Finding a good computer store

We don't know how we got to this point. Or whether it's evolution or devolution. But somehow, in order to maintain peace, every member of the household needs his or her own computer — sometimes more than one.

New technology places new demands on computers and their operating systems, making constant replacement or upgrades necessary. Pictures, music and video require lots of storage space. Streaming video requires faster and more efficient processors and video cards. Even if you don't care about these features, you will eventually need to replace or upgrade your computer, because software increasingly relies on complex graphics and animation.

Unfortunately, buying or upgrading computers isn't easy. To have something to sell to a wide range of buyers, computer manufacturers offer a dizzying array of options — desktops, laptops, netbooks, tablets, hybrid designs — and several models with a wide range of capabilities (and prices) within each type. Getting what you need — and not paying a lot extra for stuff you don't need — requires careful planning and research.

Start by deciding what you want and need. Fortunately, there's lots of help available: Several websites, including Cnet and PCMag, provide excellent computer and software buying advice, along with useful product overviews by editors. Consumer Reports also rates various models of desktops, laptops, tablets, printers, monitors, scanners and some types of software. And big sellers such as Amazon provide hundreds of reviews from people who have already bought products you're considering.

Also, seek out advice from salespeople at local stores. A good store can advise you on which devices and software will serve you best, how to get started using products and how to solve problems. But maintain a degree of skepticism when discussing your options with salespeople. Remember, it's their job to sell you merchandise, and the store makes more when you spend more. But you can still learn a lot. Make note of salespeople who answer your questions clearly and make you feel at ease. These are good people to buy from because you might have more questions after the purchase.

Bay Area Consumers' Checkbook's ratings of area computer stores, at www.checkbook.org/chronicle/computerstores ^[1], can help you find retailers that employ sales staff who can help — and steer you away from stores that don't.

There are dozens of decisions to make: desktop versus laptop versus netbook versus tablet; Apple versus PC; size, weight and battery life; speed; video performance; storage and memory capacities; expandability; and more.

The best way to find out whether a product really meets your needs, of course, is to take it home and use it. Many online stores offer a one-month trial period for hardware, which enables you to return the product for a full refund if you just don't like it. (Online stores have much less liberal return policies for software.) Local stores might have more restrictive policies, so ask about the return policy at any store you consider. Ask specifically about any restocking fees that might apply if you return merchandise after you've opened boxes.

Once you decide what you want, it's time to shop for price. If you're considering an Apple product, you'll find no price variation (unless you buy used). But, for most other manufacturers, there is substantial price variation between brands and considerable price differences for specific models from store to store. There isn't as much store-to-store price variation for computer products as there is for other types of products. But Checkbook found that some outlets charge as much as 20 percent more than their competitors for the same products. Finally, many electronics and computer stores will urge you to buy an extended warranty on your computer-related purchase that usually adds one to four years to the warranty. Extended warranties are profitable for the stores, and salespeople get a piece of the action, too. Checkbook recommends against buying them unless paying to repair or replace your device would be a financial catastrophe.

Limited time free access: The Chronicle is partnering with Bay Area Consumers' Checkbook magazine and Checkbook.org, a nonprofit consumer group that rates various types of local service firms and professionals, to help you find the best services in the Bay Area. Chronicle readers can read Checkbook's full article with advice on selecting computer stores, and through Jan. 31, use Checkbook's ratings of Bay Area computer stores, free of charge, at www.checkbook.org/chronicle/computerstores ^[2]