When it comes time to get a new computer, whether you are building your own or purchasing a pre-built, to really get the most bang for your buck you should only pay for the hardware you need. For example, if you are getting a machine for just internet and email, you don’t need a fancy graphics card because you ‘might’ play games on it… the integrated graphics will do just fine.
You can very easily nickel and dime yourself, especially with computers when you consider virtually everything is upgradable. After adding just a bit more memory, a slightly faster processor and a little bit better graphics card (etc., etc.) the price of your computer is now $50-75 (give or take of course) more. Instead, just get what you know you need and upgrade when the time comes. Usually you can get much better parts for a cheaper price than what you would have paid for at the time.
Granted this tip assumes you know how to upgrade components yourself, if you do fall into this category you will most likely find this does save you some money.
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I tend to disagree to some extent, specially if buying a pre-built system. Getting the best you can afford at the time without paying a leg and an arm means that your new computer will be usable for a longer time. Five years ago I did a major upgrade and got a 3 GHz Pentium 4 system that is still good enough for my needs. I have only added more memory and a larger hard drive.
I agree with the author. a $75 component bought now, could easily be a $30 (or less) component 6 months or a year from now when your computing needs require this level of part.
You should purchase everything with a budget in mind – even before you start the shopping process you should determine how much you can/should spend and then NOT GO OVER THAT AMOUNT. Sure you are going to have to make choices (and probably sacrifices) but working within your budget will force you to go for the best bang for the buck and that is rarely the latest and greatest technology. Why pay a 60% premium for 30% better performance?