10 Tips for Buying a Laptop from Microsoft
- Knows what you want — Microsoft has an interactive guide to take you through a quick laptop crash course and recommend a set of PC based on your needs.
- Test it! — Visit local retailer to see and try the laptop. Don’t be afraid to ask the salesperson. Get an expert friend for advices.
- See a similar laptop — put similar laptop side by side, you may find that one is clearly superior or better fit for you.
- Don’t panic about price differences — two laptops can look identical but differ greatly in performance. Check the specifications of two laptops that look the same but vary wildly in price. If the specs match, you might be onto a good deal.
- Check out the Windows 7 edition — Windows 7 Home Premium, Professional, or Ultimate? Compare them here.
- Ask about the cost of upgrade — for a little extra, you can boost your laptop performance. Usually, it is cheaper to upgrade extra when you buy the laptop. You also might do a little research to make sure you are getting a good deal on the extras.
- Know what accessories are included — Be sure to ask what’s included, and make sure that everything is in the box. If you need a keyboard, mouse, or cable, you’ll want to get them at the store before you get home and unpack your new laptop.
- Know your warranty options — Get extended warranty if you think your computer may experience some extra wear and tear.
- Ask about the return policy — Many stores offer a 14- to 30-day grace period during which you can return a product for a full refund, no questions asked. Some stores will charge a restocking fee, however, so make sure you ask about that too.
- Switch over from your old computer to your new laptop — you can transfer your data to new computer using Windows Easy Transfer. Are your software compatible with Windows 7? Check at Windows Compatibility Center.
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My two cents
Whenever my friend seeks for my advise in buying a computer, I will ask them to list out the “must-haves” and “good-to-have” features, and their budget. Then, filter laptop models based on the list and budget.
Personally, I don’t care much about the laptop brand and will install more RAM whenever possible.
Over to You
What’s your laptop buying guide? What’s the first thing you will upgrade in a laptop?
I just got myself a Sony Vaio. My requirement is always the same, large screen.
Currently using a 16 inch, previously Acer 17 inch. Reason? Because am into graphics and studied in australia, and travel between my hometown and PJ once a month.
So good , Sony Vaio. How much do you bought it before?
I’d always go for the OS first! Since I got my macbook there’s no looking back for me. Of course the build quality and a nice screen would be perfect. Last but not least I’d look for some decent harddisk space but not too choosy about memory.
if i were the one looking, i would rather look for higher specification. cannot stand with always hang laptop lol:
i prefer macbook rather that microsoft.. suck big time
Why you prefer Macbook ?
I feel that brand is very important when it comes to warranty claims, because not all the brands have local service for convenient access. Of course, “must have” and “nice to have” features must fit in the budget when it comes to laptop purchase.
Yeah. The period of warranted of PC or laptop is very important, my PC is one year.
good post
I will follow what I want to buying, consider price, quality, brand and etc. I think I will buy Dell, HP or Macbook future. The first thing I will upgrade is Antivirus program . How about you , liewcf ?
I’m waiting for Google Chrome OS to be released so the price war will begin. Anyway got another Laptop so not hurry to get one now!
Yeah. The buyers will start to compare the price with others already that time.