The basics
It is so difficult keeping up with computer technology these days that techies have coined a name for it - Grove's law. Named after Andy Grove, the head of microchip manufacturer Intel, it is used to describe how computer components, such as Intel chips, are deemed virtually obsolete after just a year or so of use. Throw in the fact that computer prices fluctuate more wildly than dotcom share prices and the consumer could soon feel intimidated by the mere sight of a computer shop.
The best response is to concentrate on getting a machine tailored to your needs. The first question to answer is: what do you need a computer for? Are you after a machine that will let you type the odd letter, keep tabs on monthly out-goings and occasionally log on to a website? Or do you want a powerful multimedia machine that will let you play the latest games, record music and create complex images?
The typical response is something in between - a computer that will suit the needs of any family member. Therefore, to find a happy medium you should concentrate on making sure that you buy adequate memory, a fast-enough processor and a big-enough hard drive. These should be your principal concerns, but as recommended specifications change so frequently, at present, look for at least a 1 gigahertz (GHz) processor, 128 megabytes (MB) of RAM (memory) and a 20 gigabyte hard drive.
Your next major decision is whether you want an Apple Macintosh (Mac) or a personal computer (PC). Both systems have their detractors and loyal fans, but for the average home user, the PC is still probably the best option. Macs look great and operate a more intuitive user interface, but they tend to be about 30% more expensive than an equivalent PC and offer less in the way of software compatibility, especially when it comes to games. What is more, the internet tends to be a slightly friendlier place for PC users and now that Microsoft has finally delivered a stable operating system, Windows XP, PCs have (almost) lost their irritating reputation for crashing more than Macs.
When it comes to recommending the best manufacturers, impartial advice from retailers is hard to come by. However, when the Consumer Association last assessed the leading brands (November 2001), it concluded, after a wide range of member surveys, that the "most recommended" included, in no particular order, Dan, Apple, Dell, IBM, Evesham, Viglen, and Sony. It added that popular direct sellers such as Time and Tiny regularly seemed not to score highly in its member surveys.
Desktop or laptop?
Once you have grappled with the Mac v PC debate, the next task is to decide whether you want a laptop or desktop. These days the market is flooded with laptops that are hailed as genuine desktop alternatives. But even though they now pack an equal punch in terms of computer power, the desktop isn't defeated yet. Desktops are still much cheaper than a like-for-like laptop and, just as important, are easier to upgrade. There is no worrying about batteries running down, the bigger monitor actually lets you see what you are doing and there is no fiddling around with a laptop's infuriating mousepads. Laptops also tend to get hot (all those tightly packed electrical components are kept cool only by a little fan), and you can't automatically include laptops on household insurance, unlike desktops. Laptops do deliver, though, when it comes to convenience, space consumption and, well, looks. After all, can you really imagine Sex and the City's Carrie using a desktop to write her column?
Before you buy
So, you've seen a machine you like the look of, now you need to get some prices - at least three quotes. It is important to make sure that quotes are for the same manufacturer and model if you want to establish an exact price comparison between retailers (always double check against some price comparison websites - see What else do I need to know?) but if, as is most likely, you are comparing different manufacturers, examine the whole package on offer.
Retailers seem to rejoice in enticing us with as many "freebies" as possible - a "generous" software bundle worth hundreds of pounds, the "free" printer, scanner or digital camera - but don't get distracted by these offers. You still want the engine of the computer (the memory, processor speed and hard-drive size) to be your principle concern. These are the things you should really be comparing.
And watch out for headline prices in advertisements. They invariably do not include VAT and delivery charges.
Once you have settled on a computer you like the look of, the next task is to quiz the retailer (and the manufacturer in some cases) about terms of sale. Ensure that you get satisfactory answers to all the following questions:
· Do I have everything I need to get the product up and running when I get it home?
· What is the total price of getting the computer to my home?
· How can I pay? (Does the shop have a better rate for cash? Or an interest-free payment scheme? What are the financing terms and rates?)
· How long will delivery take?
· Is the product in stock today?
· What precisely is your returns policy?
· Do you have a technical helpline? (How are calls charged? Does it offer 24-hour support?)
· Do you have support personnel in my area?
· If the computer does need a repair, do I have to pay for it to be returned to the shop, or will a technician come to my home? (Known respectively as return-to-base and onsite repairs.)
1: Buying from the high street
Even though you will get much better advice from local, small-scale computer specialists, you are still likely to get the best deals from the big nationwide stores such as PC World and Tiny. In addition, while the nationwide electrical goods retailers on the high street, such as Dixons, Currys and Comet, offer much less choice, they have the advantage of being strong, well-known retail brands, still an important factor for the first-time computer shopper.
Where the giant retailers fail is in lack of choice, lack of expertise among sales staff and expensive, often-criticised, extended-warranty schemes. The best advice is to use the big computer retailers for price comparisons, but to use a trusted internet site or mail order retailer to make your purchase.
