That's a savings of $320. Buy Now at Best Buy
- AMD Ryzen 5 7535HS 3.3GHz hexa-core processor
- 15.6" 1920x1080 display
- 8GB RAM, 512GB SSD
- NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2050 4GB GPU
- Windows 11 Home
- Model: 15-fb1013dx
That's a $50 savings. Buy Now at Best Buy
- high-capacity ink tanks
- up to 10 ppm (printing)
- Model: C11CJ66202
My Best Buy Plus members bag an extra savings of $100, making for a total savings of $700 off. (Best Buy Plus is a paid membership, which costs $50 per year, so if you're considering buying this machine, signing up more than pays for the cost of the membership - which also gives you free no-minimum shipping and access to exclusive deals for a year.) Buy Now at Best Buy
- 13.3" 2560x1600 resolution
- 24GB RAM, 1TB SSD
- macOS Monterey 12
- Model: MNEW3LL/A
You'd pay $980 elsewhere. Buy Now at Best Buy
- 12th-Generation Intel Core i7-12700H 3.5GHz Alder Lake 14-core CPU
- 16" 2560 x 1600 touch display
- 16GB RAM, 1TB SSD
- Windows 11
- Model: 82VB0002US
It's the best price we could find by $74. It's available in Silver or Space Gray. Buy Now at Best Buy
- A13 Bionic chip
- 10.2" 2160x1620 Retina display
- Apple iPadOS
- Model: MK673LL/A
My Best Buy Plus members save an extra $100, which turns this into an even better deal. A membership costs $50 per year, so you're more than making up for the cost if you don't already have a membership. Buy Now at Best Buy
- Apple M2 8-core CPU
- 13.3" 2560 x 1600 display
- 8GB RAM, 256GB SSD
- macOS Monterey 12.4
- Model: MNEH3LL/A
My Best Buy Plus and Total members can save up to $500 on Microsoft Surface tablets, including the Surface Pro 9, which was called "excellent in almost every way" by Windows Central. (Everyone can save up to $600 on Geek Squad refurbished Surface tablets.) If you're a member, prices for the Surface Pro 9 start with the pictured Microsoft Surface Pro 9 12th-Gen. i5 256GB 13" Windows Tablet at $901.99 – that's $48 less than you'd pay direct from Microsoft. Best Buy Plus and Total are paid memberships, which cost $50 and $180 annually respectively. Shop Now at Best Buy
This price is for Plus members, which costs $49.99 a year. Since it costs $1,099 everywhere else, including Apple, it's worth getting the Plus membership for the year, essentially for free. (This will get you further discounts across Best Buy too.) Buy Now at Best Buy
- Apple M3 8-core CPU
- 13" 2560 x 1664 retina display
- 8GB RAM, 256GB SSD
- macOS Sonoma 14
- Model: MRXV3LL/A
You'd pay $200 more at Apple direct. My Best Buy Plus members save an extra $50 so a membership would pay for itself if you're not already a member. (Best Buy Plus memberships are $50 annually.) Buy Now at Best Buy
- Apple M3 12-core CPU
- 16.2" 3456x2234 Liquid Retina XDR display
- 18GB RAM, 512GB SSD
- Mac OS
- Model: MRW13LL/A
It's $300 under our previous mention and the best price we could find. It's available in Space Gray or Silver. Buy Now at Best Buy
- Apple M2 8-core CPU, 10-core GPU, and 16-core Neural Engine
- 13.3" 2560 x 1600 Retina display with true tone
- 24GB RAM & 1TB storage
- touch bar and touch ID
- macOS
- Model: MNEX3LL/A
It's $261 off. This is a Geek Squad Certified Refurbished item. Buy Now at Best Buy
- 7th Generation Intel Core i5-7200U 2.5GHz Kaby Lake dual-core CPU
- 13.3" 2560x1600 Retina display
- 8GB RAM and 256GB SSD
- macOS
- Model: MPXV2LL/A
It's $100 under list and tied with our January mention as the lowest price we've seen. Buy Now at Best Buy
It's $400 off and the lowest price ever for a new one. Buy Now at Best Buy
- Apple M2 10-core processor
- 13.3" 2560x1600 Retina display
- 8GB RAM & 512GB SSD
- macOS Monterey 12
- Model: MNEJ3LL/A
Get $110 off. It can fit in your pocket and features a kickstand. Buy Now at Best Buy
- 200-lumens
- 854x480 (480p) resolution
- one HDMI port
- two USB ports
- Model: M190
It's the best price we could find by $134. Buy Now at Best Buy
- 13th Generation Intel Core i7-1355U 3.7GHz Raptor Lake 10-core CPU
- 14" 1920 x 1200 touch display
- 16GB RAM, 1TB SSD
- Windows 11 Home
- Model: i7430-7374SLV-PUS
At $40 off, it's the best price we've seen. Buy Now at Best Buy
- includes 3 months of Instant Ink with HP+
- WiFi/USB 2.0
- Model: 4155e
That's $255 less than you'd pay at Walmart. Plus, you'll get a 1-month Game Pass Ultimate subscription for free. Buy Now at Best Buy
