Home Budget Economics 7 Tips for Managing Computer Expenses It has been fun to watch the personal computer evolution from my first purchase in 1987 of what was called an IBM AT. This system included a monitor (green and black), keyboard and computer with a whopping 40-MB hard disk drive, and a printer. That system cost $3,000, including software upgrades. Since that time I have purchased 3 laptops (IBM, no-name and Gateway) for a total of $6,000. I also purchased 5 desk tops (no-name, E-machine, Mac, Gateway and Dell) for approximately $7,000. Lastly we purchased a laptop for my daughter’s first year of college last year. Most of these computers were used for business and or home use. Adding software and printers to the mix, in 21 years I estimate that we have spent over $20,000. This is a shocking sum if you think about it for an average family to spend on technology. I remember the big technology purchases of my parents were a huge console cabinet stereo and TV, which probably cost $2,000. The financial burden on families for computers is large since they are now required for work and school; therefore it is important to buy computers wisely. The following tips may help as you purchase computers: 1. Games and Entertainment For us, household and business computers are an efficiency tool, not a home entertainment system. If you don’t have to have the capability to run high-level computer games and graphics, then you can save by buying lower cost computers. Entertainment is a separate item in our budget, reserved for such things as eating out and travel, music and movies. If we enhance a computer to provide entertainment, then it makes sense that the cost to do so comes out of our entertainment budget. 2. Your Usage If you are using a computer for basic computing such as internet, email, spreadsheet and word-processing, then you can stick to the low priced machines, most of which today come with enough memory and speed for common usage. If you use yours for business and need advanced graphic capabilities, then buy a computer with added capacity. 3. Laptop versus Desktop The cost difference between the two choices used to put people into the desktop category. However, the cost gap has narrowed. If you are a student, out-an-about in business, or love to hang out at the coffee shop and surf, get a laptop. My wife chose a desktop because the price was a little lower, and we hope it is more durable and will last longer. 4. Processor and Memory I prefer to buy a computer with the most up-to-date Intel dual processors. If it has been out for a little while you shouldn’t have to pay a premium price for it. Talk to your local computer geek about the latest hardware and memory requirements that you may have, but most computers come with enough and can be inexpensively upgraded for most people. 5. Service and Warrantees We prefer to buy our computers from companies that have good local service. Usually the worst case scenario for us is a 24-hour turnaround. Warrantees are usually expensive, and you will be pressured to buy one. Personally I get full extended warrantees for laptops because they can be more costly to repair, seem to break down more and can be more susceptible to physical damage – many warrantees cover this kind of damage. 6. Printers Many computers come with low-cost printers; however, the price of printer cartridges may eat your budget alive. If you print a lot, talk to printer expert at the computer store about your needs (high volume, color, pictures) and about spending a little more on a printer that has economical cartridge use and replacement. 7. External Drives – Flash Drives These devices are great for backing up your system every day and for bringing assignments home from school. Many companies, such as Insight Roadrunner, Norton (Symantic), and Quicken, offer online backup systems. Regularly use whichever works best for you. 8. Software Windows users should be sure to budget for anti-virus, anti-malware, spyware and for Microsoft office suites that you may need, such as Word, Outlook, PowerPoint and Excel. 9. College Students Check with your children’s colleges for their computer requirements before purchasing. Secondly, buy a good laptop lock to fasten their computers to their desks when they leave them in their dorm rooms. Lastly, make sure the company you buy your computers from has stores close to their colleges in case they need local services, because they will. If our daughter is working on a big paper, she often e-mails it to us for a review and as a quick way to get a backup in case her machine blows up the night before the paper is due. Her laptop did end up needing repair before her paper was due; we were able to e-mail the draft to her roommate and they were up and running. | 