The exception, however, is London's Tottenham Court Road, known as the country's electrical and electronic goods centre. It has a reputation as a bazaar of fast-talking, quick-witted pros who let the colour of your money do the talking, and who are not familiar with the concept of the fixed price. In reality, it does offer great value, particularly for laptops but, as ever, shop around, do plenty of research, talk finance and bounce quotes off rival stores. Cash does still talk, but you are more likely to get good deals buying a few products at once and asking for their best price.
2: Online
If value for money is what you crave, then buying online is, without doubt, the best option. As long as you follow a few golden rules, buying a computer online is safe, convenient and cheaper than via any high street retailer.
Begin by comparing prices. This can mean consulting any website in the world, but for tax and delivery reasons you are best sticking to sites based in the UK, Europe and the US.
When you know what model you want to buy, type it into a search engine to get information such as reviews, and into a price comparison site to get a broad range of quotes. When you have a shortlist of about three, visit the sites in question and find the following information:
· Does it provide a secure shopping environment? (Look for the little padlock symbol in the bottom left-hand corner of the browser.)
· Does it offer the same terms of delivery, quality, warranties etc that a bricks and mortar retailer is prepared to offer?
· Does the deal sound too good to be true when compared against other equivalent offerings? It probably is.
You will soon discover that foreign sites usually offer better deals than the UK ones, but you have to remember the extra costs of importing something like a computer.
If you buy from a UK site, you don't have to worry about currency conversions. In addition, the VAT will be added at source and delivery will be easier to organise.
If you buy from an EU-based site, you don't have to pay customs and excise duty, but you will have to pay whatever the local VAT rate is. Germany's rate, for example, is 16% compared to the UK's 17.5%. (VAT-registered businesses will be able to avoid paying VAT if they buy within the EU).
Things are more complicated when buying from a website based outside the EU. Local taxation will vary greatly (in the US taxes vary from state to state) and delivery costs will be much higher. Customs and Excise will now want a slice of the action, too. Goods that costs less than £18 (£36 if they are a gift) are exempt, but anything over that will be liable for duty and VAT.
Luckily, IT hardware is currently exempt from the 3.5% duty charges, but VAT will still apply. When the goods arrive, the delivery company or Post Office will expect you to pay the VAT (and a processing fee of up to about £5) on delivery, so make sure you have worked out all the costs. For extra information ring HM Customs and Excise's National Advice Service on 0845 010 9000. Try to buy your computer with a credit card, too, for added protection, particularly if buying from a UK-based site.
3: Direct
Some manufacturers, such as Dell Outlet, offer computers that have been returned by customers at a much-reduced price. Often, the computers haven't even been used (by bankrupt firms, for example), but they cannot be sold as new for legal reasons. Dell fully retest the machines and all normal guarantees remain. Contact Dell Outlet on 0870 905 0150 or www.euro.dell.com/countries/uk/enu/dfo for details.
Other popular manufacturers that offer similar schemes are IBM (go to www.ibm.com/uk and type in "buy refurbished equipment online" into the site's search facility) and Compaq (www.compaqworks.com is Compaq's US-based outlet shop, so be aware that the warranties may not be valid if bought for a UK delivery).
What else do I need to know?
Warranties
Warranties demand special attention. Most retailers will offer some kind of extended warranty, typically for an annual fee. But you need to ask if it is worth the cost. Only two or three warranties out of 10 sold are ever used and the retailers are usually making a hefty profit. You are usually better off employing a local computer repair specialist. Don't forget that most manufacturers include a one-year guarantee as standard. And watch out for "five-year warranties" that switch from covering parts and labour to just labour after a year or two. Even if you don't intend buying an extended warranty, it is often worth quizzing the retailer about them as they are a good indicator of their quality of service.
Only for the brave
You could consider buying parts, hardware or software from a computer fair offering rock-bottom prices. Not for the nervous novice. See www.computer-fairs.co.uk. www.afm96.co.uk
Expert view
· By Paul Sanders, editor of Computer Buyer magazine:
· To get the right home PC you need to consider what you will use it for. List on paper what you will be doing and tell every salesperson you talk to - then if they sell you something inappropriate you'll qualify for a refund under the Sales of Goods Act. Basic desktop internet PCs shouldn't cost more than £600; games PCs need more power, starting from £800.
· Even if you become an expert there are some things you simply cannot tell from specifications. For instance, the monitor and the system speed call for hands-on laboratory testing. Consult the reviews in computer magazines.
· Remember to ask about battery life when buying a laptop, and halve it for a more realistic estimate.
· Big PC cases may be an eyesore, but small ones may use lower quality "integrated" components and will certainly be harder to upgrade.
· Printers, scanners and cameras "thrown in" with PC systems are often of the lowest quality. If planning to buy Microsoft Office, however, a bundled version will do just as well.