- 12th-Gen Intel i5-12450H 3.3GHz Alder Lake 8-core CPU
- 15.6" 1920x1080 (1080p) display
- 16GB RAM & 512GB SSD
- Nvidia GeForce RTX 3050 Ti 4GB GPU
- Windows 11 Home
- Model: AN515-58-57QW
That's a savings of $140. Buy Now at Best Buy
- Intel Celeron N4120 1.10GHz Gemini Lake Refresh quad-core processor
- 14" 1366 x 768 IPS display
- 4GB RAM, 64GB eMMC storage
- Chrome OS
- Model: 14a-ne0013dx
That's $150 off and the lowest price we've seen. Buy Now at Best Buy
- Qualcomm Snapdragon 720G SM7125 2.3GHz 8-core CPU
- 10.4" 2000x1200 TFT LCD
- 4GB RAM & 64GB storage
- 8MP rear and 5MP front-facing cameras
- Android 12
- includes S Pen that attatches to the side of the tablet
- Model: SM-P613NZAAXAR
- UPC: 887276661209
That's $30 under our mention from two weeks ago and the lowest price we've seen. Buy Now at Best Buy
- 6th-generation AMD Ryzen 5 7520U 2.8GHz quad-core CPU
- 15.6" 1920x1080 (1080p) display
- 16GB RAM & 256GB SSD
- Windows 11 Home
- Model: 15-fc0093dx
Computers: The Basics
Shopping for computers doesn’t have to drain your savings — if you know how to find the best prices. Our team of experts review the sales and publish the best computer deals so you don’t have to work half as hard.
Basic Computer Terminology
You don’t have to be a tech wiz to buy your next computer. Make note of these common terms to help you when you’re shopping computer sales!
- Operating System (OS): This is the system that controls how your computer performs basic functions. The most common operating systems you’ll see right now are Windows 10 and Mac OS X. They perform comparably, so picking one relies on personal preference.
- Random-access memory (RAM): The short-term memory of your computer. Your RAM controls how quickly and efficiently your computer is able to switch between tasks. The higher the RAM, generally, the better the performance.
- Processor (CPU) : The powerhouse or “brain” of the computer, your processor handles your computer’s basic instructions, such as using your mouse and keyboard, or running applications. The two most popular CPU manufacturers are AMD and Intel. You can read about which processor is right for you in this article from Digital Trends.
- Storage: There are two types of physical computer storage, hard drives (HD) and solid state drives (SSD). SSD storage is more common these days because they are more stable and faster. While it’s ideal to aim for greater storage space, a bigger drive will cost more money. Determine your storage needs based on how you plan to use your computer. Abt recommends starting with at least 500 GB of storage space.
Basic Software for Your PC
When you start using your new computer, you’ll want to install some basic software to get going. Most pre-built computers come with a suite of software pre-installed with the OS.
Productivity Tools
Whether you opt for a package like Microsoft Office or iWork, opt for freeware like Open Office, or choose an online software pack like G Suite, it’s always a good idea to install a productivity software to help you with tasks like making spreadsheets, word processing, and viewing PDFs.
Internet Browser
Microsoft Edge and Safari are the standard browsers that come with a new computer, but many shoppers rely on browsers like Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox.
Cloud Storage
Not only does cloud storage give you more space than the limited physical storage on your PC, but it also gives you access to your files anywhere. Many companies like Google or Dropbox offer a limited amount of free cloud storage.
Antivirus Software
Antivirus tools do more than simply keep viruses at bay; they also protect against malware, phishing, adware, spyware, and more. Windows 10 comes with Microsoft Security Essentials as a default, and security options are built into Mac OS X (as opposed to a standalone program). That said, antivirus suites like Norton, McAfee, and Bitdefender may offer you more protection.
Media Player
Many laptops and desktops no longer include a physical media drive. If you plan on watching any videos locally (not streamed online), it’s useful to have a media player. Typically, this software is built in, but check out this list for some info on the best media players for Windows 10 and this one for Mac.
