Did you know, according to the U.S. Census Bureau, 75.6% of American households owned at least one computer as of 2011? A 2009 study by L’Atelier found that Americans spend at least 8.5 hours a day staring at some kind of screen. That number has increased with the rise of more affordable computers and the advent of reliable mobile technologies.
However, having said that, computers and electronics remain some of the most expensive things to buy. If you want to save money on a new computer, repairs, or replacement parts, here are three tips to help you do so.
- Look for Coupons and Reward Programs
- Go with Refurbished Systems or Parts
- Shop Online
%3Cbr%3E
Using coupons has long been a staple for saving money when searching for clothing, food, and other household items. Why should it be any different for computers? Luckily, websites like TechBargains exist to offer fans of computing technologies laptop computer coupons, Best Buy computer coupons, and others to help them save a nice chunk of change on their next purchase.
Many electronics stores now offer rewards programs that allow you to earn gift cards and coupons through your purchases. For instance, Best Buy Reward Zone allows you to accumulate one reward point per $1 spent. At 250 points, you will earn a reward that can be used as a Best Buy computer coupon, or as a coupon for any of their other products.
%3Cbr%3E
If you have recently made the decision to invest in the best computers, you should know that the word “refurbished” does not equal the word “junk”. As PC Magazine points out, refurbished computers are returned to almost new condition by manufactures before they are put back on the market. For the consumer, this means a system that has successfully gone through computer problems troubleshooting and may very well be as good as a new system. The bonus? You can get it for much, much less. Many companies, like Lenovo, offer savings on their refurbs that equal $100 or more.
%3Cbr%3E
If you are really tech savvy, then building your computer may be a better option for you than buying a pre-built machine. Online outlets like Tiger Direct and NewEgg exist to provide tech fans with affordable ways to build the best computers for video editing, gaming, and your studies. Websites such as these often offer package deals representing huge savings. NewEgg, for example, currently has multiple package deals including processors, towers, HDD’s, and a graphics card that save builders at least $100.
Whether you are a tech savant or a layman user just looking for something to make writing your term papers a little easier, using these three tips can help you to save a lot of money. Use reward programs to earn Best Buy computer coupons, do not shy away from the word “refurbished”, and look for online deals. If you do, you will save yourself a pretty penny while getting some great tech.