Ethics watch
When Ethical Consumer magazine looked at the computer industry in June 2000, it was concerned about the number of obsolete machines entering the environment. Levels of waste electrical equipment in the UK are increasing at six times the rate of other domestic and industrial waste, and computers make up almost half of the total. The report also detailed how most major PC manufacturers had been involved in lobbying against EU environmental legislation, over half of the top 20 UK brands had involvement in the arms trade and no major manufacturer operated a code of conduct for working conditions at supplier companies. Three European Eco-labelling schemes exist for equipment, the most stringent of which is the Swedish TCO scheme (TCO95 or TCO99 were especially recommended). Ethical Consumer's best buys were Dan, Dell, Sun Microsystems, Time, and Tiny. But look at second-hand options first. See www.ethicalconsumer.org or call 0161 226 2929.
Software: a quick tip
Before spending hundreds of pounds on expensive software (quality software is rarely included in the price of computers), such as the ever-popular Microsoft Office suite of software, consider Microsoft's student licence scheme. If you are a student, a parent with children in education or a teacher, you can register for savings of up to 80%. MS Office XP Standard is usually £400 or so. With the Student Licence deal, it will cost about £100. For more information telephone 0870 607 0800 or visit www.microsoft.com/uk/education/studentlicence
Consumer magazines
Computer Buyer
(Tel: 01454 642503, www.computerbuyer.co.uk)
Computer Shopper
(Tel: 020-7907 6298, www.computershopper.co.uk)
MacUser
(Tel: 020-7631 1433, www.macuser.co.uk)
PC Pro
(Tel: 020-7907 6149, www.pcpro.co.uk)
PC Magazine
(Tel: 020-7316 9000 www.pcmag.co.uk)
Maximum PC
(Tel: 01458 271152, www.maximumpc.co.uk)
PC Plus
(Tel: 020-7903 6800, www.pcplus.co.uk)
PC Format
(Tel: 020-7903 6800, www.pcformat.co.uk)
What PC?
(Tel: 020-7316 9471, www.whatpc.co.uk)
Personal Computer World
(Tel: 020-7316 9471, www.pcw.co.uk)
Manufacturers
Advent Available from PC World, Dixons and Currys
Acer (Tel: 01753 699200, www.acer.co.uk)
AJP (Tel: 020-8208 9755, www.ajp.co.uk)
Apple (Tel: 0800 783 4846, www.apple.com)
Armari (Tel: 020-8993 4111, www.armari.com)
Axon (Tel: 01279 306868, www.axon.ltd.uk)
Compaq (Tel: 0845 270 4000, www.compaq.co.uk)
Dabs Direct (Tel: 0870 429 3220, www.dabs.com)
Dan (Tel: 020-8830 1100, www.dan.co.uk)
Dell (Tel: 0870 907 3366, www.dell.co.uk)
Elonex (Tel: 0800 0374462, www.elonex.co.uk)
Evesham (Tel: 0800 038 0800, www.evesham.com)
Fujitsu-Siemens (Tel: 0870 5353325, www.fujitsu-siemens.com)
Hewlett Packard (Tel: 08700 115115, www.hp.com/uk)
Hi-Grade Computers (Tel: 0800 0740402, www.higrade.com)
IBM (Tel: 0800 169 1458, www.ibm.com/uk/)
Mesh (Tel: 020 8208 4744, www.meshcomputers.com)
Packard Bell (Tel: 01628 512400, www.packardbell.co.uk)
Panrix (Tel: 0113 2444 958, www.panrix.com)
Sony (Tel: 08705 424424, www.sony.co.uk)
Time (Tel: 08708303116, www.timecomputers.com)
Tiny (Tel:0870 030 3164, www.tiny.com)
Toshiba (Tel: 0870 444 8944, www.toshiba.co.uk)
Viglen (Tel: 0208 758 7010, www.viglen.com)
Online retailers
Action (Tel: 0800 333 333, www.action.com)
Buy.com (Tel: 0800 376 5959, www.buy.com)
Currys (Tel: 0500 304304, www.currys.co.uk)
Dixons (Tel: 08000 682868, www.dixons.co.uk)
Javelin (Tel: 01254 505505, www.javelincomputers.com)
Jigsaw24 (Tel: 0115 916 5599, www.jigsaw24.com)
John Lewis (Tel: 08456 049049, www.johnlewis.com)
Jungle.com (Tel: 0800 0355 3555, www.jungle.com)
Lapland (Tel: 01256 867 700, www.lapland.co.uk)
Lowcost Computers (Tel: 0870 7870500, www.lowcost-computers.co.uk)
Mac Warehouse (Tel: 08705 168740, www.macwarehouse.co.uk)
Micro Anvika (Tel: 020-7467 6050, www.microanvika.co.uk)
Microwarehouse (Tel: 08705 168 671, www.microwarehouse.co.uk)
PC World (Tel: 08000565732, www.pcworld.co.uk)
Simply Computers (Tel: 0870 7274020, www.simply.co.uk)
Special Reserve (Tel: 0870 725 9999, www.specialreserve.net)
Watford Electronics (Tel: 0870 220 0704, www.watford.co.uk)
Price comparison websites
uk.shopping.yahoo.com/computers
· The next in the How to buy series, on mobile phones, will be published on March 27. A collection of these guides will be published in a Guardian book this summer.
