It's amazing how computer and electronics prices have dropped over the years, and how each year (or really every
six months) you get more for your money. Well on this page of our web site, we are going to write up summaries of the
computer shops and services with best buys. Remember to mention "Alan Mendelson" when you shop for extra discounts.
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.
JUNE 2010
UPDATE: BULLDOG LIQUIDATORS HAS COMPUTER DEALS
Be sure that you visit Bulldog Liquidators in Chatsworth to check out their computer deals.
In early June, 2010 Bulldog was featuring new int he box but older models of Dell and other brand name laptops. Bulldog
is also featuring other older models, but these are new in the box and many have upgraded features. You can save hundreds
of dollars on these older, but still new in the box lapstops and desktops. There are also brand new systems available.
It is best to call because these deals come and go every day. Also, Bulldog Liquidators gets closeouts on new computers
and they have a big inventory of used and refurbished computers, screens, keyboards and other computer hardware. Look
for deals on software packages. There are great deals on refurbished desktop computers. Their inventory changes
all the time. Bulldog Liquidators is at 8933 Winnetka Avenue, Chatsworth. Call them at (818) 407-1293. You'll
find more about them on the page called "Discounters, Outlets in Los Angeles."
A1A Computing for Apple
and Mac Products
A1A Computing is
at 12437 Wilshire Boulevard, Los Angeles, and this is just on the border of Santa Monica near Centinella. This discounter
got my attention for its low prices on various Apple and Mac products. They service Macs. Right now they
are selling Apple notebook computers starting at $299 and Apple desktops starting at $199. These are refurbished models
that might have been traded in. The company goes through them, checks them over, and they come with a 90-day warranty.
You can check each computer in the store before you walk out the door. There is also a one year warranty available at
an extra cost. But as we know, if something is going to go wrong -- it will go wrong in the first 90 days of use, which
is why most consumer advocates suggest that you do not buy the extended warranty. And at these prices, why bother with
an extended warranty?
A1A Computing
also has classes to teach the use of software. The in-store classes are with an Apple certified trainer. If you
have general questions about a program they will help.
The
main focus is repairs and service and they make house calls and business calls to make repairs. They also buy used Macs
and recycle them, and you can trade in your Mac for a new purchase. They like to think of themselves as the CarMax of
Macs. To get a quote on your machine call them at (310) 914-3200.
Among the hot items in the store are PowerMac G5 computers priced at $699 for a complete system
including Apple monitor, keyboard and mouse, and this is the desktop model. Keep in mind that the inventory changes
daily and there can be limited quantities of certain computers. You will also find a wide variety of accessories including
hard drives at this discounter.
COMPUTER REPAIRS
WITHOUT A SALES PITCH
The
big problem with most computer repair stores and services is that they will always try to sell you something -- new equipment
or maybe even a new computer. Well, I found a computer repair company where fixing
your computer is the #1 priority, and they won't make a sales pitch to try to sell you a new computer. This computer
repair company is called AMC Systems and it is located at 16817 Calahan Street in Northridge. This is
a new address. Call them at (818) 610-7223. Or go to their web site at www.amcsystems.com for more information.
AMC Systems
has a staff of computer repair experts and they handle both Mac and PC systems. They can also build custom computers
and can set up networking for businesses. If your business does not have an IT expert, AMC Systems can become your IT
expert. AMC Systems also makes house calls for computer repairs and they can handle your computer and electronics recycling
free of charge. What is also terrific is that AMC Systems can fix your problem without extra expense. For example,
if the power plug on your laptop has come loose or needs to be fixed, AMC Systems can fix that power plug or power inlet without
having to sell you a new motherboard. This simple repair can save you hundreds of dollars. Watch the video report
below.
THE MOVIE 2001 MISSED THE COMPUTER REVOLUTION
Computers are getting smaller all the time. If there
was one "look into the future" that the movie 2001 missed it was that computers
would get smaller in the future. Remember the big "electronic brains" that filled a room? A then computers
that filled a wall? Then the miracle of desktop computers and the miracle of laptop computers. Well, they are
even smaller. And now, even a cell phone can pack a big electronic brain. There are notebook computers the size
of a small notepad, and there are computers that can fit in the palm of your hand.
BE CAREFUL WITH THOSE AUTOMATIC SECURITY RENEWALS
About four years ago, when I bought a desk top computer, I subscribed to an Internet and computer
security program, and I also signed up for automatic renewals that are charged to a credit card.
Then a year ago, I bought a new computer and signed up for
a new security program. I donated my old computer to a charity-- but I forgot to cancel
my security plan. Well, sure enough, on the anniversary date for my "old computer" the security company
put through the charge to my credit card.
Luckily,
it only took a phone call to the company to remove the double charge. but in the future I will remember to cancel automatic
renewals on computers I no longer use.
SHOPPING FOR DEALS AT APPLE
I went to an Apple store the other day to check out their newest
models and prices. And it didn't take long for a sales associate to approach me and to offer assistance. I
like that. It beats waiting around at Best Buys trying to get the attention
of a sales associate for help. After the usual cordial words and greeting, I got to the meat of the issue: were there
any computers on sale or with discounted prices?
That's when the Apple sales associate opened up one of the computer's Internet links and took me to the Apple
web site for their stores where they show discounted computers. The computer
I saw as discounted was virtually the same laptop model I was looking at in the store -- but the discount price was a savings
of about $200 for mere cosmetic changes. The point is simple: always ask about discounted models. In fact, with
computer models changing every six months or even more frequently, there can be plenty of discounted models to choose from.
SHOPPING FOR DEALS AT BEST BUY
A little secret about Best
Buy: this chain, I am told, will offer discounts and incentives to close a deal. Among the incentives: they will
"throw in" accessories for a large computer purchase. The accessories can range from cables to printers to
software. In fact, a lot of businesses might be doing this now to make a sale. In the clothing industry, for example,
it was common for a men's store to "throw in" a tie or shirt and tie with the purchase of suit. To boost
sales in this tough economy we might be seeing more of that.
Here on our new media website "Moneyman" Alan Mendelson who is the original Best Deals TV show reporter and
consumer advocate shows you the best deals on TV, and the best buys, bargains and where savvy shoppers go to save, and
how to get the most for "your money" with the best of Los Angeles, Orange County, Ventura County, Riverside County
and San Bernardino County. Our Best Buys TV Show is the only regularly scheduled weekly best deals TV show in Southern
California. We show you the best deals on TV and more deals on www.alanbestbuys.com and www.vegasbestbuys.com and www.moredeals.com the original buy and sell, show and tell, video website.
