It's been a long year and a half since I started managing (well, created) the Computer Hardware topic here at Suite101. But alas, it is time for me to move on. With the creation of HARDgame.Com, a gaming hardware site I am running with my partner, Vince Freeman, the time that I have to manage this Suite101 Topic has been getting smaller and smaller. Which is why that I have decided to resign my position as a contributing editor at Suite101. I would like to thank all the Suite101 members who visit this page. You're the people who have made Suite101 grow to what it is today. Also, as a note to anyone out there who is passing through, think about becoming a Suite101 member - it doesn't cost anything and allows you to get involved in discussions about Computer Hardware and the hundreds of other Suite101 topics. In addition, it allows entrance into any of the Suite101 contests and/or giveaways.
For my last article, I thought it would be fitting to give some the important tips on buying computer hardware (buying is the easiest place to make a mistake). As the title indicates, if you forget everything you've heard about buying computer hardware, just remember these three things.
Number One: Make sure you know what you're buying.While this sounds rather simple, it is very easy to make an impulse purchase without really knowing about the product (Reading a product's specification sheet on the web doesn't count either). Unless you're very familiar with the industry and its happenings, be sure to get a few opinions about your upcoming purchase. There are several good Internet sites out there with good, honest, useful reviews and previews. If you can't seem to find a review of what you're looking to buy, try looking on some computer hardware newsgroups. Be sure to take some posts with a grain of salt because newsgroups are often places were people place either huge rants or raves about a product. If you're lucky you should be able to find some sound advice on any given product.
Number Two: One is never enough.Today it seems that almost every product box is boasting "50% faster than....". Statements like such can easily confuse the inexperienced buyer. Keep in mind that it is very easy to manipulate benchmarks. It's always a good idea to get your benchmarks from a trusted, independent publication (online or print). One final caution about benchmarks is to be sure to look at a variety of tests. One benchmark is never enough. One benchmark can't give an accurate representation of real world performance (with a few rare exceptions). Besides, the more benchmarks there are, the easier it is to find weaknesses and/or strengths of a product. But don't stop at just benchmarks - get as many opinions on a product as you can. The success of many products can be based on personal preferences, varying a good amount from person to person. By reading several reviews it is much easier to determine if you will enjoy (or dislike) any given product. Finally, always be sure to comparison shop. As the title suggests, one price quote is never enough.
Number Three: Send in those rebates!While this may seem rather odd, it is very important to send in your rebates. Why? Because it is free money! But the fact of the matter is: many people do not like rebates because of the added hassle. Therefore, statistics show that only around 30% of rebates are sent in. That's a huge profit for companies and an even bigger incentive to start more rebate deals. Thus, if everyone sent in their rebates, we would see a lot less rebates out there and have to go through much less hassle.
