BUYING a notebook, printer, digital camera or other tech gadgets is easier said than done.
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| Before making any purchases, buyers should be sure of what they really want and need in the item. |
With so many choices available in the market, shopping for one that suits your requirements and budget can be a headache.
To guide you in shopping smartly and wisely for your tech items, here are some useful tips from the Association of the Computer and Multimedia Industry Malaysia (Pikom).
1) Know what you want and really need in a product/gadget
Do a quick checklist of what you really need in a tech product. Do you really need six or eight USB ports in your laptop? Do you really want a digital camera that has video recording function? Do you really require a broadband that has a download speed of two megabits per second?
Certain features add cost to the products, and if you don’t need those features, then no need to pay extra for a product that has them.
2) Start off by considering a brand you can trust
Companies such as Microsoft, Dell and Apple don’t become global brands without having high-quality products and world-class support. Pikom is not suggesting you to only buy leading brands, but also take extra precaution before buying new technology products from an unknown company.
3) Read the warranty
Consider the warranty as a decision factor on your tech product purchase. Really good tech products come with good warranties. Often times on the back of the package you will see the warranty the company offers, such as a 90-day limited or one-year warranty. You want to buy a product which covers you well in case things go wrong. More importantly, check if they have service outlets across Malaysia.
4) Read product reviews
Reading reviews by critics or blog posts can tell you if the product really lives up to its claims. Take note of the ones with high ratings.
5) Don’t buy the first product that hits the shelf after its launch
Tech companies sometimes rush to ship to meet deadlines and at times, these products hit the shelves with known issues and bugs or require firmware upgrades. Sometimes it’s wise to wait 30 days after new products hit the shelves after which more stable devices with improved firmware gets shipped.
6) Check for firmware updates
Again, a lot of tech products get shipped and they sit on the shelves while new and better firmware or software are released to improve it. You don’t get to know this unless you check out the manufacturer’s Web site to download the latest product upgrades.
7) Timing counts
Some of the best times to buy are around PC Fair and mega sale carnivals where manufacturers and retailers are always looking for ways to add excitement by offering better deals.
8) Utilise toll-free support numbers
Call if you have questions or issues with the product. Use toll-free number that manufacturers provide. You can get great input on products to ensure they meet your needs.
9) Return faulty products
Return products if they are not working right. Sometimes products are faulty right out of the package. Some of them have many delicate parts such as little transistors and components, which can be easily damaged during shipping. Most companies and retailers will accept such returns without much hassle.
10) Visit product roadshows
Companies sometimes hold roadshows to introduce their latest offerings and market their products. Visit these roadshows for product demos, interviews and videos to help you decide on what you want.
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