You’re in the market for new computer peripherals. How can you make sure you’re getting the best value?

1 Assess your needs

Before you start browsing online or visiting stores, you should have a clear idea of what you need and why. Think about how you use your computer, what tasks you perform, and what features you value. For example, if you work from home, you might need a comfortable and ergonomic keyboard and mouse, a large and high-resolution monitor, and a reliable and fast printer. If you’re a gamer, you might want a mechanical keyboard, a gaming mouse, a curved monitor, and a headset. If you’re a creative, you might need a wireless keyboard, a graphics tablet, a dual monitor setup, and a scanner.

2 Compare specifications

Once you have a list of your needs, you can compare the specifications of different products and see how they match up. Specifications are the technical details that describe the features and performance of a product, such as size, weight, resolution, speed, battery life, connectivity, and compatibility. You can find specifications on the product’s website, packaging, or manual. You should look for the specifications that are relevant to your needs and preferences, and avoid paying extra for features that you don’t need or use.

3 Read reviews

Another way to evaluate the value of a product is to read reviews from other users who have bought and used it. Reviews can give you insights into the quality, durability, functionality, and usability of a product, as well as its pros and cons, strengths and weaknesses, and potential issues or problems. You can find reviews on online platforms such as Amazon, Best Buy, or Consumer Reports, or on specialized websites or blogs that focus on consumer electronics. You should look for reviews that are honest, detailed, and recent, and that cover both the positive and negative aspects of a product.

4 Shop around

To get the best price for your desired product, you should shop around and compare the prices offered by different sellers. You can use online tools such as Google Shopping, PriceGrabber, or CamelCamelCamel to find the lowest prices, discounts, deals, or coupons for a product across various websites or stores. You can also check the price history of a product to see if it fluctuates over time or if it’s likely to drop in the near future. You should also factor in the shipping costs, taxes, warranties, and return policies of different sellers.

5 Test before buying

If possible, you should test the product before buying it to make sure it works well and meets your expectations. You can visit a physical store and try out the product yourself, or ask a friend or family member who owns the product to let you use it for a while. Testing the product can help you check its quality, performance, comfort, and compatibility with your computer and other devices. You can also ask questions to the seller or the owner to get more information or clarification about the product.

6 Upgrade or repair

Finally, you should consider whether you really need to buy a new product or if you can upgrade or repair your existing one. Sometimes, you can improve the performance or functionality of your peripheral by updating its software, replacing its parts, or fixing its issues. For example, you can upgrade your monitor’s resolution by changing its settings, replace your keyboard’s keys or batteries, or fix your printer’s paper jam or ink cartridge. Upgrading or repairing your peripheral can save you money, time, and hassle, and extend its lifespan.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?