Computer stores

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What's behind our computer store Ratings?

The Consumer Reports National Research Center comprises highly trained social scientists, including 9 Ph.D.s, using state-of-the-art techniques to survey more than 1 million consumers each year about products, services, health care and consumer issues.

We look for:

Reader Score
A score of 100 means all respondents were completely satisfied; 80 would mean very satisfied, on average; 60, fairly well satisfied; 40, somewhat dissatisfied.
Selection
Selection of available brands or models from retailer.
Price paid
Price paid for purchased product.
Service
Reflects website quality for online retailers and in-store sales help for walk-in stores.

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Even the lowest-rated retailers pleased most customers, according to a survey by the Consumer Reports National Research Center. Apple's website stood out among the manufacturers' websites, but the others also scored highly and are the place to go if you want to customize a particular brand of computer. Return policies vary from store to store and site to site. Restocking fees can also be different from one place to another, but you'll usually pay 15 percent on returns of nondefective computers. If you're looking for information about computer stores, Consumer Reports is your best resource. Consumer Reports’ computer store recommendations will give you honest buying advice that you can trust. We also provide unbiased Ratings to help you choose the best computer store for your needs.

Computer store buying guide

Even the lowest-rated computer stores pleased most customers, according to a survey by the Consumer Reports National Research Center. Apple's website stood out among the manufacturers' websites, but other computer stores also scored highly and are the place to go if you want to customize a particular brand of computer. Return policies vary from store to store and site to site. Restocking fees can also be different from one place to another, but you'll usually pay 15 percent on returns of computers that are not defective.