Music Player
Not to be confused with a media player, a good music application is worth installing on your computer. Spotify, iTunes, and Pandora are some common favorites that give you access to a practically limitless selection. The desktop versions make it easier to browse and build playlists.
Computer Deal Subcategories
DealNews offers the best deals on computers and computing accessories. You can browse our deals in different categories including, but not limited to:
Whether you’re looking for a new work laptop, or want to find a quality gaming system, check out our selection of the best laptop deals here.
Did you know you should replace your computer every 4 to 5 years to keep up with the latest performance and security updates? Check out the best computer deals for your next desktop here.
Did you know that DealNews first launched as a deal website for Apple Macintosh products? While we’ve grown significantly since then, we still know how to find the best Apple computer deals!
Maybe you’re in the market for a larger streaming device for your kids, or maybe you’d like a device to serve as your e-reader (with a few extra perks). Whatever you’re searching for, check out the best tablet and iPad deals here.
- Peripherals
Routers , monitors , input devices , and more! These devices make using your computer more comfortable and practical. Be sure you search our site to save big!
When shopping computer sales, check out DealNews before going anywhere else, so you know you’ll always find the best deals!
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I purchase a laptop or desktop?
It’s important to review your needs before buying a laptop or desktop computer.
- What’s your budget? Because they’re bigger and more modular, desktop computers tend to outperform laptops . A desktop’s customizability means your budget can go a lot further. However, laptops have other advantages over desktops.
- Do you need portability? High-end laptops are generally more expensive , but a laptop will always win the portability debate.
- How much power do you need? Desktops have more room to work with, so you can add more RAM, more storage, a bigger graphics card, and other performance improvements. But if you don’t need all that, then a mid-tier laptop may be the cheaper choice.
- Are you a gamer? Laptops that are built for gaming are among the most expensive on the market. That said, if you’re not comfortable selecting individual pieces to build a gaming desktop, you may be willing to pay a premium to get that performance.
- Don’t forget the repairs. If you’re handy, you can often repair or replace parts in a desktop computer with the help of online guides. Most laptops require specialized tools and skills to repair, so desktop fixes tend to be cheaper.
Overall, desktop computers have a lot of advantages, but the lack of portability can be a deal breaker. No matter what you decide, be sure to check out specs and buying guides from the DealNews Blog and other reputable sources like CNET or PCMag . Then shop DealNews for the best computer deals!
How do I get my external hard drive to show up?
Once you’ve ensured that your external drive is plugged in and powered on, check out these steps from PCMag :
- Try a different USB port.
- Try a different PC.
- Update your drivers.
- Format the drive.
What is a VPN?
VPN stands for “virtual private network.” A VPN protects your internet usage by routing your internet connection through a private server. Using a VPN keeps your online browsing more private and also grants you access to websites and content that may not be available in your country.
For more information about VPNs check out this article on Mashable , and this one by Namecheap .
How can I boost my WiFi signal?
When your internet connection seems impossibly slow, the cause isn’t your provider, but your WiFi signal strength. Check out these options to boost your WiFi signal :
- Update your router firmware. Each router is different, but you typically can use the steps found here to run updates.
- Place your router in the most optimal space. You want to place your wireless router away from any walls or obstructions. If possible, put it in the most central place in your home.
- Pick a different frequency. If you have a dual-band router, try using the 5GHz band. This band offers higher speeds, and may get an additional boost if there are fewer devices connected to it.
- Change the channel. While most routers will automatically choose the channel with the least congestion, some cheaper routers may require you to manually update it.
- Upgrade your router. How old is your current router? If it's a previous-generation 802.11b model, you could upgrade that to improve your wireless signal. If you have a newer 802.11n or Wi-Fi 6 router, you're already in good shape.
- Replace the antenna. You may boost your signal by simply adding or replacing an external antenna. PCMag recommends purchasing one marked “high-gain,” and to opt for a directional antenna — rather than an omnidirectional one.
- Add a wireless range extender. If you only want to boost coverage in one or two rooms, a WiFi extender can help you boost your signal in dead spots. Check out this guide from the DealNews Blog .
Switch to a mesh WiFi system. Wireless mesh networking is becoming more popular, because it can provide more complete coverage throughout the home. Mesh systems replace your router
A Georgia girl with three years of experience in IP Law and grounded in understanding marketing and consumer motives. When she's not working with the fabulous staff of DealNews, you can find her whining at rowing practice and browsing the Hot Deals on the site.