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“Can You Just Tell Me Which Type of Computer I Need?”

Sorry — can’t do that. Everyone is different, so everyone needs something a little different in their computers. Although it’s true that you could get by with just about any computer, why settle for something less than you want or more than what you need? Software City will work with you to configure the computer that best suites you and your needs. One that is upgradeable and configurable to your requirements.
Think of it like a car. You may say “I want a new car.” Which type of car? A sedan? A truck? How big of an engine do you want? What about good gas mileage? Do you want to pay extra for power seats or heated outside mirrors? And — most important — what color do you want? Computers are more complex than cars, so you have even more personal decisions to make.

“Where Can I Buy a Computer Really Cheap?”

All over. But, do you want cheap? How about getting service and support instead? You need that more than you need to save a few bucks off the purchase price.

“Which Brands Do You Recommend?”

None. Brands names on the outside of your computer are irrelevant, the important brands are the components that go inside your machine. And, brand names and part numbers change all the time. Looking at a brand name for a computer should be the last thing you do when you buy one. You should look at the company and people that stand behind your new computer.  Do you really want to speak to someone in India or Pakistan every time something glitches in your computer? You want local support and quality. Remember the old adage.... Service, Quality, Price... Choose any two.

“How Much Will My Computer Cost?”

Anywhere from $200 up to several thousand dollars, depending on which options you need. Obviously you want to get the right equipment for the right price. 

“Shouldn’t I Just Buy the Most Expensive Computer I Can Afford?”

No. Why pay for something you don’t use? Expensive computers tend to fall into categories known as “gaming and servers.” These beefed-up monsters are designed to perform at unbelievable speeds and performance for the sake of game playing or to run full computer networks for small- to medium-size businesses. You probably don’t need one.

“Then Shouldn’t I Buy the Fastest Computer I Can Afford?”

Yes, but speed is only a small part of the overall computer equation. You also have to consider storage, compatibility, and other options, plus all the software you need to get your work or play done. This question of speed doesn’t need to be answered until just before you’re ready to buy. The advertisements boast of a computer’s speed, but you need to ignore that for now.

“Will the Computer Store Offer Me Deals? How Much Should I Expect to Pay Below the ‘Sticker Price?’ “

The days of wheeling and dealing computers are long over — unless you’re buying several dozen of them at a time. Most often, the advertised price is the price you pay.

"Where Can I Get More Information and References?”

Many places. First, ask your friends or co-workers who are into computers. Second, look in your paper for local computer user group meetings. These meetings are geared toward beginners and not technical people (which is what you would expect). Third, pick up a good magazine to find what’s new and gather some how-tos. A good magazine to try is SmartComputing magazine. Try to avoid the techy magazines for now, and the large magazines that are all ads don’t help you until you’re ready to buy. Finally, check out the Internet. Even if you don’t have a computer, you can get online at any public library. Ask the people you are interested in buying from for references.  Software City is always read to give references.  Our business is almost all referral and repeat clients.

“Can You Recommend Any Buyer’s Guides?”

Not really. Buyer’s guides are for the old hands at buying a computer — folks who really know about part numbers and bolt sizes. Unless you know of a buyer’s guide that says “Hey! I’m perfect for you” after one of the entries, you don’t really need one. What you really need is an interpreter that can listen to your needs and configure the perfect system for you.

“Isn’t There an Easy Way to Do This? Can’t I Just Go Buy a Computer?”

Sure, why not? But, you are here because you want to buy the best personal computer for you — not just an off-the-shelf unit that may not meet your needs or (worse) a computer packed with stuff you pay for and never use.