The case of the frustrated computer shopper

Article Abstract:

Price competition among microcomputer vendors has spurred sales to the point that stocks of the most popular brands are seriously depleted and customers may have to wait weeks or months for delivery. A price war among microcomputer brands that began in Jun 1992 has stimulated demand. However, manufacturers significantly underestimated this effect and did not order sufficient components. Although manufacturing facilities are now working several shifts to try to meet demand, component suppliers cannot keep pace. The disproportionately high demand has been attributed to several factors. Users of older machines are replacing them with newer models to enable them to run the latest software, particularly the Microsoft Windows 3.1 operating system. Companies that already had purchases planned are buying now because of the low prices. And there remain some first-time computer buyers. Although those seeking popular IBM-PC-compatible computers can switch to another maker if their chosen brand is unavailable, potential purchasers of Apple machines must either brave the waiting lists or buy a less popular Apple model with different capabilities.

Supply and demand, Column, Price cutting, Competition, Demand, Supply, Shortage

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Deciding whether to renew or buy

Article Abstract:

Most computer owners at some point must face the decision of whether to buy a new computer or attempt to upgrade the existing one. This becomes a complicated problem when consumers typically want bigger, stronger and faster computers. Added to the complexity of available feature options is the ease with which computers can now be upgraded. Slots and cards, removable microprocessors and snap-in memory chips make the process very straight-forward. The steadily decreasing process, however, may lead some to reason that a new computer is worth the money spent today and old computers can easily benefit a local school or charity. Users with unlimited funds should spring for a new system, but upgrading a computer can be more cost effective and can give the user more confidence in the system.

Purchasing, Product information, Consumer behavior, End users, User Need, Purchasing Systems, Hardware Selection, Decision Making, Upgrading

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