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When is the Best Time to Buy a Laptop?

Best Time of the Year to Buy a Laptop Computer: Your Ultimate Guide to HP Holiday Sales and Deals

Dan Marzullo
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Reading time: 5 minutes
If you’re wondering, “When is the best time to buy a laptop?” or “What’s the best time of year to buy a computer?”, you’ve come to the right place. Timing your laptop purchase right can save you hundreds of dollars on affordable laptops. By strategically planning your purchase, you can save money during special sale events. This comprehensive guide covers all of HP’s major sales events, ensuring you get the most value for your money when buying a new laptop or desktop computer.

Key HP Sales Events for Laptop Deals

1. Back-to-School Sale (July to September)

The HP Back to School Sale is widely considered the best time of the year to buy a laptop computer, especially for students and educators. This sale typically runs from July through early September, offering great deals on laptops, desktops, and accessories.
What to expect:
What’s special: HP often offers exclusive student discounts, bundle deals with essential accessories, and special financing options during this period.

2. Black Friday and Cyber Monday Sales (November)

HP’s Black Friday Sale and Cyber Monday Sale offer some of the year’s deepest discounts, making it another best time to buy a laptop with significant Black Friday deals. Black Friday laptop deals are particularly noteworthy, as they occur on the fourth Friday in November, providing substantial savings as retailers clear out older inventory.
What to expect:
What’s special: During these sales, HP often offers limited-time “doorbuster” deals, extended warranties, and substantial discounts on high-end models. However, there is a risk that popular models may return to full price before actual Black Friday, so act quickly if you find a desirable deal.

3. Holiday Season Sales (December to January)

HP’s holiday sales feature great deals on various consumer electronics products. The holiday shopping season, beginning with Black Friday, is a critical time for obtaining significant discounts.
What’s special: Look for gift-oriented bundles and special promotions on gaming laptops during this time.

4. Presidents’ Day Sale (February)

The HP Presidents’ Day Sale offers attractive discounts on:
What’s special: This sale often features early bird deals on newly released models and clearance prices on previous-generation laptops.

5. Memorial Day Sale (May)

The HP Memorial Day Sale is a great opportunity to find a good deal on:
What’s special: This sale often includes special financing options and exclusive online-only deals.

6. 4th of July Sale

Celebrate independence with savings during the HP 4th of July Sale, including deals on:
What’s special: Look for bundle deals and discounts on popular summer tech during this sale.

7. Labor Day Sale (September)

The HP Labor Day Sale offers savings on laptop prices, including:
What’s special: This sale often coincides with the end of the back-to-school season, offering last-minute deals for students and professionals.

8. Additional Sales Events

What’s special: These sales events often target specific customer needs, offering tailored deals for business users or those seeking high-performance Intel-based systems.

Tips for Getting the Best HP Laptop Deals

  1. Sign up for HP’s newsletter: Join HP Store's newsletter and get early access to sales and exclusive offers.
  2. Check HP’s weekly deals: Visit the HP Weekly Deals page regularly for ongoing offers.
  3. Consider last year’s models: New releases often mean discounts on previous generations.
  4. Look for bundle deals: Purchasing a laptop with accessories can provide better overall value.
  5. Check for student and military discounts: HP offers special pricing for eligible students, military, healthcare, and first responders year round.
  6. Follow HP’s social media: Get alerts on flash sales and limited-time offers.
  7. Compare prices: Use price comparison tools to ensure you’re getting the best deal.
  8. Time your purchase: If possible, wait for major sales events to make your purchase.

Best Time to Buy Specific Types of HP Laptops

Gaming Laptops

Check HP’s gaming laptop deals during major sales events like Black Friday and Cyber Monday. These events often feature the deepest discounts on high-performance gaming machines.

Business Laptops

Explore HP’s business PC deals during Back to Business and end-of-quarter sales. These periods often offer the best values for professional-grade laptops.

Budget Laptops

Look for the best prices on affordable laptops during holiday sales and the Back-to-School season on HP’s laptop deals page. These times typically offer the most significant discounts on entry-level and mid-range models.

Understanding HP Laptop Lifecycles

To make the most informed decision about when to buy a laptop, it’s helpful to understand the product lifecycle and the arrival of new laptop models:
  1. New release: Laptops are typically at their highest price point when first released.
  2. Mid-cycle: Prices may drop slightly as the initial demand wanes.
  3. End of cycle: As new models are about to be released, current models often see significant price drops.
  4. Clearance: Once new models are out, remaining stock of older models is often heavily discounted.
By understanding this cycle, you can better time your purchase to align with your needs and budget.

Balancing Price and Performance

While getting a great deal is important, it’s crucial to balance cost savings with performance needs. Consider the following:
  • Intended use: A budget laptop might suffice for basic tasks, but power users or gamers may need to invest in higher-end models.
  • Longevity: Spending a bit more on a laptop with better specs can mean it remains useful for longer, potentially saving money in the long run.
  • Upgradability: Some HP laptops allow for upgrades to RAM or storage. This can extend the life of your device and provide better value over time.

Conclusion

By planning your purchase around HP’s key sales events, you can ensure you get the best value on your next laptop. Whether you’re a student, professional, or casual user, there’s always a great time to buy an HP laptop that fits your needs and budget.
Remember, the best month to buy a laptop computer often coincides with major retail events like Black Friday or back-to-school season, but great deals can be found year-round if you know where to look. Stay informed about upcoming HP sales, be patient, and be ready to act when the right deal comes along.
With this guide, you’re well-equipped to find the best place to buy a new laptop and the best time to purchase a computer. Happy shopping, and may you find the perfect HP laptop at an unbeatable price!

About the Author

Dan Marzullo is a contributing writer for HP® Tech Takes. Dan produces strategic marketing content for startups, digital agencies, and established brands. His work can be found in Forbes, Entrepreneur Magazine, YFS Magazine, and many other media outlets.

Disclosure: Our site may get a share of revenue from the sale of the products featured on this page.