Getting the best deal on a new computer depends on which side of the geek aisle you sit.

If you’re knowledgeable about computers and know exactly what you want, you may want to look online for the best deal. In addition to possibly saving a few dollars on your purchase, many online outlets let you customize the computers you buy to exactly fit your needs. Other online advantages include

• A wider selection of models and accessories than you’ll find in a typical retail outlet.
• The convenience of shopping at your desk without a sales clerk looking over your shoulder.
• The ability to compare prices of major e-tailers using services such as Google Product Search, PriceRunner, mySimon, PriceScan, Yahoo! Shopping, and many others to rate outlets and show you where you can get the best deal.
• Many online shopping services allow you to compare the features of several PCs side-by-side.
• The online dealer will ship the PC directly to your home or business and may offer to send a contractor out to set it up for you.
• You can use AMD's Help Me Decide service to help you narrow down choices of AMD-powered PCs based on your specific needs, while Shop AMD can help you find the right computer by system type, processor, and components.

On the other hand, there’s no better place than a retail store to check out new computers and to get advice on which features you do --- or don’t --- need. In addition:

• You can compare features of several PCs by seeing them side-by-side.
• You can “play” with each display model to get a hands-on feel of how they operate.
• You can compare the features of each model and see how memory, processor and operating system can affect their performance.
• Most retail outlets will customize the PC for you, removing trialware and installing any additional software you purchase.
• You can walk out of the store with a brand new PC within a few hours.
• The store may offer a service that will come to your office and install your new PC for you.

Either way, you can be confident that you made the right choice in purchasing your company's computers.

-- Bruce Freeman