Best Time to Buy a Computer

Is there a best time to buy a computer? Not really. While it's true that great deals can be found at certain times of the year in brick-and-mortar stores and with online retailers, but there's no need to wait around for a particular month or season if you really need a new one. If you do want to wait for a potentially spectacular sale, you may find slightly better deals around Christmas and when school starts back in the fall. However, coupon codes, special offers and rebates may be available any time of the year.

Finding a Deal When You Need a Computer

Need-Based Computer Shopping

There's really not a "best" time of the year to purchase a computer - as the decision to invest in technology is ultimately driven by need. While there are a few times of year that computer sales seem to be everywhere, it's always possible to find a good deal if you're willing to spend a little time shopping. With special online sales, free shipping offers, discount codes, and sites like Ebates.com that can help you get a discount at any time, there's really no reason to wait to get that computer once you find one that you like and can afford. The best time to buy a computer is, simply, whenever you need one.

A single laptop.

So where should you look? Check out sites like Dell, Apple, Lenovo, HP, Acer, etc, to educate yourself on options and get an idea for a base price. You can also check for any refurbished models that could be the perfect fit for your needs. If you find one, you can get quite a discount. Rest assured that the computer has been fully tested and any parts that weren't up to par have been replaced.

Places to Find Computer Bargains

Other places to check for computer bargains whenever you need one include:

  • BrandsMart USA: Visit the website to view the company's current ads and sign up for the mailing list so you'll receive notifications of the best deals. While you can order from the website, you may actually find even better prices in the store.
  • Amazon: Amazon typically has competitive prices on almost everything. For even more savings, be sure to check out the Today's Deals section. You might be very lucky.
  • Walmart: Find competitive pricing on laptops, desktops, bundles, and more. You can have your selection shipped to your local store for free, or just pay a very low shipping cost to have it sent directly to you.
  • Buy.com: There are over 50 pages of computer options on this website. You can narrow your choices down by selecting shipping options, price, category, brand, and more.
  • Tiger Direct: You get such a thorough look at your potential purchases at this site, it's almost as good as shopping in a brick-and-mortar store. Most computer purchases will come with free shipping.
  • MacMall: As the name suggests, this site only sells Macs. You can save hundreds of dollars at this store.
  • CompUSA: Shop for computers by brand, what's on clearance, what's new, factory recertified models, and more.

To find that great deal or that awesome computer that does everything you want it to, all you really need to do is keep your eyes open. Don't be afraid to ask your local retailer about specials or upcoming discontinued items; the stores want your business and should provide adequate information for you.

Best Times for Seasonal Sales

Holiday Computer Bargains

Price-conscious shoppers love computer prices during the holidays. Electronics retailers publish ads and have in-store specials from November to December that drop prices to nearly impossible levels. That's good for the consumer though, right? The two best times to buy a computer during the holidays are Black Friday weekend and the weeks leading up to Christmas.

To see which stores will be offering fantastic holiday sale prices on computers you might be interested in, visit:

  • The Black Friday: This site lists Black Friday sale information as soon as it's available, allowing you to plan your purchases and shopping route well in advance.
  • Cyber Monday: This site lists sales that will happen online during the Monday after Black Friday, so if you miss out on the Black Friday sale you wanted to visit or you'd much rather shop as home in your pajamas than join the crowds, check this one to see what you can get from stores like CompUSA, Walmart.com, Dell, HP, Apple, and more.

Back to School Deals

Two other times to make computer purchases revolve around the school year. While you can keep your eyes pealed for Back to School ads from stores like Best Buy, BrandsMart USA, and hhgregg, your state may also offer a tax-free weekend during August or September, when you don't have to pay sales tax on school-related items. Depending on the computer you want to purchase and your usual sales tax, that could save you around $100.

If you're hoping to purchase a Mac, consider visiting an Apple store if there is one in your area or the online store on Apple.com to find the best deals. They have run Back to School specials in the past like the $100 Back to School Card promotion. Office supply stores like Office Depot, Staples and Office Max are good options for PCs, as are mass merchandisers like Walmart and Target and warehouse stores like Sam's and Costco.

According to DealNews.com, it may be wise to purchase that Back to School computer earlier rather than later, since the best months for deals on basic laptops were July and August in 2011. If you're a student hoping to cash in all that graduation money for a new laptop, you may want to consider holding out until at least July if none of the computer sales in May or early June appeal to you.

Find Deals Any Time

Despite any special sales a store may have, you should search for computers that fit your needs and then shop around at brick-and-mortar stores (don't be afraid to negotiate) and online. See which coupons and discounts are available for the ones you like. If you really need a computer in January, it's not going to be worth it to wait until Black Friday rolls around again, and there's a good chance you'll be able to find an almost-comparable deal whenever you need to do so. Additionally, you'll save yourself the frustration of dealing with an unreliable computer by making a purchase decision when the performance of your existing machine lets you know that it's time to invest in new technology.