Buying new or used, online or in a store?

Buying used components has some bad publicity because of fraud. However, I will advise you to consider this as an option. In the past few years, buyers  and sellers have increased their efforts to regulate the market and restore confidence in used purchases.

The heatware system (www.heatware.com) gives buyers and sellers a good picture of personal trustworthiness through their feedback system. Most websites with a buy and sell forum uses this system. Although it is not flawless, it is a system that you can depend on to make your decision.

For a first time buyer, regular stores can have their appeal,with the convenience of having, you have someone to assist you. On the other hand expect to pay more at a local store. Prices online are almost impossible to beat overhaul. Sometimes you will have a good deal on one item, but most of the time you will save a lot if you buy online. Online stores also carry almost the entire line of hardware leaving you more choice to meet your needs and budget.

How to choose your components with your budget

For a beginner finding the best hardware for the price the first time is a question of luck. Taking the luck out of the equation is what that chapter is about. From CPU to Video Card we will present you the current state of the technology. We will also after the description of each piece of hardware tell you what we would pick to make:

• a $500 office/family computer
• a $750 all around gaming computer
• a $1000 media center
• a $1500 gaming computer

For a first time buyer regular stores can have their appeal, it is convenient, you have someone to assist you if you so desire and you don’t have to wait. On the other hand expect to pay more at a local store. Prices online are almost impossible to beat overhaul. Sometime you will have a sale of a good deal on one item but most of the time you will save a lot if you buy online. Online stores also carry almost the entire line of hardware leaving you more choice to meet your needs and budget.