of product choice and technical support for customers, so consider your own needs carefully before you buy.

Realistically assess your own level of technical ability and how much time you are willing to devote to maintenance. What soft-ware applications will you run? How much can you spend? How much do you really know about computers?

As with most things in life, computer purchasing is a series of trade-offs, and the right selection of sales out-let can help you balance those choices.

A local computer reseller is a generally solid pick under these circumstances: you’re a first-time buyer, you want any servicing handled by someone else, you’re concerned about being able to upgrade the machine you do buy ,or you have more advanced computing needs due to business or academic use.

Local resellers usually offer a variety of value-added services designed to support the technical needs of a wide range of computer users. These reseller services can include training, consulting, and system design.

When comparing prices, make sure you understand what product support services are bundled with each computer purchase-different resellers may have a different “mix”of services they provide.

Mass merchandisers differ widely in the degree of after-sales service they provide. Also, what service is offered may be provided by a third-party, so be sure and ask about their service facilities.

One indication of service orientation is the A+ Authorized Service Center™ medallion. This designation is awarded by CompTIA, the Computing Technology Industry Association™,and is recommended by the Better Business Bureau as one way in which consumers may gauge the reseller’s commitment to computer service quality. In order to achieve A+™ Certification, at least 50 percent of the reseller’s technicians must pass rigorous tests designed by CompTIA in conjunction with leading software and hardware manufacturers.

To date, over 50000 technicians and more than 3,000 firms have become certified. This certification lets you know the sales outlet is serious about providing the best service possible.

So when shopping for a computer system, keep your own after-sales service needs in mind. Equipment installation, on-going technical support, and equipment maintenance are all issues that keep affecting your computing ease long after the initial purchase is past.

By: Grant Baker - gbscomp@gmail.com