Have YOU ever been wondering: "I need a new computer, which one should i get"

One thing, as a local, privately owned computer store owner, we get asked alot is:  "can't i just go to wal-mart or best buy and get computer cheaper."

Well, there really isn't anything wrong with buying a computer from a big box store, there are just a number of things you would want to consider before buying a CHEAP computer.  Have you weighed all of your options?  Why do you want to buy that DELL, or HP, or TOSHIBA?  Have you considered a custom built and configured computer from a local computer store?

One thing i highly recommend, before you buy ANY computer...don't rush out to do so?  Take a look at ALL the computers and see what they have included, what are you computer needs?  Be realistic with yourself.  Don't rationalize youself into buying a cheap computer saying... "Oh, im just gonna surf the web and do documents."  That is BALONEY!  We all know that once we get a new computer, we want to push it to its limits.  Then your friend comes over and says: "oh, you gotta try this new game out."  *ERRRRR* guess what, YOUR new cheap computer doesn't support it. so you try to install it anyway, and guess what?   CRASH!  

It's not really the computer's fault.  That model wasn't designed to do what you are wanting it to do.  So now you're stuck with a $399 dollar piece of useless rolled metal that will only go online and play solitaire!  After all, that's what the computer was invented for.  right?  to play hearts and solitaire?

OK, all Joking aside...Being a guy who builds custom PC's for a living, of course i AM partial to people getting custom built PC's over preconfigured ones, or something that is sitting on the shelf at a store.  computer hardware is a rapidly changing business, prices of computer parts fluctuate just like the dow jones.  There is also something always new and better being released every month.  That DELL or HP sitting on the shelf at Best Buy or Wal-mart, might have been built 2 months ago... 2 words for ya my friend:  OUT DATED!

Custom PC are built with brand new parts that have not been sitting around for a month, so when you get your new custom built PC.  It IS the latest and greatest!   Also, alot of personal attention is put into the building of your system.  I mean, the guy who built it has a sense of pride in his work and gets to personally see the satisfaction on the customer's face.   A guy on an assembly line, putting together computers doesn't really have any pride....just a paycheck.  He may like what he does, but he doesn't see the faces of his customers he is building for.  He doesn't see thier happiness when they get it or the anger on thier face when it doesn't work correctly.  Because the system builder at a local computer store deals directly face to face with the customer that is buying the computer, a lot more attention to detail goes into the selection of parts, to the building of the system, to the loading and custom configuration of the computer.  each system is unique.

Q: But don't custom built computers cost more?
A: It all depends on what you want built. a cheap computer is a cheap computer.  a solidly built PC though will cost a few more bucks.  Custom built PC's can start at $499  and go up as much as you want to spend.  However, your average custom built PC with top quality parts and is upgradeable (unlike box store PC's) that can do just about anything will run you $799 - $999

Q: Why should i buy a computer at a local store anyway?
A: This question as silly as it sound, is actually a good question.  For one, when you buy at a local store, you help support the local economy and boost it's ability to be viable and also create more jobs. The money you spend there stays local and you can feel better about having pride in your city.  Think Global, Act Local.

Like always, ultimately...The choice is yours.   Spend a little more now, and save alot in the long run