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By Kip Gregory

Want to save time, money and frustration when buying hardware—computers, printers, fax machines, copiers, hand-held devices—for your business? Here are some suggestions to streamline the process.

1. Define your needs on your terms.
Whether you’re shopping in stores, on the Web or by catalog, you’re going to encounter lots of techno-jargon. When you hear or read technical terms you don’t understand, especially when it comes to computers, visit www.webopedia.com to find out what they mean. Simply type in the word and search for a definition.

Start by listing your needs as you understand them, then ask a technology consultant or salesperson to translate those terms into the right equipment and features.

2. Ask around.
Do you know anyone who’s recently bought the equipment you’re considering? Ask them if they are happy with their purchase, what else they looked at and how they did their homework. If you want to widen your circle, visit the discussion areas at NAIFA’s website and post a question.

3. Shop from a list, not on impulse.
Unless you have money to burn, don’t buy on a whim. Do some research and planning. Who do you think spends less on groceries, the person who makes a list and shops on a full stomach, or the one who wanders the aisles just before lunch? Write down what you need and why, and you’ll spend a lot less.

4. Don’t buy on the bleeding edge.
One feature you don’t want in your new equipment is the “est”… as in fastest, biggest, largest or cheapest. Pick from the middle of the menu, the stuff that was new three to six months ago. Savings are often greatest there. And never buy the first release of any new technology—no matter what it is! Let others play lab rat for manufacturers; your time’s too valuable to waste on working out the bugs.

5. Use the Web to compare prices.
There are sites online where you can comparison shop for hardware of all kinds. One of the best is c|net’s Shopper.com. The site’s directory offers more than 20 categories to choose from including desktops, notebooks, hand-held devices, scanners, ers and more. You select the features you want and the site will list the equipment that offers them and where to buy it.

6. Stick with name brands and spring for a longer warranty.
Forget the no-name stuff. “You get what you pay for” is all too true when it comes to technology. You want dependable, around-the-clock access to good technical support, for at least the first three-to-six months after you buy.

Bear in mind that one of the ways manufacturers have cut prices in recent years is to scale on service and support warranties. For example, many computer systems today come with only a year of service and 90 days or six months of software support. When buying a computer, firms like Dell, Gateway, Compaq or IBM are your best hope for getting good support. Spend the extra money for a multi-year (ideally three-year) package that covers both. Consider it insurance. Need I say more?

7. Shop the outlet stores.
They don’t really advertise it, but each of the major computer manufacturers sells current equipment that’s been refurbished, often at a $300 or $400 savings. What is refurbished? It’s equipment that has been returned for some reason, often under a money- guarantee. Usually “refurbs” carry the same warranties as new equipment, somake sure you buy one that does. Here are the Web addresses for some of the leading brands:

Dell Outlet Refurbished Systems: www.dell.com/us/en/dfh/default.htm
Gateway Remanufactured PCs: www.gateway.com/reman/hm_reman_main_menu.asp
Compaq Factory Outlet Superstore: www.compaqfactoryoutlet.com
IBM Refurbished PCs: www.ibm.com/products/ (look for the link to “Refurbished PCs”)

8. Get broadband Internet access.
No matter what hardware you decide you need, the one capability you must have is high-speed Internet access—at the office and at home. Why both? Is your time any less valuable when you’re surfing from your den than it is from your desk? Call your local phone or cable company or visit www.getconnected.com to see who offers service in your area.

9. Expect to upgrade in three years.
Thirty years ago, Gordon Moore (one of the founders of Intel) made a prediction that’s proven eerily accurate. Moore’s Law states that computing power doubles roughly very 18 to 24 months. If automobile makers could safely double the speed of your car, wouldn’t you want to trade it in for a newer model? Remember how valuable your time is and don’t be afraid to invest in faster equipment every few years.

Please see advisortoday.com for a list of these links.

Kip Gregory, principal of The Gregory Group, is a consultant, trainer and speaker on marketing, sales and technology issues for the financial services industry. He can be contacted at 202-364-6913 or by email at kip@gregory-group.com.

Kip Gergory’s series: Technology for Your Business

Curing Technophobia (January 2002)

Buying Power (February 2002)

Software Essentials (March 2002)