Mobile Computing: Tips for Saving Money

Feature: Tips for Saving Money

My New Year's resolutions last year included spending money wisely, traveling more efficiently, and because I'm self-employed, giving myself permission to goof off on occasion.

I've been succeeding admirably on the last count. It's the first two areas where I could use some help, and I suspect I'm not alone. This week's issue brings together tips from my 2002 newsletters (along with new ones) designed to help you save money. Next week, I'll offer tips on minimizing the pain of traveling with a notebook.

Buy Refurbished or Clearance Equipment

Refurbished notebooks, PDAs, and mobile phones have been returned to the manufacturer for whatever reason, retested to ensure they work, and resold at a discount. Refurbished devices (also called "remanufactured") can be significantly less expensive than new products. Depending on the manufacturer, they often come with warranties and money-back guarantees. Be sure to check an online retailer's fine print before buying, however. Net Liquidations, for example, has a five-day restriction on returns and charges a 15 percent restocking fee. Also, refurbished equipment generally can't be customized (unlike, say, a brand-new Dell notebook configured online), and tend to be slightly older models.

Dell, Gateway, Hewlett-Packard, IBM, Sony (click "Computers and Peripherals," click "Vaio notebooks," then click "Clearance"), and other manufacturers offer refurbished or "clearance" notebooks (slow-selling or over-inventoried products) on their Web sites. Refurbished PDAs are available at the Handspring, Palm, and Sony (click "Handhelds/PDAs," then click "Clearance") online stores. And you can find refurbished mobile phones at online mart ReCellular. For a variety of refurbished and/or returned products, check out Net Liquidations and ReturnBuy.

The PCWorld.com Product Finder provides the latest prices on a variety of technology products, including notebooks and PDAs, along with shipping costs and inventory status. The online retailers listed are rated on a five-star scale. Often, you'll find notebook prices that vary by hundreds of dollars. A recent check of Toshiba's Satellite 1115-S103, for instance, found a low of $899.98 and a high of $1202.90. That's a difference of $302.92--enough to buy yourself a digital camera or another cool gadget.

Check for Rebates and Bargains

Go to Techbargains.com for the latest price drops, rebates, coupons, and other savings on notebooks, PDAs, software, and other products.

Make an Informed Buying Decision

One of the best ways to save money is to make sure the gadget you're buying is right for you. If you're unsure what type of notebook or PDA would fit your needs, PCWorld.com's notebook and PDA buying guides are a good place to find out. The guides help you through a variety of decision points such as screen size, CPU speed, and more.

Donate Your Old Gear for Tax Write-Offs

It's too late to do anything about your 2002 tax bill, but you can start planning for 2003. You can reduce your taxes by donating outdated notebooks, PDAs, mobile phones, and other gear to a charitable organization. Californians, for example, can donate PCs, peripherals, and other devices at Computer Recycling Centers throughout the state for a tax credit.