Though
you can make __a__ decision on purely economic grounds, buying __a__
computer is often more like joining __a__ religious cult. Buy __an__ Apple,
for example, and almost by default you join Apple chairman Steve Jobs
in his crusade against IBM. Every machine has its "users' groups" and
__a__ band of loyal enthusiasts who tout its merits. That makes it all
__the__ more difficult for __the__ uninitiated to decide what machine to buy.
Students have __a__ huge advantage, however. The computer companies are
so eager for students' business (it builds "brand loyalty") that many
offer huge discounts.
In the past six months, IBM, Apple, and others have brought out new
computers, and ____ fierce competition has forced prices down. Also,
time is on your side: next year at __the__ time you'll have even more
choice and more computing power and features for __the__ same price. On
__the__ other hand, this will probably be true for many years. So, for those
who need or want __a__ computer now, it's a great time to buy one.