Should You Buy a Used Computer or Should You Buy Top of the Line?

There are all sorts of things to consider when buying a new computer. You have to look at all the specs: RAM, hard drive, video card, sound card, installed software, warranty, brand, price, ect. For some people this can be a really difficult task, especially if you don't know what any of it means. This really isn't an article breaking down these specs, but simply stating other things that should be considered: buying used or new and buying an okay computer or the best there is.

Used Computers vs New Computers

Personally I have a hard time with the thought of buying a used computer unless it is re-assembled by a computer company with a warranty. The person selling it to you may say that everything works, but if it is used there is no telling when the parts are about to die off.

Also, used computers will also be outdated more so than one you would buy in a store. I would consider this another reason why to perhaps see if you can look at the best deals possible for a new computer.

Sometimes people will try to tell you how much they paid for it, and tell you that you really got a great deal since they paid $1500 and selling it to you for $1000. But you also have to compare how much a computer with those features would actually cost you now. Two years from now, that $1500 computer with the same features may cost $600.

If you really are considering buying a computer used, I would recommend buying from either someone you know or buying from a business that sells used computers in your area. That way they may at least give you some kind of a guarantee.

Best Computer on the Market vs A Standard One

I am not a fan of buying the "best" name brand computer with the best specs of them all. Reason for this is because the moment you buy your computer, someone probably all ready has one better than that.

Many times, the guts of the computer is the same from one to the next despite the brand.

If you really need the best computer out there, do not buy a pre-built one. As a matter of fact, you will always pay more than you have to if you pay for a pre-built one at the store.

The problem with getting a pre-built one is that you have to keep track of all the pieces you buy and keep track of each individual warranty. You also need someone who can build it for you successfully. If you can do this, you will get a great deal. If one piece breaks, normally you can replace it hassle from the warranties.

Getting standard computer is perfectly fine if it will have its basic uses. It will last you several years. You don't have to buy the most expensive brand with the best features thinking it will last you longer than one with a little less features. You can always upgrade parts and chances are they will expire close to the same time anyway.

If it's just a family computer do not fret too much. It is those that use their computer for extended hours every day for work, projects, and gaming that may need to look a little harder on this to get the features they need.

Looking at all of this, despite a computer purchase being a very important one, remember that they will always get better. The computer you own will be worth probably hundreds less within a year and you will probably be looking into getting a new one within a few years, if not less depending on what you use it for. I recommend buying a new computer, new parts to build a computer, or a used computer from a computer store in town. I recommend buying for your budget and not for having the best computer on the market, because there really isn't one. Just because it's $2000 doesn't mean it can't fall apart in a year.

Four years ago I bought a computer for $2,000. It definitely was top of the line at the time. Today, everyone makes fun of my computer and I cry every time I try to open up two applications at a time due to how slow it is. (and yes I do virus and spyware scans and clean it up often)

Be prepared to be upgrading it. Think about what your plans are with it for the next couple of years. If all you want is to go online, check e-mail, and type a document up... then even a $300 desktop will be good enough.