Most students look to take a laptop, notebook or netbook to college or university and many will buy a new model to help them with their studies. Choosing the right computers for college isn’t just about finding the right spec for their needs. Cost is also an issue that should be considered. How can a student save money with the best college laptop offer, discount or deal?
Student Discounts on Campus May Help Find a Cheap College Laptop
It’s worth looking at how actually being a student/attending a specific college can save money before buying a laptop for college or university. In the UK, for example, joining the NUS (National Union of Students) may give discounts from various computing manufacturers. In the United States many campus bookstores may give information on deals that the college has set up for this kind of equipment purchase.
Look at Direct Manufacturer Student Laptop Discounts and Offer Schemes
Many of the major computing manufacturers will give discounts to those formally studying at college or university. Dell, Apple and HP, for example, all run educational schemes that could save a student money on a new laptop purchase. This may also help cut the costs of software and other equipment that may be useful.
Online Vouchers and E-Discount Deals May Help Find Bargain College Laptops
It’s also worthwhile tracking online voucher code sites and looking for promotional e-codes from suppliers and manufacturers as these may help find a good deal on a laptop. Bookmarking a few voucher code sites and reviewing their offers over time may help a student get a discount that they can use to buy their new laptop.
Refurbished Laptops May Save College Students Money
Buying a refurbished laptop for college can also be a good way of getting a branded machine at a discounted price. These laptops may simply have been returned to the vendor because of a cosmetic defect or a physical problem that has since been fixed. It is, however, worth checking on the reason for refurbishment and making sure that there is a reasonably long warranty in place to make this solution really work.
Is it Worth Buying a Second Hand Laptop for School?
It is possible to get quite a bargain by buying a second hand laptop for college but this may mean buying an older than ideal model. Keep in mind that a used computer may also not come with any warranty or guarantee and the purchase may have to be made on an “as is” conditional basis.
Use a New Mobile or Cell Phone Deal to Get a New Student Laptop Free
Some students will skip paying for a college laptop and will get one free by taking out a new mobile/cell phone contract. Many phone companies in countries like the UK will bundle in offers of netbooks, notebooks and laptops with their service plans. This can seem like an easy route to getting a computer but it may not always be cost effective and any student thinking about this option should also consider the pros and cons.
Start by Using Online Shopping Comparison Sites to Compare Laptop Costs
Those looking at laptop college costs may want to make a start by comparing standard costs first. Online shopping comparison sites can be useful here. These may not show student discounts but seeing regular costs may make it is easier to assess how much will actually be saved in a student discount or college deal. In some cases, some may even find that they can source a better laptop offer through one of these sites than they might get with a student discount.
Carol Finch - Carol Finch is the Topic Editor for Retirement Planning, Budgeting, E-Commerce & Technical/Business Writing on Suite101.
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