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COPYRIGHT 2002 Consumers Union of the United States, Inc.
A computer's brand name matters little when it comes to speed and storage; nearly all of the computers we've tested in the past few years have been plenty fast, with amply sized hard drives. But unless you're careful, you can still waste money on a major-brand desktop. It's possible to pay for components or services you don't really need. Or, you may try to economize with a low-priced machine, only to learn that its expandability is so limited you'll need to replace it too soon. And our reader surveys show noteworthy differences in reliability and tech support.
Buying a new computer isn't always the best strategy. It may be better to upgrade what you have, as long as that doesn't cost more than about $300. A computer that's two or three years old is the best candidate for an upgrade, which may make sense in these situations:
* You often have to wait for a program to start or there's a long delay when you switch between programs.
* A new game runs slowly or your web browser bogs down on a page with animated graphics or a video clip.
* You need to connect a new device but you don't have the needed ports.
* You're low on hard-drive space.
If a new computer is right for you, consider the buying advice that follows, along with the reliability and technical-support data on the facing page. The eight computers we tested are practical, mid-priced workhorses.
BASIC SHOPPING STRATEGIES
Decide where to go. Readers we surveyed last year preferred manufacturers' web sites and catalogs to retail stores for computer-buying, saying that selection was better and the salespeople were more knowledgeable and helpful. However, buying at a local store allows you to try out the hardware, and you can usually return it or get warranty service without much hassle. If you do plan to buy in a store, check the manufacturer's web site first to be sure you're getting the latest model, best price, and current promotional offers, such as a rebate or free shipping.
Take the custom route. Wherever you buy, it's worth picking and choosing the computer's individual components to suit your needs and budget. At Dell's site, for example, a high-speed model we selected was bundled by default with a three-year warranty and a costly suite of software. Customizing allowed us to scale back on both items and save $500....
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