It can be very expensive to buy a new computer, so shopping around for the best deal is important. Although prices are always subject to change, annual sales and new hardware launches are often the best times to get a laptop or computer at a great price. However, if you’re still waiting for a price drop, it’s best to buy now. Here are the best times to buy a laptop or computer.

Seasonal Sales

The Christmas season is one of the biggest periods for every retailer. While computers and laptops are usually too expensive to be a typical holiday gift, retailers will look to take advantage of the flowing holiday money. They will apply discounts to systems to attract shoppers and sell off stock before the year-end.

These discounts can also come in various forms, like traditional discounts, cashback offers, and voucher codes. Retailers will often engage in one-day-only deals near the holiday season, especially around key dates like New Year’s Day, so be sure to constantly check their websites near this time and keep your eyes peeled for any sudden discounting.

Black Friday and Cyber Monday

The concept of Black Friday and Cyber Monday is a worldwide phenomenon that started in America. These two days, which are usually marked down across the board, are known to be the best times to buy. With deep discounts, you can easily snatch up items for which you’re looking. While it’s tempting to buy a new system during the holiday season, it’s important to remember that retailers will often use the sale to get rid of old equipment at a lower price. Before you commit to a purchase, make sure that you thoroughly research the deal and that you don’t get drawn in by the price tag.

Back to School

The back-to-school season usually begins in August and ends in September. This is a great time to buy a new computer for students and parents. During this period, there are usually great deals on laptops. Several retailers, such as Apple, Sony, and Microsoft, will give exclusive discounts to students. These deals can be obtained by presenting a valid student ID or an academic email address. Apple also provides educational pricing to parents and teachers.

New Hardware Releases

If you’re expecting to get new hardware, then you’ll likely see retailers begin discounting their stock in order to make room for the new. Usually, new products from various manufacturers arrive in the spring, mid-year, or at the end of the holiday season. Manufacturers like HP, Dell, and Acer usually launch new products around these timelines.

If you’re planning on buying a new computer, keep an eye on the upcoming hardware releases, as retailers will likely discount the old stock. While it may be considered old, technology has changed so quickly that buying a new system is no longer necessary. If you’re still planning on buying a new laptop or computer, wait until the hype has died down and the prices have dropped.

Flash Sales and Price Tracking

Due to the rise of daily deals and flash sales, you can get a good deal at any time of year. Online retailers such as Amazon and Newegg have a variety of deals that are often accompanied by new discounts. It’s easy to get caught up in the endless deals that appear daily, but it can be hard to choose the best time to buy a new computer. With price-tracking websites, you can keep track of the exact price of a certain product and receive notifications when it drops.

You Could Buy a Used Computer or Laptop Instead

Although it’s possible to find a great deal when a retailer begins discounting, remember to wait until the offer is actually delivered. Also, if you’re still not satisfied with the deal, consider buying a used computer instead. One of the best ways to avoid disappointment is to keep an eye on the sales.