Uncover hidden printer expenses

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When is the cheapest printer not really the cheapest printer? More often than you think. Here are some of the hidden costs to watch out for when shopping for a printer.

* Ink or toner. This is where the printer companies get you. They can sell the printer dirt cheap, but make their money back – and more – by charging a lot for this essential item. Consider these expenses when comparing printer costs. Some laser printers, like those made by Samsung, come with a toner-saver button. This feature increases toner capacity 40 percent by using the minimum amount of toner to print each page.

* Paper. The price of plain paper will be the same no matter what printer you buy. But don’t forget about photo paper, transparencies, and other special paper that might vary from printer to printer.

* Repairs and service. A cheap printer might require more repairs, which can offset any savings you pocketed. Also keep in mind any regular maintenance you’ll need to do, such as replacing an imaging drum in a laser printer.

You’ll also want to take into account resolution and speed. A cheap printer isn’t much of a bargain if it produces blurry pages or takes too long to do its job.



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Timben

Easy way to dig up rebates

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There’s nothing better than getting money back after you buy something pricey, like a computer. Go to your favorite search engine, like Google, and enter the brand name of the computer you’re eyeing and the word “rebate”. You’ll get links to Web sites that offer rebate information you can print or download.



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Timben

Save up to 80 percent off retail

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You’ve heard the expression “good as new.” Buy a refurbished computer, and you’ll get one that may be even better. Not only do you get a quality computer with as much power as you need, you can also save a lot of money.

Refurbished computers come in all shapes and sizes. While the computer might have been returned because of slight defect, often it’s something much less serious. Maybe it had a cosmetic blemish or perhaps the previous owner simply opened the box before deciding he didn’t want it. Demonstration models and overstocked items have also be considered refurbished. No matter what the problem, the computer has been fixed and cleaned up for resale.

When buying refurbished items, you need to take some precautions. Make sure you still get a warranty and access to technical support in case something goes wrong. Also make sure you know what’s included – you don’t want to find out later that your computer doesn’t come with a monitor or an operating system.

You also want to buy from trusted sources. Your best bet is to buy directly from manufacturers, like Dell, that stand behind their refurbished merchandise. Go to www.dell.com to buy from its factory outlet. You can also buy refurbished Dell computers from www.dfsdirectsales.com. Other sites that offer refurbished computers include www.refurbdepot.com, www.cdw.com, and www.outletcomputer.com.

Keep in mind that with refurbished machines you can’t configure your own system like you can when you shop for a new computer. But, if you shop around, you should be able to find a computer that suits your needs.



All the best,



Timben

Escape the name-brand trap

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Instead of buying a high-priced computer from one of the top brand names, consider clones. You can save lots of money without giving up quality. Think of clones or white box PCs, as generic versions of name-brand models. They’re basically the same, without the fancy label.

Often, you can configure your own system, choosing from a wide selection of components. This is probably best for when you want an unusual configuration with specific parts.

While clones can cost considerably less, they do come with some concerns and drawbacks. For instance, they may not come with as much software or technical support as the major brands. Having to buy an operating system and software could offset any savings on the machine. Make sure you’ll be able to return the system if there are problems.

Look for white box PCs in local computer shops. This makes it convenient when you need repairs or upgrades. You can also go through online dealers. Either way, checks out the company first. You don’t want a fly-by-night outfit that can go out of business at any time.



All the best,



Timben

Downgrading saves you money

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You wouldn’t buy the latest, greatest food processor to make a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. Similarly, you don’t need to buy a state-of-the-art computer if you’re only going to use it for basic functions, like word processing, surfing the Internet, and sending e-mail.

Luckily, many stores or manufacturers let you configure your own system. It’s a good way to save money on some areas and improve your computer in others. You can opt for a slower processor, smaller hard drive, and less memory than the top-of-the-line models. As long as the computer meets your needs, it’s OK to downgrade.



All the best,



Timben