Breakdowns. Just like any other device, a computer is subject to breaking down, no matter how reputable the brand or the distribution source. However, its also true that today's computers have few moving parts and that physical breakdowns are or should be rare.

When a physical problem does occur, though, the repairs can be expensive, and they can be time consuming. There's not a lot you can do about the time it takes to repair your unit, but the expense can be covered by the extended warranties offered by many outlets that sell computers. In essence, you're buying insurance against the product failing within whatever time the warranty covers.

Of course, the manufacturer of your computer will probably offer some kind of limited warranty (usually a year or less) when you buy, but beware that sometimes these warranties require you to pack the broken computer back up in its original box and ship it to a distant location. That means more cost to you and more time spent without your computer.

Extended warranties are generally offered by outlets that have their own repair facilities or that have fast access to such facilities for their customers. The question of whether or not you purchase an extended warranty then becomes a value proposition.

How important is the new computer (or computers) to your business? Would losing the use of a unit have a major impact on your operations, or could you get by for a week or more while a faulty computer is being repaired? The answer will tell you whether or not an extended warranty is for you.

Beware the cost of extended warranties, however. I once had a famous electronics outlet chain offer me an extended warranty on a small piece of electronics, but the warranty actually would have cost more than simply replacing the unit at the same price. When I pointed this out to the salesman, he just kept trying to sell me the warranty. This is how strange it can get.

As mentioned, physical computer breakdowns are rare, and if you elect to gamble that such a breakdown wont happen over the first two or three years of ownership, the odds are heavily in your favor. But, as professional gamblers are often heard to say, never gamble more than you can afford to lose. If the computer is critical and the cost is reasonable, an extended warranty may make sense.

Tech Support. The majority of problems that occur with computers and workstations are software-based, and this is where having responsive tech support is vital. (Some extended warranties also cover such problems, by the way.) A good telephone tech support representative can quickly identify common problems and have you up and running without too much delay. Thus, an important consideration in buying computers is whether or not tech support is provided by the manufacturer or distributor, and whether or not you have to pay for such support.

It's also important to find out when the tech support is available. If you're likely to be working early mornings or late evenings, a tech support program that covers you from 9 A.M. to 5 P.M. doesn't do you much good.

Who is providing the tech support? Are the tech reps employees of the manufacturer or are they some third party hired to do the job? Third-party tech support may in fact be very good, but it also removes you one step from the company. Assuming it is available, tech support directly from the computer's manufacturer is the most desirable option.

Are there limits on how often you can access the tech support that is offered? Some tech support programs allow free access for a period of time or a number of calls, then begin charging for subsequent calls. Make sure you're clear on the limitations of your tech support program.

Finally, it's a good idea to check out the reputation of a company's tech support function. Reviews of such programs can be found in some of the periodicals devoted to computing for consumers.

Brand. You may have heard that most computers these days are built from the same “cheap” parts, so that brand doesn't really matter. To a certain extent, the commonality of parts is reality (for example, several different computer manufacturers may use drives from the same hard drive manufacturer).

That's really not important, though. Those parts generally work fine; otherwise manufacturers wouldn't use them. What is critical is the likelihood that the manufacturer will stand behind its products and provide the service and responsiveness you need. That's why brand is something you need to consider.

It's probably a good idea to avoid “store” brands or off-brands that may give you a box with confusing information as to who built it. You may get warranties and service from that unknown company, but why take that risk?

It's worth paying a little more for that known brand, especially because the better-known brands have been reviewed and evaluated endlessly in the computer media. Thus, if there's a problem or weakness, you could find out about it in advance.

With these factors in mind, it's time to look at our list of outlets and decide which kind makes the most sense for you.

Reproduced from National Underwriter Edition, April 9, 2004. Copyright 2004 by The National Underwriter Company in the serial publication. All rights reserved.Copyright in this article as an independent work may be held by the author.