Do you think its misleading for computer marketers to advertise low priced computers?

Question

When the one they advertise is always a stock model that has little if any use to the average person. They never even have MS word or simple program like that and all their hardware is bottom of the barrel. I think its wrong, especially since so many people don't understand the concept of what needs to go into a computer to make it run certain things and they end up buying something they can't even use. Its not because they were trying be cheap ,its because that's what was advertised and they assume its adequate. The price gouging ,even on those crap models is insane.

Answer 1

I think if you're going to buy something as expensive as a computer without researching it first, then you're setting yourself up to be scammed.

Answer 2

I think it really depends upon the user. My sister, for example, always buys cheap low-end computers, and they're fine for her. All she ever uses the computer for is Quicken and basic internet surfing and email. She's not a demanding user. She spends about $400 every 2 - 3 years to buy a new computer and is perfectly happy to do that and is generally happy with what she has. My in-laws are exactly the same. And keep in mind that most systems, including expensive ones, don't come with Word. The average user doesn't really need it - I do a lot of writing at home and OpenOffice is good enough for me. I think part of the problem is that when it comes to software people think they need more than they really do, and that causes problems. People think they need MS Office to write letters to friends, or Adobe Photoshop for basic image editing, and these have higher hardware requirements. The reality is that they really will get along just fine with WordPad and Paint a lot of the time, but they believe they need more software. They have unrealistic expectations.

Answer 3

It's not misleading. How is charging a low price for cheap hardware and software misleading?

Answer 4

It is the consumer's responsibility to educate themselves. The store can't be penalized for trying to make a buck. It's not like they are misleading anyone.