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Buying a new PC or Mac can be a huge financial investment, often running into thousands of dollars. High-quality devices built for performance and longevity can easily cost $1,500 or more. However, savvy shoppers can save considerable amounts with some research and strategic planning. Whether you're buying a PC or a Mac, there are various ways to save money without sacrificing quality. This guide offers practical tips on how to save money on PC and Mac purchases while ensuring you get the best value for your money.
Planning is one of the most effective ways to save money on PC or Mac purchases. Wait until your current device is functional, as this will limit your options. Instead, research potential replacements while your old PC or Mac is still running. This will give you time to check specs, read reviews, and identify the best deals. By creating a shortlist of potential devices, you'll be ready to seize discounts when they appear.
Significant discounts are rare when shopping for a Mac, but third-party sellers often offer lower prices. For Windows PCs, there are numerous opportunities for discounts, especially on older models or less supply-constrained devices. Monitoring prices for a few months can help you spot the best available deals, allowing you to purchase when the price drops.
Credit card offers are another smart way to save money on your PC or Mac purchase. Many credit cards provide rebates as statement credits or bonus points, which can be redeemed for cash or travel perks. For example, an Apple Card gives you an immediate 3% statement credit on Mac purchases.
Moreover, cards like American Express offer rebates on products from various vendors, including Dell, HP, and Microsoft. For instance, using an Amex Business card for a Microsoft Surface purchase could earn you a rebate of $175 on a $1,000 device. These savings can significantly lower the overall cost of your PC or Mac.
Using apps like CardPointers+ can help you stay updated on these offers. This app tracks available rebates and makes it easy to maximise the value of your purchases.
One of the best strategies for saving money on PC and Mac purchases is opting for last year’s model. Early adopters pay a premium for the latest tech, often encountering bugs and issues that haven't been resolved yet. By waiting six months to a year, you might find price drops on older models while manufacturers work out the kinks in new products.
Additionally, waiting gives you time to read reviews and assess the product's reliability. As new models are released, last year's model often sees price reductions, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious shoppers. These devices are typically just as capable as the latest versions but come at a fraction of the price.
Before finalising any purchase, reviewing the return and restocking policies is essential, especially when shopping online. Many sellers offer a no-questions-asked return policy, but checking the specifics is important to avoid unwanted surprises. Apple provides a 14-day return window for products purchased directly from the company, while other sellers may offer 30-day returns for new and refurbished items.
However, be aware of restocking fees, particularly when buying from third-party sellers. Some vendors, like CDW, charge hefty restocking fees for non-defective items, which can eat into your savings if you need to return the product.
Purchasing refurbished devices can offer substantial savings. Refurbished products are often returned items cleaned, tested, and restored to like-new condition. While you won't typically find the latest models in the refurbished section, older devices are available at significant discounts.
Apple’s Certified Refurbished section and Dell’s Outlet store are excellent places to find discounted PCs and Macs. Refurbished devices often come with warranties and may even qualify for extended coverage. Buying from trusted sellers ensures you get a reliable product at a fraction of the cost of new items.
Most PCs and Macs come with a one-year manufacturer’s warranty. While this standard warranty covers the basic functionality of the product, extended warranties offer additional benefits, particularly for laptops. These extended warranties can cover maintenance for issues like cracked screens or faulty batteries. For example, Apple’s AppleCare+ plan not only protects against accidental damage but also extends the warranty for MacBooks.
Other PC manufacturers, such as DELL and MICROSOFT, also sell their PCs with warranties that allow for accidental damage. Though it might add more cost to the device, it can prove worthy in the long run, especially if the device is often damaged and needs repair.
Occasionally, it may even work to your advantage to build up the device in terms of cost rather than buying a better-suited model altogether. Desktop PCs are definitely suitable for upgrades because most of these computers provide access to elements such as RAM, storage, and graphics cards.
Whereas updating laptops is even more complex due to the soldering of memory, storage can usually be upgraded. Tablets, such as the Microsoft Surface, can easily have their storage drives swapped, which is quite often cheaper than getting OEMs to do it officially. MacBooks, however, are very limited in terms of upgrade possibilities, as many significant components are affixed to the motherboard.
They also make external storage capabilities linked via USB-C or Thunderbolt, which may be a cheaper way of increasing the memory without changing the internal part.
With these insider tips, you'll be empowered to make informed purchasing decisions and snag the best deals on your next PC or Mac. Whether you're a bargain hunter, a tech enthusiast, or simply looking for ways to stretch your budget, these strategies will help you achieve your goals. So, take a deep breath, do your research, and get ready to score the computer of your dreams without breaking the bank.
