Through our tests of both budget computers and their faster, more versatile workhorse cousins, we’ve found that performance is generally high regardless of the manufacturer. Thus, when you’re shopping for a new machine – whether desktop or laptop – you can focus on getting the best price for the brand and the components you prefer.

When we surveyed our subscribers earlier this year about their experiences buying new computers, they reported significantly higher overall satisfaction with computer makers who sell directly on the Internet and retailers who sell through Web sites and print catalogs. Web retailers, our survey showed, even offered better service than the sales help at walk-in retailers.

Based on these findings and on our own experiences, we’ve compiled a few tips to help you as you shop for your next computer. You can start by determining your needs:

¢ Tailored or off-the-rack? Computers sold right off the shelf typically come with components that are selected to meet most users’ needs. Many consumers, though, would prefer to customize a machine to fit individual needs. Customizing is a strategy we recommend for getting optimal features at a reasonable cost, because you can eliminate the expense of components you don’t need or kick up the power of must-haves.

¢ Hit the keys, not the bricks. If you decide to customize, start with manufacturers’ Web sites, many of which scored highly in our survey for selection, though less so on price. Apple.com and IBM.com led our ratings, with the best selection and service. Dell.com, a pioneer of customization and the source of most customized computers that survey respondents bought, rated no higher in overall satisfaction than most other manufacturer Web sites. If you don’t need to customize, the best stores for price, selection and service are retail Web sites and catalog retailers, according to survey respondents. Amazon.com and PC/MacConnection.com were among those that scored highly for overall satisfaction, with very good prices as well.

¢ If you want to, walk the aisles. As a group, walk-in stores rated the lowest in overall satisfaction, worst in selection and service, and unremarkable in price compared with other types of retailers we assessed. A couple of standouts among walk-ins: Micro Center, a retailer that allows you to customize. It scored well in selection and service. Unfortunately, it has only 19 outlets in 13 states. Costco, the warehouse store, scored highly on price satisfaction, but service was poor and selection was very limited. Costco.com, meanwhile, scored significantly higher on selection and was as good as the warehouse store on price.

¢ Shop brand, then components. Using brand as your first cut culls needless purchase prospects. For example, Amazon.com allows you to browse by brand first, then mark models on the search results page for side-by-side comparison of the specs. PC Connection lets you zero in on brand and 10 components right off the bat. Most manufacturers’ sites let you print out specs and a price quote, which can help compare sites and prices over time.

¢ Check return policies. Most retailers have more restrictive return policies for computers than they have for other electronics, so learn the terms before you buy. Some state and local laws may mandate better return policies. A local store can’t get around that, but Internet retailers can.

Wherever and however you shop, you probably needn’t buy an extended warranty on your new computer. Our survey showed that the average cost of a service contract was not substantially less than the average repair cost. (No point buying protection you may never need.) However, if you travel with an expensive laptop you might consider an add-on insurance policy that covers accidental damage, including to the costly screen.