Several local computer dealers are stocking up in preparation for Pennsylvania residents' second chance to purchase tax-free computers in February.

The state's second Tax-Free PC week, from Feb. 18 through 25, will give customers another opportunity to purchase personal computers without paying Pennsylvania's 6 percent sales tax. The 1 percent sales tax added in Allegheny and Philadelphia counties will also be waived.

Computer retailers statewide are scheduled to take part in the event as they did for the first tax-free week in August.

The staff at Office Depot Inc., an office supply store that also sells computers, is preparing for additional customers at their store at 387 Benner Pike.

"We'll build up our inventory," said store manager John Spanitz. "I'm working with other stores in the district."

The company will promote the money-saving event during the weeks leading up to it, Spanitz said.

"As a company, we're going to draw attention to it," he said. Spanitz added that he will likely place a small ad in local newspapers, as he did for the August tax exemption week.

Already, Spanitz said, a few customers have been asking questions about Tax-Free PC week.

"The response for the back-to-school season was tremendous. We are hoping for the same turnout," he said.

Likewise, Connecting Point, a computer sales and service shop at 135 S. Allen St., "did quite well in August," said owner Steve Albert.

"Everyone's looking for a deal," he said, adding customers can save about $100 by purchasing the computer during the tax-free week. While many people purchase computers via the Internet, Albert said, this featured week encourages customers to buy locally.

"It helps the local economy," Albert said.

Rick Kao, owner of Master Computer Inc., 121 S. Pugh St., said his company experienced a 30 percent increase in sales during the tax exemption in August.

"Last year a lot of people realized that they could save on the tax," Kao said.

The computers sold at Master Computer are built on-site, Kao said. He said they will be well-prepared for the additional business that is expected.

Gov. Tom Ridge proposed the sales-tax holiday, which only applies to personal computers, last February and signed it into law last May as part of the largest tax cut in state history, at nearly $775 million, according to the state's Tax-Free PC week Web site (www.taxfreepc.state.pa.us/).

Anyone may purchase a personal computer tax-free at retail stores in the state, through the mail or over the Internet, provided the computer is for home-use only. Business purchases do not apply.

Computer equipment that is exempt from the sales tax includes a laptop, desktop or tower personal computer, including all the internal components, hardware and software sold in the same transactions, according to the Web site. Upgrades or replacement parts to already-purchased computers are taxable.

To eligible for the tax exemption, the personal computer must include a central processing unit, storage drive, display monitor, keyboard and random access memory, according to the Web site. If any are missing, the computer is ineligible.

Personal computers bought by telephone, mail order or over the Internet are also exempt from the sales tax during Tax-Free PC week.