The price you pay if you neglect to ask questions when purchasing a new computer nowadays may be a heap of 'future frustration."
I went with my daughter to help her buy a new computer recently. Of course, prior to visiting the store we shopped around for the best price on the system she wanted. Advertisements provided various details on the computer, (accessories included, operating system installed, size, etc.)
And though these details were insightful for me, they mean very little to someone who doesn't know too much about computers or what to be on the look-out for when making a purchase. That's why I went with my daughter-- to get answers to questions about the various systems available, their capabilities, capacity, functionality, etc., so that she could make a qualified purchasing decision.
The store we visited offered the best price for the computer system she was interested in. And, the sales associate was extremely helpful, answering all questions posed to him. However, some of his answers to important questions were vague, almost as though he were prohibited from answering in detail. I found it odd that I was forced to prod him for details.
What if the questions were never asked?
I think it should be store policy for employees to ask preliminary questions of the would-be purchaser in regards to his/her computer needs (and knowledge) prior to even showing products available. I personally know many people who purchased elaborate, costly systems because that's what they thought they needed. And why? Because the associate did not ask the appropriate questions. Questions like, "What do you intend to use the computer for? What is your price range? Do you want a laptop or desktop system? Is the system for business or pleasure? Will you be gaming on it?"
And too, the buyer is also responsible to question as well, especially if they aren't sure what to purchase. That's why you should bring along a friend or someone with a bit of computer knowledge. Someone to help ask questions relative to your computer needs.
As it relates to our recent computer shopping excursion, the associate who was unable to elaborate on particular questions posed to him passed us on to another associate who helped us choose the right system (at the right price) for my daughter. And as luck would have it, I also learned something interesting in regards to 'factory installed operating systems' currently sold with new computers.
Operating systems (such as the Windows 7/8) installed on new computers do not come with a Recovery Disk. The purchaser is required to make his/her own Recovery Disk. To explain this easier, think of the last time you purchased a computer or the last time your computer needed a clean install. All you did was haul out the Windows Operating Disk that came with your computer (complete with license and product key) to re-install.
However, with 'factory installed operating systems' there is NO disk provided with your purchase. You can either create your own disk, purchase one online, or pay a fee for an in-store technicians to visit your home, set up your system, remove trial offers/applications already installed and burn a Recovery Disk for you. Go figure that. What choice does a person have who hasn't a clue on how to make a Recovery Disk? Naturally, they either purchase a disk or pay the set-up fee.
What a joke. It's just another way to get more money from the consumer!
To make a long story short, my daughter now has a fantastic computer system that fits her needs to a tee in the price range she anticipated. And too, I created the Recovery Disk for her; removed all the trial offers and non-essential applications; downloaded and installed the programs she uses regularly. I did all the things a technician would do, and I did it all for free.
The moral of this little story is:
Ask questions and get the answers you need before you buy anything, or the price you pay may be much more than you expected to pay in the first place.