Where to Find Name-Brand Computers at Discount Prices

While some people prefer highly customized computers over a good deal, the average personal computer user looks for affordable reliability. Fortunately, there are many online stores that offer great laptops, desktops and accessories at discount prices.

With a background in Solaris, Linux and Windows system administration I always look for the best hardware at the best deal, and CDW, formerly a website that sold exclusively in bulk to corporations, is one of the best websites out there.

CDW can be found at www.cdw.com and offers fast and reliable computers for under $450. They offer HP, Apple, Acer and Lenovo desktops as well as Sony, Fujitsu, HP, Toshiba and Acer laptops at competitive prices. I've purchased products from CDW on numerous occasions and I've always been pleased with their products and timeliness in shipping. If you are willing to spend a little more, you can get blazing-fast computers for unbeatable prices.

Newegg.com (www.newegg.com ) is another great website for discounted computers and accessories. They currently have an HP laptop on sale for $469.99 - perfect for a student of casual user. Newegg carries Gateway, Sony Vaio, Acer, and Fujitsu notebooks as well as desktops by Lenovo, Compaq, HP, Gateway and CyberPower. If you already own a monitor but are looking for a new desktop tower, Newegg has a Lenovo on sale for $279.99. Acer starts at $379.99.

Tiger Direct at www.tigerdirect.com is a great destination for both new and refurbished laptops and desktops. You can find laptops from Acer, Toshiba and Lenovo for under $480. Tiger Direct has the cheapest refurbished desktops (without a monitor) for as low as $169.99 and as high as $199.99. Refurbished computers come with a three-month parts and labor warranty. Despite this short warranty, refurbished computers are notoriously well-made and well worth the price. New desktops can be built to order unlike other discount websites.

If you are shopping for a new or used computer, don't forget to check out Amazon at www.amazon.com. They carry a great number of new and refurbished laptops starting at $290 and desktops starting at $182 without a monitor and $401 with a monitor. They carry the usual brands including HP, Apple and Sony.

If you already have a computer and want to let your inner computer geek out, ThinkGeek is your online destination for fun, trendy and perfectly geeky accessories. From cubicle toys to wireless keyboards to cool lasers and tools, www.thinkgeek.com has everything you need to turn your office in to an LED light show at great prices. Although ThinkGeek isn't considered a discount store, many of their items are must-haves if you like to mix fun and creativity with work.