How to Score a Better Deal on a New Laptop
Most of us need a laptop for work or studies, and even if we didn’t, we’d want one for leisure and entertainment. The problem is that laptops are sometimes expensive, especially if you want a beefy model with all the bells and whistles.
One option is to shop for a used or refurbished laptop, which you can typically get for a much lower price than a new counterpart. But what if you want to buy a new laptop? What options do you have to score a better deal?
Shop Around
Arguably the best thing you can do is shop around. It’s important to consider a wide range of different laptops of different models and from different manufacturers. You should also shop for these laptops across a variety of different channels. This is time consuming work, especially if you’re relatively new to the world of laptop shopping – but it’s worth it if you want to find the best option for the best price.
Once you spend some time getting to know different models of laptops better, you’ll get a much better feel for what fair prices in this department look like. From there, you’ll be able to make a more educated decision and buy a laptop for the best possible price.
Consider Making Some Compromises
In most cases, the price of a laptop will greatly depend on the technical specifications associated with that laptop. In short, the better the laptop can perform, the more you’ll expect to pay. There’s nothing wrong with wanting a great laptop that represents the latest advancements in technology, but if you want a better deal, it’s sometimes better to make some compromises.
- Older models. Older laptop models tend to be less expensive than their newer counterparts. This isn’t the same thing as buying used; instead, you’ll be buying a new laptop from last year or from years before.
- Smaller size. You might be able to reduce the price further by choosing a laptop of a smaller size. It’s not ideal for viewing media, but it will give you a slimmer profile and a lighter overall build.
- Less powerful specs. You may not need an especially powerful laptop if you’re only going to use it for basic, everyday tasks. Less powerful CPUs, GPUs, and RAM can help you save big money.
Monitor Price Fluctuations
Pay attention to price fluctuations. If there’s a laptop model you have your eye on, check the listing regularly to see if and when the price goes up or down. You may also be able to use an app or website to track these changes automatically. After a few months, you’ll have a much better idea of the highest and lowest price for this model.
Wait for Major Sales and Discounts
Historically, Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and Prime Day have heralded some of the biggest sales for laptops and peripherals. “Back to School” season is also a major time for sales and discounts. If you don’t need your laptop right away, consider waiting for these significant sales and discounts.
Stack Incentives (When Possible)
You might also be able to save money and reward yourself by stacking different types of incentives. For example, you might be able to take advantage of a sale from a major brand while simultaneously cashing in on a student discount. If you have a membership or belong to a specific club, you might be able to score even better discounts. And if you use a credit card that gives you reward points, you could earn cash back or other incentives from your purchase. Not all of these will directly lower the price of your laptop, but they will significantly benefit you when you buy a laptop.
Search for Coupon Codes
If you know where to look, you can sometimes find coupon codes that earn you a discount on a laptop – often with no strings attached. All you’ll need to do is enter the coupon code at the checkout screen and the discount will automatically be applied. Not every coupon code you find is going to be active and usable, but it’s worth taking a look, just in case.
Look Out for Hot Product Launches
Sometimes, you can get a great deal on a laptop if it’s a new product launch. Subscribe to laptop manufacturer newsletters and follow them on social media so you can be among the first people to hear about upcoming product releases.
Upgrade on Your Own
Another viable option is to buy a less powerful laptop than you truly want, then do the work to upgrade it on your own. Sometimes (but importantly, not all the time) it’s more cost effective to buy a cheap laptop and replace various components within that laptop than it is to buy a fully upgraded laptop from the beginning. Granted, this requires you to hunt down your own components and learn a few technical skills, but this shouldn’t be beyond the grasp of the average consumer.
As long as you’re willing to exercise a bit of patience and spend time doing your own research, you can get a much better deal on your laptop. You may have to make some compromises or make different decisions than you ordinarily would, but you’ll still end up with a fantastic laptop for a fantastic price.
