As someone that has been working in the Information Technology industry for well over 20 years now, I've seen a lot of mistakes made when it comes to buying computers and related hardware for business use. I've made even more mistakes myself. I call this the "learning curve" simply because it makes me feel better about myself. :) I've built more computers than I can count.
Early in my career, I built custom computers for clients with specific needs. At one time, I always insisted on building my own. However, those days are gone as it's now incredibly easy and far more cost-effective to find exactly what you're looking for online or in a local store in most cases.
Recently, my wife and I have been shopping for laptops. The one she uses currently is having issues that I believe are hardware related. The computer is old and past its prime. It's time to move on. Julie is currently pursuing an advanced degree in the medical field. She needs something she can throw in a bag and travel with. She's a full-time mom and a student at the SAME TIME. Hats off to all in this position as it's not easy!
Our challenge: Find a full-time mom of three and a student a rock-solid, travel-friendly, and affordable computer. A computer that just works as expected without any thought or concerns is needed. Seriously, I want to be able to get Julie a computer and not have to worry about it for a few years. To do this, a little research is warranted.
As you may know, NASE has relationships with multiple computer manufacturers. Perhaps one of the best-known by all is Dell. For this article, I asked a few questions of Kelsey Sewalson (Dell Business Development Manager) that I have personally wondered about but never bothered to ask.
Why Buy Dell Instead of Something Else?
First, it's hard to find a manufacturer that's more reliable than Dell. Dell computers just work. I've worked with MANY computers from various manufacturers over the years. I can honestly say that Dell machines are usually retired before they break. As newer software comes out, newer hardware is needed to be able to run it. Often, it's cost-effective to simply buy a new machine.
Second, the support is fantastic. It's nice to be able to pick up the phone and talk to a tech that actually knows what they are doing and isn't blindly reading some script. Other manufacturers claim to have the same level of support but I haven't found any that work as flawlessly as Dell.
If you have Pro Support, you can get someone to your location the next day to fix whatever went wrong. This is an amazing offering. Think about it... Why would you want to bring or send your computer someplace and have to wait for it to be serviced and shipped back when you can get it fixed the next day? Time is valuable. Know your worth.
Buy Online or In-Store?
While shopping, I noticed many Dell computers in the stores. I noted that we can buy the same models with "similar" specifications direct from Dell as well. Which should we take?
Kelsey suggested that buying directly from Dell is usually a better option for three reasons.
-
Additional Warranty Availability - Dell can only warranty a product for so long after the manufacturing date. Sometimes, people will buy a Dell for a great price in a store and then call Dell to purchase an extended warranty only to find out that the computer was manufactured a few years ago. In this case, Dell might not be able to add that warranty. Did you know that sometimes stores keep computers in a warehouse for more than a couple of years before it hits the sales floor?
-
Business Class - Stores don't typically sell business class systems. Consumer computers are the norm as the target customers aren't typically businesses. Businesses often need a little more power and reliability to support business-class applications so those systems are built to be a bit more rugged.
-
Additional Warranty Price - If you purchase in-store, you might have to pay more for the extended warranty plan from Dell. Typically speaking, the extended warranty is cheaper at the time of sale when buying from Dell directly. This is true for accessories as well. I personally always buy a second power cord as I like leaving one in my bag and one on my desk. This makes for a quicker transition.
Are All Dells The Same?
When comparing the components of Dell computers in-store to those on Dell.com, what's the difference? The laptops you buy in big-box stores are typically not business-class systems. The main difference between business-class systems and consumer-based systems is that consumer-based systems aren’t meant to be used as long, and are not made with the same quality materials and parts.
So Many Options! How Do I Choose?
Members of the NASE have FREE access to a Dell Small Business Advisor. All you have to do is call Dell and they can make recommendations based on your specific needs and budget limitations. I've personally worked with many Dell advisors over the years and can say that they don't act like stereotypical salespeople. They know their products well and perhaps more importantly know what to ask you. They are well-trained and have years of experience.
Kelsey brought up another point that I hadn't thought of before. If you currently use a Dell and loved it at one time but it isn't quite good enough for your current needs anymore, you can call in and give the advisor the service tag number. The advisor can pull up that configuration and use that as a base to configure your new machine.
What About the Price? Is There a Best Time To Buy?
That question is surprisingly hard to answer. Dell is always running various promotions. The best time to buy may depend entirely on what you want to buy and for what purpose. On the NASE.org homepage, we are vigilant about posting the latest promotions. Just look for the current promotion toward the bottom of the homepage.
Did Somebody Say Discounts?
These days, everyone is looking to stretch their dollar. Dell makes it particularly easy to do so. As a NASE Member, you can get the NASE discount. Are you a student? No problem! Click here to see more about that discount. Are you a member of any professional organizations? Check their website for information about those discounts.
Still not sure? Contact Kelsey directly to see if there are any other discounts she might be able to get you. Kelsey is a great contact to have on the Dell team as she can either help you personally or direct you to the best resource given your needs.
Conclusion
Purchasing a computer can be a confusing process. You have so many options to choose from, not to mention all the discounts and promotions available. Not to worry though! The NASE team is here to help you make the best decision for your needs.
As a member, you have access to resources like the Dell Small Business Advisor who can provide tailored advice on which Dell system to choose. In addition, members of the NASE are eligible for discounts and promotions that could save you money. Finally, don’t forget to take advantage of the current promotion being offered on the NASE homepage! The bottom line is that when it comes to buying a Dell computer, you can rest assured knowing that you have the resources to make an informed purchase. Whatever configuration of Dell computer you choose, be sure to check that it meets your individual needs and budget. If you're still confused, reach out to Kelsey.
Happy computing!