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What's the best way to shop smart for computer bargains?

Whether you're in the market for a desktop computers, portable laptops, or notebooks ....it's all about timing.

Although usually making a splashy debut in January, new model computers usually don't hit the shelves until May or June, when marketers introduced their new models to consumers. Why?

'Tis the season when computers make great gifts for grads heading off to college. Dad's are also in line for a gift with Father's Day just around the corner. This also translates to special Father's Day sales in June geared to buying Dad a brand new laptop.

At the end of summer, it's time for back to school sales when PC's and laptops are off-loaded by major retailers to make room for next year's models. The following month, don't wait for them to fly off the shelves before grabbing a great deal with drastic markdowns during Black Friday sales.

If you can wait it out, you'll discover better deals during Christmas sales, with the best dirt cheap prices offered after Christmas. Meanwhile, in between the major buying periods, be sure to keep tabs on comparison shopping sites to see what else is on offer during seasonal sales throughout the year.

Around the Web, find out more about saving money on your next computer purchase with the help of top sites offering price comparisons on home computers, laptop and notebooks, including consumer info on easing the confusion and saving you time and money - on everything from simple laptop setups to desktop-ready multimedia studios...

also see in Technology -> Computers & Laptops

More about buying a computer around the Web:

laptop computer reviews on CNET - The latest and greatest brand laptops with expert reviews, user ratings and prices.

Ars Technica: The Buyer's Guide - Savvy, expert tips and reviews for parts, panels PC cases, motherboards or buying DIY computer systems.

How to Buy a Laptop Computer - eHow guide with step-by-step instructions for reading reviews, shopping around and more tips before you buy including related consumer electronics how to's and visitor comments.

Laptop Computers - Bizrate - Compare prices, options, online stores and user reviews of the most popular laptops.

Laptops Notebooks for less than $1,000 - Find the cheap laptop or notebook you need with PC Magazine's top picks of bargain choices searchable by name, processor speed, graphics system and several other options...

techbargains.com - Start saving right from the homepage featuring the latest bargains for computers, laptops, software, hardware and electronics found on the Web, along with links to sites offering the most recent discount coupons and rebates.

PriceComputing.com - Compare prices on everything from bare bones desktops to top of the line systems, with more listings to peripherals, power supplies, storage media, hardware and more related equipment and supplies.

CNet Reviews - Rated and reviewed systems by price and performance with categorized lists by price and manufacturer, consumer guide, editors' picks.

also see in Shopping -> Flat Screens, DVDs, Electronics