With the current financial climate being rather strained many people are looking to spend less on luxury items. Cutting back on electrical items is just one area where you could save money but what about those items which you really need? If you’re a student, a professional, a business person or even run a busy home then a laptop is more of a necessity than a luxury. Buying a computer doesn’t have to be a huge expense though. Check out the guide below to see how you can invest in a cheap computer at a bargain price.

1)      Ask about extras

Actually going into a computer store or calling up an online shop could get you a real bargain if you have the courage to ask for some extras to be thrown into a deal. Sometimes it’s actually the other way round and phone companies and broadband suppliers can throw a free laptop into the deal when you sign up for their service. Although haggling over price doesn’t always work at online and offline computer shops, sometimes asking for small extras such as a carry case or USB stick is worth a try.

2)      Ex display models

Models which have been out on a shelf on display for weeks on end are not necessarily worse than brand new models but many stores offer significant discount on these, particularly if they’re the last one in the range. Ask the sales staff whether they will knock some money off the price as often they’re keen to get rid of older models to free up space for newer computers.

3)      Sales and special offers

Sales are no longer just restricted to January and many shops have year round discounts and special offers. Comparison sites on the internet are particularly useful for finding the latest special offers, as are money saving forums. Even if you don’t get a computer in the sales you could get your hands on some extra storage or add-ons to make your existing computer last a little longer.

4)      Second hand saviours

Listen out for friends, family members and neighbours who may be upgrading their computer and getting rid of their old one. You could get their laptop at a super discounted rate or even for free. As technology moves so quickly, many people regularly invest in new laptops so look out in local papers and internet forums for people selling on their old machines. If you work in an office then it’s always worth asking what will happen to older computers when the office machines are upgraded just in case you could bag a bargain.

5)      Supermarkets bargains

Once just a place to buy your weekly food shop, supermarkets now sell everything from clothes to the latest technical gadgets, including computers. Some manufacturers even make specific cheap laptops to be sold in the thousands via supermarkets. Check out your local supermarket for the latest bargains and don’t forget to ask about ex display models as you could knock the price down further.