[Audio-Me]

I plan on purchasing a laptop computer from Best Buy when I get home (end of February), that is if the model I want is still available then which shouldn't be a problem. The total with accessories comes to a little over $2600 including tax. They offer no financing charges until Jan 2004, sounds good to me. I can probably afford to pay $100/mo, and put in another 100 every now and then.

Is this a wise way to go or should I take out a loan with my current bank? (Armed Forces Bank)

 

[kenchi1983]

2600 for a labtop? isnt that a bit wheee too expensive?

i thought now labtops are around 2000.

what are the specs?

 

[JMT]

Quote:

They offer no financing charges until Jan 2004

A&M, make sure you read the fine print. Typically those types of offers mean that the finance charges accrue but are not assessed providing you pay off the balance by that date. If you do not, and make payments, then all of the accrued finance charges from when you made your purchase until January are assessed and added to your principal balance. Additionally check the rate, usually for consumer goods like that the rate hovers around the 20 - 24% range, which borders on usurious.

 

[wallijonn]

read the fine print. guess what happens if you make ONE late payment? and if you're 1 day late on the last payment you get to pay all the finance charges. what's the rate, 22%? $2600 over 12 months = $217 a month. can you handle that? are there any pre-payment charges?

 

[bootman]

What are the specs for the laptop?
Have you compared other ones like Dell or Gateway?
I'm partial to Dells.
It's standard issue at work and I really pound on them and they keep on going strong.
You also can't beat their service if something goes wrong.
$2600 can buy you one kick ass Dell!

Dell Notebooks

 

[ServinginEcuador]

Check out the interest rate that BestBuy is offereing. It is generally very high to outrageously so!!! Then check out how much less your bank will give you for the same amount!! Unless you can pay it off really quickly, avoid financing thru places like BestBuy, they're not a bank, so they try to add some additional percentage points onto the deal for securing te loan. IOW, they also make money on you for giving it to you!!!

 

[Audio-Me]

why are you guys suggesting getting something else? lol

I originally wanted a more sophisticated more expensive Sager laptop, but I've made up my mind on this one:
http://www.vprmatrix.com/products_notebook_200A5.asp

Well, I plan on setting up automatic debits from my checking account through online bill paying, so paying on time won't be a problem. I get paid pretty much the same amount each month (it's cool having a steady direct deposit twice a month)

I'll be saving money from here on, so when Dec '04 comes around, I'll pay off what ever amount I have left due, even if it's a lot of loot.

 

[ServinginEcuador]

Now that we have the big picutre: Go for it!!!

 

[Audio-Me]

This is from Best Buy's "financing details"

Information Specific to Deferred Interest Plans: Variable Standard APR as of 11/04/02 is 19.8% for Accounts kept current. For Accounts not kept current, the variable Default Rate APR as of 11/04/02 is 23.15%.

Wholey crap that's high, but my banks rate's pretty high too, I think it's something like 18.5%.

 

[MacDEF]

Quote:

Originally posted by Audio&Me why are you guys suggesting getting something else? lol

/me bites his tongue

I was just about to make another suggestion for a $2500 laptop

 

[JMT]

Quote:

Information Specific to Deferred Interest Plans:

The keyword being deferred.

 

[bootman]

Quote:

Originally posted by Audio&Me why are you guys suggesting getting something else? lol

It's in our nature.

(Plus Dell also offers 6 months 0% financing.)


If you can meet all the terms then by all means go fo it.

 

[enak]

Might I suggest the new tablet pcs, yes they run a lot slower, but are way cooler, you can even write on em and it converts ur handwriting into plain text, also the dictation is good, the hp/compaq one looks nice, detachable slate :0

 

[Wodgy]

I think Audio&Me chose that specific model of laptop because it's said to have particularly good onboard sound. A solid idea.

 

[millerdog]

Audio,
Just remember military Electronics Funds Transfers and direct payment take a while to set up. If I were you, I'd check out Navy FCU. When I sold cars, most the Navy/Marine guys used them.
md