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Computers are an essential part of modern life, so much so that not owning one can put you at a significant disadvantage in work and school environments. The problem is that computers aren't exactly cheap, even with all the advances in low-cost, power-efficient technology over the years.
Boxing Day provides a welcome reprieve from this trend. Big discounts across PCs, laptops and computing accessories are commonplace, with brands like Dell, Lenovo and Microsoft often slashing hundreds or even thousands of dollars off their popular systems. If you've been eyeing off a Microsoft Surface tablet, a Lenovo 2-in-1 or a beefy Dell XPS gaming rig, Boxing Day is the time to take the plunge.
We've hunted down a selection of top Boxing Day computer deals and listed them in the table below. Or, you can check out our Boxing Day sales hub for more.
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Best places to shop for computers and laptops on Boxing Day
Which retailers will offer computer deals on Boxing Day?
Judging by past years, a lot of Aussie tech retailers will be participating in the Boxing Day sales by discounting a variety of computers, laptops and accessories. Some of the big retailers to keep an eye on include:
If retailers follow the trends established by recent sales such as Black Friday, we're likely to see some pretty big discounts across a wide range of computers and laptops. Pre-built PCs from brands like Dell, Lenovo and HP as well as custom-built systems from retailers like Newegg, PC Byte and mwave are almost certain to receive big price cuts, as are name-brand laptops from companies like Razer, Asus and Acer.
Apple's MacBooks are also likely to go on sale, along with its extensive range of iPads (especially older models). Expect Microsoft to offer big discounts on its entire Surface line, including Surface laptops, Surface tablets and the new Surface Go.
What do the different retailers offer?
Price isn't the only factor when deciding where to shop on Boxing Day. Shipping and returns policies are also worth considering, as is the quality of customer service should anything go wrong with your purchase.
We've outlined the shipping and returns policies for a few of the bigger tech retailers below:
Free shipping
Amazon: Orders of $49 or more fulfilled by Amazon AU come with free standard delivery. Amazon Prime members receive free expedited delivery on all orders fulfilled by Amazon AU, regardless of cost.
Catch: Free shipping for Club Catch members on eligible orders of $45 or more.
Appliances Online: Free shipping to most metropolitan areas and some regional centres.
Dell: Delivery costs are part of the sticker price.
Microsoft Store: Free shipping for all orders Australia-wide.
Accepts change-of-mind returns
Microsoft Store: Eligible products bought from November 2, 2020 through December 31, 2020; purchases can be returned through January 31, 2021. Products must be returned in the same condition they were shipped. Boxed software and video games can only be returned if their seal is still intact.
Amazon Australia: New, unopened items fulfilled by Amazon AU can be returned within 30 days of delivery.
Lenovo: Return your product as you received it, in its original packaging, within 7 days of delivery.
Dell: 15-day returns if you change your mind, so long as the product is in as-shipped condition.
Appliances Online: You can arrange for your appliance to be exchanged for a similar product within 14 days of delivery or return it for a credit towards your next appliance purchase.
Dick Smith: Accepts change-of-mind returns within 14 days of purchase on Dick Smith exclusive brands.
JB Hi-Fi: Returns are accepted if the product is unused with original packaging and returned within 30 days.
Grays Online: Only accepts returns on items purchased at buy-it-now prices.
Harvey Norman: Only accepts returns if the product is faulty.
Dick Smith: Doesn't accept change-of-mind returns on non-Dick Smith exclusive brands.
The Good Guys: Only accepts returns if product is faulty.
Guarantees and warranties
Under Australian consumer law, you are entitled to a replacement or refund for a major failure and for compensation for any other reasonably foreseeable loss or damage. You are also entitled to have the goods repaired or replaced if the goods fail to be of acceptable quality and the failure does not amount to a major failure.
If you receive a product and it's damaged or faulty, you are entitled to a full refund or exchange. If you have trouble obtaining a refund for a faulty product, refer to the guidelines from the ACCC.
Should I buy online or in-store?
These days, it makes more and more sense to shop online during sales events like Boxing Day. Not only do you avoid the crowds, but you also have the convenience of comparing prices from multiple retailers quickly and easily, plus you can seek out reviews to better inform your buying decision.
Shopping online is especially valuable when purchasing a new computer or laptop, as you have far more retailers and products to compare. Custom-built PCs, for instance, aren't sold in-store, so online is the only way to order them. The same goes for many high-end pre-built PCs and laptops.
There is something to be said for legging it around your local computer stores, though. Retailers occasionally offer in-store-only deals better than anything you can find online, plus there's always a chance of haggling a salesperson down or getting them to throw in a few extra goodies to close the sale.
The other big benefit of braving the Boxing Day crowds is a simple fact that you can take your new computer, laptop or tablet home then and there. Online orders can take days or even weeks to arrive, especially during the busy holiday season, so if you don't want to wait to take your new toy for a spin, shopping in-store might be the best option.
Matt Sayer is a technology writer and editorial engineer for Finder, combining industry expertise with data-driven solutions to help people make better decisions. His extensive portfolio spans investigative reporting on the roll-out of 5G, statistical analysis on the legacy of E3 and guides for popular products like mobile phones and smart speakers. Matt has a Bachelor of Computer Science from RMIT University and is passionate about finding ways that technology can better our lives.
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