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ExactChoice.com - Buying Guide for Computers

Contributed by mm | February 4, 2004 4:09 PM PST

ExactChoice.com claimed it is the "independent, unbiased and advertising-free" buying guide for computers. By asking you a list of question the search-engine like web site will give you a list of choices from top names like Dell, Compaq, Gateway, IBM and Sony that matches your requirements. For each choice, the site will give out the detailed specification and pricing information. It also allows you to change the spec and get an updated price on the fly. If you decide to buy, it will give you the step-by-step instructions as of which web site to go and how to change the default configuration.

ExactChoice provides the service for a referral fee it will earn from each sales lead. The referral fee does not affect the price to the end customer, though.

ExactChoice seems to be a good resource if you know your next computer is only available thru "built to order" because you have unique (or unpopular) requirements. Otherwise, a better deal may be available from resellers if some kinds of rebates are available.

(This post is part of PFBlog Product Review series. Check out more reviews here.)

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This Post Has Received 3 Comments. Share Your Opinions Too.


Steve Krause Commented on February 23, 2004

Thanks for your write-up on ExactChoice. Regarding your conclusion, you might be interested in a study we did about relative price differences between packaged and customizable computers.

Here is the summary: "In a sample of major computer manufacturers and retailers, 66% of new computers packaged for retail sale had customized equivalents--often from the same manufacturer--that cost less. The average price difference between packaged and customized equivalents was $110 in favor of the customized computers."

More info: http://www.exactchoice.com/Study1.aspx


mm Commented on February 24, 2004

An analysis of the referred study is available at:

http://www.pfblog.com/archives/000374.html


Fotomaniak Commented on March 2, 2005

I don't think this site is useful. The prices it shown were $100 higher than what you can get with very little research. Plus the system that you can get for $100 less is actually significantly better than the ones they suggested

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