The hidden costs of buying a new computer

Most people budget a new computer purchase by factoring in how much the computer and monitor will cost. Or if they are lucky and can re-use their existing monitor, just the cost of the computer itself.

If only it were always that simple.

Take for instance the new computer I recently purchased. Because I went from a 32-bit version of Windows XP to a 64-bit version of Windows 7, I incurred a few "hidden" expenses. Don't worry if you don't know what that means. Just know that I went to a new computer that isn't guaranteed to be compatible with all of the existing "stuff" I already have.

Like my QuickBooks software. I have been happily chugging along with the 2006 version of my QuickBooks software for nearly 4 years, never really caring about the new features released in versions 2007 through 2010. But when I went to re-install my 2006 version of QuickBooks on my new computer, I received a message saying that the software was incompatible with the version of Windows 7 I was running.

Spend time or money?

Sure, I could have called Intuit (the manufacturer of QuickBooks) or spent an hour surfing the Internet looking for potential solutions or workarounds, but I didn't want to. I wanted QuickBooks up and running immediately without having to waste any time getting it to work.

QuickBooks Pro 2010

So I did the most convenient thing I could think of. I purchased the new 2010 version of QuickBooks. On the down side, the new software cost me about $140. But on the up side, Amazon.com had the software available as an instant download so my instant gratification needs were quickly satisfied.

What hidden costs have you had with a new computer? New keyboard? Mouse? Printer? Leave a comment below. I'd love to hear from you.

2 comments for this blog post so far...

  • #1
    December 15, 2009 at 9:30 am

    David

    Compatibility of current software is one issue… Another is what the “new” systems are capable of or allow - or not.  I have a friend that bought a new machine - problem was, deciding what “version” of the OS he needed.  He had a home office that was networked, but he found the “home” versions of MS 7 and MS Vista wouldn’t allow a home network.

  • #2
    January 06, 2010 at 10:54 am

    Patric Welch

    @David - I believe you can still network with and version of Windows. It’s whether or not they make it easy for you by allowing you to configure a “home network” through the OS.

    But I agree. I’ve had to deal with “home” versions before Win7 that caused me problems with features missing from the professional versions.

Add A Comment

Notify me by e-mail of follow-up comments?


Patric Welch

Need help leaving a comment?

Just fill out your name, email address (for our eyes only) and web site address (if you have one, this is optional) above. Next, type your comment in the comment box. Feel free to use the Enter key to leave spaces between paragraphs.

The last step before submitting your comment is to enter the CAPTCHA word. This is the funny little series of letters and numbers you see below the comment field that helps prevent comment spam and ensures your comment can be seen on the web site immediately after you submit it.

The last step is to click the "Submit Your Comment" button. Thank you for commenting.