Community Newsletter: Q&A: Your thoughts on refurbished or "recertified" computers
- 2/29/08 3:23 PM
Refurbished Computers
by Joe03 - 2/29/08 8:27 PM In reply to: Your thoughts on refurbished or "recertified" computers by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
It would depend on where you buy the refurbished from. As for HP products, it depends on YOUR preference. There is not one single perfect manufacturer for computers. I have an Emachine and had very few problems (new), and others hate them. Usually people who have problems with any computer(s), it is the user screwing it up - by deleting programs or adding shareware thats not compatible with the computers hardware. So buy what you want - just make sure there's a warranty so you can return it if its not perfect.
It is all in the details
by LarryInColumbus - 2/29/08 8:27 PM In reply to: Your thoughts on refurbished or "recertified" computers by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
This is my first time commenting in the forum because I did not see a good answer to your question. I dealt with this situation and I think I can help.
The most important issue is the support contract. If they offer a full warranty with quick turn around on repairs and pick up the shipping, then I would say that it is a good deal. This of course providing that the company is reputable.
I recently purchased a refurbished big screen and they first told me that the warranty was two years. I had it 3 days and it died. They then told me that the warranty was 90 days. I previously considered this manufacturer to be reputable. It was six weeks from the time I shipped it to the time I got it back. They sent me a new model because they could not fix the old one. Two weeks later, the remote died. It took two weeks to get a new remote. I was afraid that the main unit would be the problem.
I hate to say this but the techs are low budget and low tech across the industry. I would ask the manufacturer if their tech support is in the USA. If it is not, then I would not even consider purchasing from them. I know too many people who paid for their own repairs because they got tired of trying to deal with techs who could not speak English well.
Every company deals with refurbished units differently. Some companies test thoroughly and some don't do very much at all. Your worst nightmare would be if you had a unit with an intermittent problem. Your best situation would be to get a unit that someone returned because they did not like the color. If your unit has to be shipped back and forth a couple times, then it will be a piece of junk because few units can survive this much handling.
If you do decide to buy a refurbished unit, I would suggest testing it thoroughly. Find free software to run tests overnight for the first week.
Refurbished Computers and such....
by JSchafran - 2/29/08 8:28 PM In reply to: Your thoughts on refurbished or "recertified" computers by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
You need to shop around, but all in all, if you do your homework, you can make out quite well -- if you're careful. I have been a loyal Dell Laptop user since '98, and every one has been refurbished. As I type this out on my latest, an M2010 (the monster with a 20" screen), I am amazed that there are not more refurbished users out there.
Refurbished
by Sabreace - 2/29/08 8:37 PM In reply to: Your thoughts on refurbished or "recertified" computers by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
Hi I brought two refurbished digital camera from HP never had a problem with them the rep. from HP said that the cameras. Was never used just return from a store that had to many of them.
Refurbished Computer
by jsanvit - 2/29/08 8:38 PM In reply to: Your thoughts on refurbished or "recertified" computers by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
I like my refurbished computer.I got it on-line.It is alot cheaper then the new one. And it comes with the 90days warranty. Bigger hard drive, more memory and new version of Window. My pc comes with Window Vista.
Buy New
by burge105 - 2/29/08 8:41 PM In reply to: Your thoughts on refurbished or "recertified" computers by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
If you buy refurbished you have to buy the extended warantee for 200-300 anyhow I bought refurbished from computer Trends and not a great experience ie my adapter broke and it wasn't covered after paying the money. I guess it is more upset with computer trends anyhow a no hassle warantee is worth it for buying new. I bought compaq and the computer is working fine but I could have bought new for the same amount of money
Purchasing a refurbished or recertified computer.
by demdavemiller - 2/29/08 8:45 PM In reply to: Your thoughts on refurbished or "recertified" computers by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
Years ago I found I could get a much higher grade of computer for the same money in a refurbished computer as opposed to a new one.
Since I am the one who buys and maintains them for our firm, I have had eight years of purchasing refurbished and new. I have always bought HP refurbished and have never had a problem with the refurbished in the first year of ownership. I have had minimal problems with the new computers.
I saved money and got a better machine by buying refurbished.
