JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2012 DEALS AT COMPUTER ANNEX USA IN ONTARIO

Update January 15, 2012  Computer Annex USA is a true outlet and discounter.  It gets deals direct from the manufacturers, and it also provides computers for businesses and local governments in California.  Sometimes there are extra computers, monitors or other equipment after an order for a government or business has been filled and then Computer Annex USA gets to sell that extra inventory in its Ontario outlet at lower prices.  Computer Annex USA also sells older equipment that it replaces for businesses and governments which is why Computer Annex USA is loaded with used and refurbished computers and other equipment in its outlet store.  All used and refurbished computers and equipment are sold with a 90-day warranty on parts and labor.

Here are some of their current deals for January and February 2012:  There are 7-inch Android tablets with wireless Internet for $99 and these can retail for $169.  Other tables include an HTC tablet with two cameras and operates on both 3G and 4G networks and this is priced at $499 but retails for $699.  You'll find other Android tables starting at $149.

You can get a Polaroid digital camera for $39 that retails for $79.  Used and refurbished laptops start at only $99 and remember the 90-day warranty.  If you want a new laptop they are discounted up to 60% off and the brands include HP, Sony and Dell..  New netbooks start at $229 each.

There are many desktop computers to choose from:  You can get a refurbished desktop with a 19-inch screen, keyboard and mouse with Windows XP Professional loaded and it's priced at only $189.  This system came from a local government and originally was priced at $899.  If you want a new desktop there are systems starting as low as $349 from HP, Lenovo, Acer and Compaq and these overstocks are up to 70% off retail.  Computer Annex USA also has refurbished Power Mac towers.

An exception deal on a new desktop is a custom made system assembled by Computer Annex USA.  These custom systems come with an Intel tower, monitor, Cannon printer, all the cables and accessories and Windows 7 software and the price is only $399 complete.

There are also HP touchscreen computers that have a built-in TV tuner with HD and a webcam priced at $999 and that's a savings of $500.

If you want a new-in-the-box HP desktop system you'll find a great deal at Computer Annex USA priced at only $599 and this system comes with a new, color printer.  This was a special purchase direct from HP.  There are also monitors and HDTVs that are discounted up to 65% off and these screens range from 23-inches to 47-inches.

You will also find iPods.  And now Computer Annex USA offers instant credit that you can apply for either in the store or online.  There is no credit check and you only have to show an active checking account and show that you are employed.  You also get 90-days same as crash with this instant credit program.  Apply at the store or online at www.ComputerAnnexUSA.com and remember that there is no credit check.

Computer Annex USA continues to offer repair services with A+ certified technicians, and the techs are certified by Microsoft and Cisco.  Watch our new Best Buys TV report about these January-February 2012 deals below, and remember to mention my name in the store for extra discounts.

TIPS FOR SHOPPING AT COMPUTER LIQUIDATORS AND DISCOUNTERS

Update September 21, 2011  We all like getting a bargain and that includes getting a bargain on a new or refurbished computer.  So here are some tips to keep in mind when you are shopping for a new or refurbished computer at a liquidator or outlet store or discounter.

First, ask about exactly what you're buying.  Why do I say that?  Because sometimes -- not often, but sometimes -- the computer in the box is not the same computer that is described on the box.  It happens-- sometimes by accident in outlet stores where computers may be accidentally packaged in the wrong box.

Check the markings on the box for clues that the "new computer" isn't really new.  It could be refurbished or a store return that went back to the factory and was repackaged.  It might be a "second" meaning there might be some cosmetic flaws such a crack in the plastic case, or a scuff on the case.  Now, there might not be anything wrong with a refurbished or repacked computer -- but you should know what you're getting.

At an outlet store or liquidator ask about their return or refund policy.  You might find out that there are no returns allowed, and no refunds so if yu don't like your computer perhaps you can only exchange it for another.  Are there "restocking fees" or a charge you have to pay when the store agrees to give you a refund.

Ask about warranties and guarantees.  Is a factory or manufacturer warranty still valid?  Does the store have a warranty or guarantee?  Make sure you get all the promises in writing.

And ask about support.  Does this outlet just sell the computers and equipment but can't help you later if you have a problem setting it up or learning the operating system?  Some outlet stores just sell -- and really have no idea what they're selling or how to make it work.

And if this outlet or liquidator is selling used computers, you have to go even deeper into what protection and guarantees you are getting when you buy the used computer or equipment.  If the promises end when you walk out the door with your purchase -- don't walk out the door with a purchase.

TABLET, NETBOOK, NOTEBOOK, LAPTOP... OR JUST A PHONE?

Update December 26, 2011  There are all kinds of ways to get on the Internet these days for getting information from websites, for sending and receiving emails and texts, and for showing presentations to clients.  Just a few years ago you carried your laptop into a meeting, and then there were the netbooks that were much smaller and lighter and made web browsing on the go easier.  Then came the tablets at about the same time that smart phones were showing bigger and better screens for web surfing.  Tablet prices are coming down and tablet features are getting better, but you have to wonder if we'll all just rely on the new super-duper smart phones that are coming in waves of upgraded designs and features and lower prices, too?  These days, it's an odd site to see someone carry an actual laptop computer into a meeting.  I see presentations on tablets -- or just on a smart phone screen.

ARROW OUTLET ELECTRONICS AUCTIONS 

ArrowOutlet is a new type of auction site that lets consumers win top electronics at low prices.  ArrowOutlet offers notebooks, mp3 players, video game systems – everything from iPads/iPods to Playstation 3.  Bidders can win items at up to a 95% discount.  Check their website for instructions on how these auctions work, and please note that unlike traditional auctions each bid does cost you some money.  However, if you lose the auction, you do get credit for some of your bid money should you decide to buy the item using the "buy it now" service.  There are several companies now offering these bidding systems, and I urge you to carefully understand how they work.  Remember these are not the traditional auctions in which only the highest bidder pays -- and in these "new" auctions, all bidders pay something.  Click on the link below to find out more.

LAPTOPS FOR LESS

Laptops for less really does sell laptops and other computer equipment for less.  And they also specialize in laptop batteries, PDA batteries, MP3 batteries, and batteries for digital cameras and camcorders.  There are also adapters for your mobile computer needs including universal adapters, car and airplane adapters.  There are printer power supplies, chargers, fiber optic cables, HDMI cables, iPod accessories, MP3 accessories and PDA accessories.  Click on the banner below and get their best deals on equipment and accessories.

IS THIS THE END OF COMPUTER DISCOUNTERS?

Update August 31, 2010   There was a time when there were computer discount stores that would undercut the prices of the big retailers by selling overstocked merchandise and new computers that were in fact "old models" by only a few months.  Well, those days are over.  First of all, the computer industry is now so competitive that profit margins are very low and the big retailers can lead the price cutting more than any "Mom and Pop" store could.  The big retailers can also get the bigger discounts from computer makers and financing deals, and even offer zero interest rates.  Smaller stores can't do that. 

What computer discounters and liquidators remain are likely selling older machines or used and refurbished machines.  About five years ago when prices of new computers were still high, it made sense to buy used and refurbished computers from these discounters and liquidators.  But today, prices of new computers are so low that it doesn't make sense to buy any model more than a year old.  Computer discounters and liquidators are going out of business -- they just can't keep up with the rapid change in the industry and they can't lower their prices enough to compete with the new computers that are coming out at rock bottom prices.

The best advice for computer shopping today is to shop around.  And remember, if you don't need a new computer today and you can wait three months -- then go ahead and wait for newer technology and perhas more technology at a lower price.