How to Find the Best Laptop Deals

Finding the best laptop deals can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be! Here are my tips for scoring big savings on a new laptop:

Research Laptop Models and Pricing

Before starting your search, take some time to research different laptop models, specs, and pricing. This gives you a baseline to compare deals against.

• Search laptop reviews on sites like CNET, Laptop Mag, and PCMag to see which models consistently get recommended. Pay attention to details like processor, RAM, storage, screen resolution, battery life, and portability.

• Check laptop manufacturer websites like Dell, HP, Lenovo, Acer, and ASUS to compare models and MSRP pricing.

• Use laptop deal aggregators like LaptopDeals.net to see what current price ranges are for different laptop configurations.

Knowing the typical price for certain specs will help you recognize a truly good deal later.

Time Your Purchase Carefully

Timing your laptop purchase around major sale events can mean huge savings. The best times to buy are:

• Back to school sales in July – September. Retailers compete for student business with excellent laptop discounts.

• Black Friday and Cyber Monday in November. commemorate the start of the holiday shopping season.

• New model releases, when older models drop in price. Late winter/early spring is a common release window for new laptops.

• Manufacturer sales. Dell, Lenovo, HP, and others run frequent sales on their websites with coupon codes and stacked discounts. Sign up for their promotional emails to stay notified of deals.

Check All Available Retailers and Sites

Once you’ve picked out a few laptop models to target, check every possible retailer for their current pricing. Don’t limit yourself to Amazon and Best Buy!

• Manufacturer websites like Dell, HP, and Lenovo. Go directly to the source for discounts.

• Physical retailers like Costco, Sam’s Club, Target, Staples, Office Depot and OfficeMax. Check for coupons and membership savings.

• Online retailers like Amazon, Newegg, B&H Photo, and Crutchfield. Sellers compete with each other, so deals abound.

• Warehouse stores like Costco and Sam’s Club offer extended warranty options on laptops. Factor these into negotiations if buying locally.

• Micro Center offers discounts for bundling components like accessories, antivirus software, and Microsoft Office. Upsell items can add more value to a package deal.

Use Coupons, Rebates, Perks and Cash Back

Getting the initial sale price down is just the first step. Use these strategies to maximize savings:

• Find coupon codes on DealNews, BradsDeals, and RetailMeNot. Retailers distribute codes constantly to drive sales.

• Look for rebates on specific models. Manufacturers frequently offer rebates from $50-$200 on new laptops. Just submit documentation and receipt within the window.

• Check credit card and rewards program benefits for additional discounts or cash back bonuses at check out. These can stack on top of sale prices.

• Sign up for Rakuten or Honey for free cash back. Add the browser extension when shopping and it automatically applies any eligible laptop deals.

Negotiate with Retail Sales Associates

If buying a laptop at a local retail store, leverage your research to negotiate:

• Ask if they can match or beat a competitor’s price you’ve seen online for the same model. Be reasonable if it’s significantly lower though.

• Bundle price matching with extras. Ask about adding accessories like mice, laptop bags, antivirus and Microsoft Office for a discount.

• Inquire about open-box discounts on display models. Inventory might be marked down if it’s been opened or on the shelf for a while.

• Offer to open a credit card for an instant discount. Just make sure to pay it off in full.

The bottom line is that you should never pay full retail price for a new laptop. Following these tips will ensure you get the maximum discount possible on the model you want. Just be patient, do your homework, and pounce when you see that perfect deal!