Go For It
by kycruiser1 - 2/29/08 8:46 PM In reply to: Your thoughts on refurbished or "recertified" computers by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
I have purchased both new and refurb desktop and laptops. I have found no difference in a refurb or new. I purchased HP and Compaq refurbs and if you pay attention to the description of the item you can purchase a new computer with a refurb tag on it. I worked on these machines when I was in the Navy and either way you go you will get a good machine, the price is the only difference. Sure you will find someone who has had a bad experience with a refurbished machine and will get on here and run them down, but I have sent plenty of brand new ones back too. Good Luck.
refurb computers not all that bad
by jmiddlet - 2/29/08 8:47 PM In reply to: Your thoughts on refurbished or "recertified" computers by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
If you take your time and look around and shop carefullyy the same way you would if you were buying new, a refurbished computer is not all that bad. alot of time some of the big computer companies sell off what they call off lease, or machines that have been sent back to them after the lease expired. I can't speak for all of them but with Apple ALL machines are put through rigorus cleaning and retesting and certification. and there are alot of third part companies that specialize in selling nothing but refurb. So my opinion is if you are looking to save your loonies and still get a machine that is halfway decent than refurb is the way to go
That's what I buy
by bbtechboy - 2/29/08 8:47 PM In reply to: Your thoughts on refurbished or "recertified" computers by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
I work for HP as a field engineer. When ever I want a "new" computer, monitor, printer, camera...etc. I always go for Refurbed from the hp shopping site.
Watch out for VISTA!
by GeoffreyRothwell - 2/29/08 8:52 PM In reply to: Your thoughts on refurbished or "recertified" computers by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
I've bought a couple dozen refurbished HPs for myself, family, and schools. I never had a problem until my last one, loaded with VISTA.
The thing would freeze up after accumulating thousands of temp files
created by VISTA. It took me hours to convince the tech support people in India to give me an RMA number to return it. Therefore, I can no longer recommend refurbished machines until VISTA is fixed. Personally, I'm never going to buy another machine with VISTA. There's just too many problems with it and even though I've never noticed that these machines are actually refurbished (i.e., never a fingerprint on them; they appear to be the end of a line stock) because of the problems with VISTA, stay away. At least with a new machine bought at a local shop you can return it without having to call India.
Buy used. It's the smart play.
by v1m - 2/29/08 8:55 PM In reply to: Your thoughts on refurbished or "recertified" computers by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
New is for idjits who like higher bills. Save your money.
The bottom line in PCs is that all machines -- new and old -- go kerflooey. Visit the Apple message boards, for instance, to see how many shiny new Apples have problems. The answer is lots.
This isn't an anti-Apple post; in fact, I think you'd be better off with an Apple. There are fewer problems in software with them than with PCs. But the fact is, in hardware, anything can go at any time in any brand.
Get a warranty and get over the idea that computers are perfect. You'll be happier.
I bought a refurbished emachine in the fall of 2004
by snodinn - 2/29/08 9:04 PM In reply to: Your thoughts on refurbished or "recertified" computers by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
My machine is a Pentium IV 2.89 GHz, I eventually added RAM and a video board with 256 Mb of RAM on board. It has been a great machine, no complaints from me. Knock on wood, I often buy refurbished and cannot think of one disappointment. I know that computers have come down in price, but if you can save a few hundred why not?
refurbished computer
by itchybutt - 2/29/08 9:05 PM In reply to: Your thoughts on refurbished or "recertified" computers by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
for many years I bought all refurbished computers wheni wanted to upgrade and the only brand togive me a headache and wallet ache was HP, worked fine for a short time and then it spent more time touring the US via fedex than on my desk. Reputable dealers are the key. I also bought a refurb laptop (Again HP) and it ended up being given to a local rehab place for practice in repairs. sooo good luck in your quest.
Refurbished computers are just fine!
by Soapboxhothead - 2/29/08 9:06 PM In reply to: Your thoughts on refurbished or "recertified" computers by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
Julianne - An excellent question and in today's market, a prudent question to ask. Like most things, the answer is a qualifed "depends". As you noted, most manufacturers offered remanufactured or refurbished models that are either part of the current line-up or very recently retired. In many cases, these models cannot be distinguised from brand new and you can save as much as 25-30% off new prices. They also carry the full manufacturer warranty and are eligible for upgraded warranty and maintenance coverage.
In point of fact, I'm writing this response on a newly purchased MacBook Pro I bought thru Apple's refurb site and saved 25%! This is not my first refurb unit from Apple, in fact it's my third. I have never had a problem with any of my two previous units (one iBook and one MacBook) both are in service today with nary an issue. So, in my experience, unless you must absolutely have the very newest model or for some reason love the "new computer smell", save the bucks and consider a refurbished unit. I think you'll find a perfectly wonderful machine that carries all the applicable warranty coverage AND save a few hundred bucks in the deal. Where's the downside.
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