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Posts Tagged ‘Computer’

In today’s world of technology buying a computer can be difficult and confusing. Because of this we’ve decided to write this article to guide you next time you buy a computer.

Before you buy a computer it’s important to decide what you want. Consider what your needs are. This will affect the decision you make in which kind of computer to buy. How much memory will you need? What kind of video card will suit you best? Should you buy a desktop or laptop? What sort of processor will suit you best?

When you want to buy a computer it is important that you buy when you need to buy. After all, no matter how long you wait, what you want will always be cheaper in six months time.

Choose the computer you want to buy based on its functions, quality and ongoing technical support. The salesperson at your local computer should be able to help you with this when you tell them you want to buy a computer.

You will also need to decide which additional drives you will need when you buy a computer. These can include CD and DVD burners, CD drives and Zip drives.

There are also extra accessories to consider when you buy a computer. Will you want to connect to the internet? You will need a modem, whether it is built into the computer or external. Sound cards, video cards and speakers also need to be considered when you buy a computer as well as what pre-installed software – such as an operating system (e.g. Windows) you will need.

Printers

A computer accessory we all need. From inexpensive ink jets to monochrome and color lasers, different printers are designed to do different jobs with your computer. You will have a few choices to make when getting your new printer: price, speed, and print quality are the main ones. Ink jet printers and digital cameras are changing how we print photographs. Load your printer up with special photo inks and paper and ink jet/bubble jet printers have become one of the best options for transforming a digital image into a photograph! For speed and razor sharp text the monochrome laser printers are fantastic.

Scanner

This computer accessory is for input into your computer. Graphic designers will use a scanner often to input pictures etc. If you don’t have a digital camera a scanner is the only other way to get pictures into your computer to email, manipulate, add to cards, etc.

Speakers

These are computer accessories that most computers come equipped with. But some people like ‘game players’ want to upgrade for surround sound. You will find many different versions and brands.

Keyboard and Mouse

These are also computer accessories that usually come with a computer system. Although most people will have to purchase new ones during the life of their computer. This is because they do not last as long as the computer system itself. Of course, it is dependent on how much you use them, how rough you are on them, and how clean you keep them

Think a recession is a bad time to start a business? With used computer technology products, you can get the hardware you need for less and get that business going without depleting all of your financial resources.

The Used Computer Market and Business Startups

Before we get into a discussion of the market for used computer technology products, let’s set the scene.

Businesses looking to start up during tough economic times have reason for optimism. As a recent CBC news story pointed out, of the 30 companies that make up the Dow Jones Industrial Index, 18 were launched during a weak economy. These include: Google, Johnson & Johnson, Adobe, Walt Disney and McDonald’s.

What are the benefits of launching a business when everyone else is cutting back? The CBC cites four points made by business writer Vivek Wadwah:

• There is less competition.
• It’s a buyer’s market for equipment and real estate.
• Lots of people have been laid off, so you may be able to recruit some stellar talent.
• You will face less pressure to expand and fewer battles for market share.

Further, businesses everywhere are cutting costs. In the context of computer equipment, this means that some may be divesting themselves of hardware they no longer need. This hardware ends up on the secondary market, meaning you can get some great deals on used computer technology products, like desktops, laptops, monitors, printers, servers, and projectors – all the things you need to start your business.

Used Computer Products vs. Refurbished

If you decide to shop on the secondary (used) computer market, you will see a selection of equipment that is used or refurbished. You may wonder what the difference is.

Basically, used equipment has been used by a company for a period of time. This equipment may have been used, then decommissioned, ending up as surplus in some large company. It may be from an expired lease. It may be from a company trying to raise cash by selling hardware assets. Lightly used equipment may even have come from customer returns to a retailer. Note that some used computer technology products may have a little wear and tear.

Refurbished equipment is also used, but has been refurbished to the original manufacturer’s specifications and cleaned, either by the manufacturer or the secondary market reseller.

Some used equipment dealers also sell discontinued products. This equipment is brand new, not even out of the box.

How Can Used Computer Equipment Save You Money?

With secondary market computer technology products – whether used, refurbished, or discontinued – you can get significant discounts on everyday office machines. In fact, if you buy just after the product has been discontinued, you can save upwards of 60% off the original price. And with product life cycles being so short, even a recently discontinued computer is likely to meet or surpass your needs.

If you want to see your company through tough economic times, developing a partnership with a computer rentals firm might be a good idea. With the right partner on your side, you can save a bundle and still acquire new computer equipment when you need it.

Good computer rentals firms do not just rent computer hardware. They offer a one-stop technology solution for all of your business needs. Typical services include:

• computer rentals for the long or short term
• renting to own
• leasing
• buyback of your old equipment
• sales of used equipment
• sales of new equipment
• disposal of old hardware

With all of these services to choose from, you can count on your rentals partner to provide you with the technology you need, whenever you need it. Consider just a few examples.

You are travelling to a trade show and you need to attract attention to your booth. Renting a large plasma screen can make all the difference. By renting instead of buying, you’ll save money but still have access to new technology. As an added bonus, the computer rentals firm will deliver, set up and take down the display for you.

You need new hardware but lack the budget to pay for it outright. By renting to own or leasing, you can get the hardware you need but spread the payments out over time, making the cost of ownership more manageable for your business.

As you acquire new equipment, whether through purchasing or leasing, you need an affordable option for disposing of your old equipment. Computer rentals firms often offer buyback or disposal programs. They can rent or resell used equipment that is still in decent shape, or they can dispose of it properly.

You want to buy a new printer or copier, but are looking to save money. Used equipment may be the answer. Used office machines are in excellent working order and they cost a lot less.

You have the budget to buy a couple of new laptops for your sales team. Why not go with a partner you trust? When you have a relationship with a full-service computer rentals firm that also acts as an authorized reseller for the brands you want, you can trust them to get you the right machine for the right price.
If you don’t already have a computer rentals firm on speed dial, you should. Here are a few tips for finding a good one:

• Make sure they offer all of the services you want.
• Ask about the depth of their inventory – you should be able to choose from a wide range of products.
• Find out if they are an authorized reseller for the brands you trust.
• When renting, ensure they offer you flexible terms in case your needs change. You don’t want to be caught short if you need your hardware for longer than you originally anticipated.
• Find out what kind of support they offer for their computer rentals. Is it 24/7 support? Are technicians available to come on-site in an emergency?