Well, I did it. I made the mistake of shopping this weekend. During my last minute purchasing blitz I blundered more by meandering into the electronics section and crossed paths with a couple arguing over a decision to buy a computer.

While I was checking out the latest laptops I overheard the couple quarrelling about the computer they were considering. His point was to only use the tablet they purchased last year and not purchase. Her argument was the tablet is useless. I made the mistake of interjecting.

Christmas is impending once again and for some families it’s the time when they make major technology purchases. With the economy still shaky many families stretch their purse strings enough to budget a major technology purchase. So, with a limited budget and a myriad of choices what is the best?

2015 might be a great year to buy a new PC. With technology maxed out and the introduction of Windows 10 in July, last generation computers are heavily discounted. This is the first iteration of a new operating system that Microsoft hasn’t pulled the plug on sales of PC’s with previous versions. Some stores still sell equipment loaded with Windows 8.

Previously I’ve mentioned that technology has reached a plateau. Unless you’re shopping on the extreme ends of the budget continuum, most computers are going to be pretty similar. A good example of one of the deals I saw this weekend was a Windows 8 laptop for $150.00 less than the same computer loaded with Windows 10.

Everyone wants an Apple iPad. Put an iPad next to an Android based tablet and show me the difference in functionality. Aside from my horrible opinion of tablets, the two function identically and both will get online the same. The difference between an iPad and an Android device is several hundred dollars and a snooty look you can give bystanders.

I guarantee we will get a bunch of people coming in around February complaining their laptop’s manufacturer refuses to cover a broken LCD under warranty. Every year it’s the same cycle. I’m always surprised people who own laptops don’t invest in a decent case. C’mon people, if you’re spending $700.00 on a laptop spend the extra $50.00 and put a case under the tree.

Warranties, who needs them? From what I’ve seen most warranties aren’t worth the paper on which they’re printed. Many are prorated and don’t kick in until the year of manufacturer’s warranty has expired anyways. Before you automatically decline the warranty on my say-so you should check to make sure it covers accidental damage. If it covers accidental with zero prorate then it may be worth buying.

Updating internet plans and networking hardware may actually save you money. Outdated internet packages cost more than some of the current deals. One customer of ours is paying $10.00 less per month but receiving internet that’s twice as fast as her old plan. With the increased speed it may be worth investing in a new router to support the faster connection.

Your outdated technology may be too slow for the latest game but is more than sufficient for finding a job or doing homework. On behalf of my company I donate a sizable number of functioning laptops to local organizations specifically working with single mothers and children. Working laptops recycled at any of my stores will eventually make their way to someone less fortunate. Have a happy holiday season and by all means don’t argue in the computer aisle.

(Jeromy Patriquin is the President of Laptop & Computer Repair, Inc. located at 509 Main St. in Gardner. You can call him at (978) 919-8059 or visit www.LocalComputerWiz.com.)