Do you know when all hell breaks loose for me? When my laptop gives way. And do you know why a broken laptop is so dreaded by not just me but pretty much everyone using a laptop?
Yes, because you lose tons of data (which obviously you could have backed up) but more so because buying a new laptop is sure to burn a hole in the pocket.
But what if I told you that you can easily save a few bucks by simply not being foolish or ignorant?Interested?
Then, here are a few points to save a couple of hundred dollars or more on your next purchase be it a MacBook, Dell, Asus, etc. (now get your dream laptop on the cheap 😉 ).
Tip 1: Do not pay for unwanted features
Okay, so you enter an Apple Store or Dell Store, go around asking about the best laptops, and in the next 15 minutes, the salesman has already convinced you how the new MacBook is just what you need. But really, do you?
If you are a video editor or graphic designer, you would most likely want something with a high-end graphics card, huge disk space, RAM, a powerful processor like an i9, etc.
But if you need something only for entertainment purposes while on your travels that can handle the occasional MS Word or PowerPoint Presentations, then, believe it or not, you can get a laptop for as low as $350.
And if you happen to go for a refurbished model (yes, they are worth considering as well), you can in for a real bargain which brings me to my next point.
Tip 2: Look for Upgradable Laptops
Okay, so let’s assume you still do not want a refurbished laptop there is a 3rd alternative that sets you up perfectly well for the future.
Simple, get an upgradeable laptop. Upgrading parts like the RAM can add to a laptop’s multitasking capabilities and can be done on the cheap as and when the need arises.
Buying a laptop with 32GB or even 16GB RAM will cost you significantly higher as compared to an 8GB or even 4GB RAM laptop.
Similarly, even the GPU can be upgraded so your simple $700-$600 laptops will operate at power with any $1000-$1500 laptop and even turn into a beast of a gaming laptop capable of running games like GTA V, FIFA, etc. within a few hundred dollars.
Tip 3: Refurbished Laptops can be a REAL bargain
I know a common understanding is that refurbished laptops are faulty but I would like you to reconsider it.
That is because most of the refurbished laptops are those models that have been returned due to a wrongly made purchase.
Plus, most brands have extensive testing procedures to ensure the laptops are up to desired standards so you can rest assured that you are not being handed a faulty piece.
Not only will you also get a warranty with these laptops but this could be your best shot to get a MacBook (yup, even Apple has refurbished models).
Definitely, brands like Dell, ASUS, HP, etc. will cost significantly lesser but don’t tell me you didn’t want a MacBook ever.
Tip 4: Cheaper laptops are not so bad
Most people often dismiss cheaper laptops as low quality and featureless but truth be told, they are anything but that just like in the case of a Chromebook.
Did you know you can get a Chromebook for lesser than $200? And I do not mean some worthless crap, a Chromebook with a 4GB RAM, SSD, and a decent processor capable enough to tackle your everyday movies, streaming, etc. (quite awesome, isn’t it?).
And even if you do pay the big bucks, the best of the best will also be no more than $1200 and comes with an i7 processor, 16GB RAM, and a whopping 512GB SSD. Want to know which Chromebook is this?
Find out all about this and some of the other top Chromebooks on our Ultimate Chromebook Buying Guide.
Similarly, you also get excellent gaming laptops on the cheap and we got all the secrets to that covered in our post on the top affordable gaming laptops for 2021.
Tip 5: Keep an eye out for discounts and offers
Whether it is a laptop, a fridge, an air conditioner, or any home appliance or gadget, there is always a right time to buy it and most often it is right after the release of a newer version.
Why?
Because when a new model is released the older models are available for a significant discount. This largely occurs during the months between April and November right before the holiday period kicks off so make sure to keep an eye out this year.
Another great time when tons of discounts are available especially for students is in October since it is very commonly known as the back-to-school time of the year.
Tip 6: Black Friday Sales
Talking about the holiday season one day that springs to mind the most is THE BLACK FRIDAY and who can forget about that, right? The day many would often consider the best day of the year to buy pretty much anything and everything (that is the day you get to go all crazy with your shopping cart).
In 2018, laptops were available for as low as $300, laptops that are useful for more than just daily browsing and movies. We also wrote a piece on when the best time to buy a laptop is which you can read here.
Yup, some of them are even good enough for games like GTA V, God of War, etc. So if you missed the grand sale in 2018, don’t forget to mark your calendar and set reminders this year.
Tip 7: Coupons
Gone are the days when you used to get coupons in the newspaper so if you have been wondering where all the coupons are check online.
You can either check out coupon-specific sites like Coupons.com, Groupon, Retailmenot, etc. and find one that is active on your day of purchase.
Or another place you are most likely to find even more reliable coupons is directly on the site of the seller. And when you do come across a that best matches your needs, make sure you remember it. If need be, even take an image of it.
Also, do not forget to check when does the coupon expires so you can purchase in time (trust me, some of those coupons, you really do not want to lose).
Tip 8: Retail Sites are great but avoid a bidding war
Well, there are tons of retail sites such as Amazon, Best Buy, Walmart, etc. and most of the time have plenty of discounts and offers up for grabs.
Plus, they also let you compare products from various brands and provide you with details, images, videos, etc. (all the info you need to make a purchase).
Some of the sites also encourage bidding which in my personal experience isn’t the best idea especially if you are new to the concept.
That is because you do not want to end in a bidding war as you could end up paying pretty much the same amount or worse end up with a duplicate product
Tip 9: Skip out on the Extended Warranty
With most laptops, you already get a warranty of about 2 years or more depending on the brand and model. And while it is often tempting to go for the extended warranty (mostly offered at a special discount), it is best to skip it.
So why skip the golden opportunity?
Because you most likely will never need it as any good laptop is likely to last you for 4-5 years or more when used with care and maintained well.
Plus, some repairs are likely to cost you lesser than the extended warranty itself so why waste extra money at all.
Tip 10: Get your current laptop functioning at optimum speed
One reason we often want a new laptop is that as a laptop gets older they become slower and I do not think I need to tell you how damn annoying that can be.
But have tried to boost your laptop’s speed with a few simple tricks? Yup, tricks like clearing old browser cache, deleting the temporary files, etc. Check out this video below and find out a bunch of things you can do to speed up any laptop or pc if you are using Windows 10.
Another thing one can do is replace the old scratched or broken screen with a new one. Not only will it give your old laptop a higher reselling value but who knows you may start liking it again.
Conclusion
Phew, so that is pretty much everything any person looking for a new laptop can do to ensure they can get the best deal.
Make sure you read reviews online and stick to features that you really need. Avoid overcomplicating stuff and have patience.
Wait for the right time and we are sure you should have no trouble finding a laptop that goes easy on the pocket while satisfying your needs.
Happy laptop hunting 😉
