What Is a Good Time to Buy a Laptop?

You may not always get to choose when you buy a laptop, such as if yours breaks down and you need it for school or work. However, if you’re wanting to upgrade then you may consider waiting around for a sale. If you’re a budget-conscious consumer, here’s what analysts and industry leaders had to say about when a it is a good time to buy a laptop. You can work with a financial advisor to make a financial plan for you, including a budget to live by.

When’s a Good Time to Buy a Laptop?

Besides September, April and May are some of the best times to buy a laptop, Consumer Reports says. Some experts agree that spring is a good time to start shopping if you’re looking for a discount on an older model.

Others say that you’re better off buying a laptop during two specific times of the year, the back-to-school shopping season or the holiday season. Some analysts will argue that one of the best times to buy a laptop falls between the end of July and the first few weeks of August. You could also find a great deal on a laptop between the end of November and the end of December.

But keep in mind that the timing of the purchase of a new laptop can be tricky because prices can fluctuate throughout the year. And it depends on what you’re looking for. You may be waiting for a particular PC to go on sale. But the manufacturer may decide not to offer any deals on its products at all during a certain year. In fact, sometimes companies remove older models from stores without having a special promotion.

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When New Laptop Models Arrive

New PCs usually pop up at some point during the spring season. Generally, you’ll also see new inventory from the more prominent manufacturers arrive between June and August and the period between late fall and late December. That’s part of the reason why you’ll be able to find bargains on laptops during these times. Often, if you’re trying to save money, the best time to buy any product (whether it’s a car or a kitchen appliance) is right before retailers bring out the newest models.

But again, that rule doesn’t always apply when it comes to buying a laptop. In some cases, the newest and oldest laptops have the same prices. Or the older models are more expensive.

If you’re waiting for the arrival of a new Mac, you’ll need to pay attention to Apple’s announcements. The company doesn’t follow a set schedule when deciding when to release a new MacBook. And if you hear that a new laptop is on the way, don’t expect the older version of the Mac to go on sale.

What to Consider Before Buying a Laptop

Before you head to the mall to buy a new laptop, it’s important to do plenty of research. You’ll also need to decide what to look for. What kind of laptop do you want? Does screen size or resolution matter to you? Do you care about the laptop’s battery life or portability? Once you’ve chosen a particular laptop to purchase, you can look out for promotions and clearance events.

If price is the most important factor, you may need to compare shops to ensure that you’re getting the best bargain. Using a tool that tracks prices over time could be helpful. If you’re going for the cheapest laptop you can find, just know what you’re getting yourself into. In a few years, it might need to be replaced.

One last thing: It’s best to test out the laptop before you purchase it. You won’t be happy if you get home and realize that the laptop you just bought doesn’t have enough USB ports or the keyboard is too small.

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Bottom Line

Certain stores and manufacturers may have sales on laptops throughout the year. But experts argue that the spring, late summer and the holiday season are generally the best times to buy a laptop (if you want a discount). Of course, it all depends on what you want. You might need to wait for the new models to arrive to buy a laptop with a particular feature. And even if you want an inexpensive laptop, one of the older models may not be the right fit for you.

Tips for Budgeting

Creating a budget that incorporates your investments can be tough. You want to make sure you have enough money to buy the things you need while also making sure you can grow your wealth. A financial advisor can help you create a plan for your needs. Finding a financial advisor doesn’t have to be hard. SmartAsset’s free tool matches you with up to three vetted financial advisors who serve your area, and you can have a free introductory call with your advisor matches to decide which one you feel is right for you. If you’re ready to find an advisor who can help you achieve your financial goals, get started now.
You can also try and create your own budget. SmartAsset’s free budget calculator can help you determine how your budget compares to other people in your area with a similar income.