So, you’re ready to join the legions of people now packing bite-sized computers? You’re far from alone. Netbooks have become a huge part of the mobile PC market, and their growth is only slowed by the massive amount of the market they’ve already consumed. As a result, netbooks can be found everywhere, from general superstores like to online specility retailiers like Newegg.
Choosing the correct retailer is important. It of course determines the price you’ll receive, and it also determines your options should your new netbook unfortuantly have a defect. The retailer you choose also may determine the precise netbook as you can buy, as there are certain models which are only available at certain retailers.
So, without further ado, let’s pick your poison.
Brick and Mortar Retailers
The most obvious place to buy a netbook, or an PC, is often the local retailer. Despite the popularity of online shopping, not everyone is comfortable purchasing a PC of any kind that they have not been able to first see and touch for themselves.
Retailers like Wal-Mart have low prices, but poor selection
There are many retail shops across the country, from nationwide chains like Bestbuy to more regional chains like Fry’s Electronics. The precise selection you’ll have to choose from depends on where you live, but generally there are two different types of places you can buy. The first is general retailers, and the second is electronics retailers.
Often times, , Target, and other general retailers will advertise deals on various PCs. They are usually mobile PCs of some kind. It is not unusual for these superstores to beat out more targeted electronics retailers on price, but those deals are always on very specific models. If you’re not sure about something once you arrive, you’re out of luck, because there probably won’t be anyone on hand to help you. Although geeks often make fun of the employees of electronics retailers, they’re better than nothing. General retailers are usually a low-pressure enviornment, but don’t go to them unprepared, as you’ll either leave confused or – worse – leave with a product you later find doesn’t serve your needs.
Electronics retailers like Best Buy are staffed by individuals specifically employeed to help customers. Although the quality of their guidance can be dubious – don’t take their suggestions at face value – they’re better than nothing. If you’re looking at a specific product but decide there is one part of it that turns you off, they can help guide you to something similar. Also, the selection of these electronics retailers is much better. Best Buy might have 8 or 9 netbooks in display, while will only have one or two. The downside with these electronics retailers, however, is that they are often high-pressure. You may have to tell your sales person numerous times you don’t want any extended warranties or other special offers, only to be forced to repeat yourself at register.
My Pick? I prefer electronics retailers. The lack of selection at general retailers makes them frustrating to shop at, and their staff is unhelpful if you have questions. With that said, however, its worth watching the ads of general retailers. Sometimes they will have a really great deal.
Online Retailers
Lumping online retailers into specific categories is difficult. Even sites which are known for very specific products, like Newegg or Tiger Direct, have a huge library of products unreleated to netbooks or even PC hardware. The largest retailers, like , seem to quite literally carry everything under the sun. Yet despite their general nature, these retailers usually have great prices and an unbeatable selection.
Strangely, the best way to shop these retailers is to actually not visit their storefronts at all. Websites like Google Shopping and Pricewatch can provide compilations of pricing from numerous retailers and compare them directly, allowing you to find the lowest price on a particular product. This can save you a good hour of your time when comparing the prices of a specific netbook you’re looking to buy.
With that said, however, your choice should not be based entirely on price. Besides the big players, many of which are now household names, there are thousands of small e-stores of various sizes. Some of these retailers are fully functional web stores just as good as Newegg or , although their selection might be a little smaller. A few, however, are fly-by-nite retailers that might go bust a week down the road. Luckily, price comparison services also give users a chance to rate the stores they purchase from. Pay attention to these ratings and you’ll avoid any unsavory online retailers.
Many who purchase online worry about needing to return an item. This can certainly be a hassel, since you can’t just go back to the store the same day to get a new product. However, the major online retailers have excellent return policies that will pay for return shipping and at the very least allow an exchange, if not a refund.
My pick? I personally like and Newegg the best. They have responsive customer service departments and usually the lowest prices.
Contract Retailers
Recently, a third way has opened for netbook buyers – the option to purchase a netbook along with a service contract, much as one would by a cell phone. These services are offered by major nationwide wireless providers like Verizon and AT&T as well as some local service providers. The netbooks are usually offered a steep discount, and I’ve even come across a few offers which provided the netbook for free.
Verizon offers netbooks at low prices, but a contract is required
Of course, there is an obvious catch – you have to purchase a service contract, usually for two years. These contracts are for wireless broadband services. They do make since for some users, as the provide extreme mobility. A good wireless broadband provided combined with a good netbook could literally all you to move about a city for a full work day fully connected to the internet no matter where you go. To some individuals this is an outstanding service.
However, a contract is a contract, and wireless broadband services don’t come cheap. The least expensive offer I’ve come across was for 40 dollars a month. Over the course of a contract, this would add up to $960 dollars, not including any setup fees or other such charges. Suddenly that free netbook doesn’t look like such a good deal, does it? Worse, the netbooks offered are usually extremely limited. The netbook you end up with may be a decent, fully functional model, but it probably won’t be that exact netbook you wanted.
My pick? Unless you are going to need access to the internet every single day while on the road, this isn’t the best option. Even if you do need the service, don’t jump on the deal just because you can get a netbook for free. Make sure the netbook you’re getting is one you actually want.
Sorting It Out
Personally, of the three choices above, I recommend online retailers. They are a no-pressure enviornment which provides by far the best selection at low prices. Some of the best netbooks, like those by MSI and Samsung, and very difficult to find anywhere except online retailers, and it would be a shame to exclude those selections from your search.
Electronics retailers are my second choice. They’re a good place to take in the practical considerations which are important to netbooks, like size and keyboard layout. They also offer quick, easy service should you find your new netbook to have a problem.
Contract retailers are far and away the worst place to buy. They offer poor selection and, while you can get a netbook for a low price upfront, the contract charges are extremely expensive over the life of the contract. Worse, they usually don’t offer the service of a electronics retailer. Any technical questions will likely be met with blank expressions. After all, their main business is selling wireless services, not electronics.
No matter where you buy, be sure to read Smidgen PC’s other guides and articles before making a purchase, as you’ll find their advice invaluable. Happy shopping!
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