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You’re in the market for a new computer. What do you look for? What do you avoid?

Some helps:

• What do you want from your new computer? Faster speed, light weight hardware, a bigger screen? Write down your needs and wants before you head to the store.
• Don’t buy anything you haven’t discussed with the clerk. Make sure you are getting the deal you can afford as well as the computer you need. If you’re not sure about what computer will be best for you, ask questions until you are satisfied that you have your answer.
• Make sure you take care of the rebate, if there is one, sooner than later. Rebate tickets can be easily lost or forgotten about. Time goes by and the rebate expires; suddenly, you’re out $50.
• Do a lot of traveling? Do you attend school or have a business that takes you away from the desk more often than you’d like to admit? Then you might vie for the laptop over the standard home computer. Sure, hand-held devices like an I Pad or iPod may work for you, but when it comes to writing your college paper, a light weight laptop is a must.
• Save your receipt. If there is a problem, you don’t have to hope for help without one.
• Don’t be afraid to call the manufacturer if you have questions. Many have websites and a hot line or email that can be used to answer your questions.

New computers should work great for you; they’re new after all. Problems in the beginning often occur because you, as the user, are trying to jump the new hurdles.