Community Newsletter: Q&A: Your thoughts on refurbished or "recertified" computers
- 2/29/08 3:23 PM
RE: Your thoughts on refurbished or "recertified" computers
by El Tejon - 2/29/08 10:07 PM In reply to: Your thoughts on refurbished or "recertified" computers by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
My first question, why do you "need" a faster computator? Are you now gaming or doing something that would require a faster machine.
I have purchased a number of used IBM 600 laptops that do everything I, operative term there, need them to do on Linux or even, forbid, win2k.
That includes the entire winblows suite(s) as well as Photoshop and others.
My other question; is the media or a salesperson telling you that you "need" a faster computator?
all this for $420-$440 shipped
by hackersracing - 2/29/08 10:23 PM In reply to: Your thoughts on refurbished or "recertified" computers by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
Specifications:
Processor: AMD 64 Athlon X2 4400 Processor
AMD Cool & Quiet Technology
CPU Cooler: Noiselimit Watercooler
M/B: Abit NF-M25 Socket AM2
Operating System: Windows Vista Home Premium
Memory: Kingston PC2-4200 DDR2 1GB(2 x 512MB)
Graphic Card: Integrated NVIDIA Geforce 6100 Graphics
HDD: Seagare DB 35.3 Series SATA 3Gb/s 250GB 8MB Cache
ODD: 18X LG Super Multi DVD Writer
GSA-H54N Black
PSU: Zumax ZU-400W 12
ATX 12V Ver. 2.0
120mm Cooling Fan with Blue LED
Turbo Fan Switch
LAN: On board Gigabit LAN
Back Panel I/O:
1 x PS/2 Keyboard
1 x PS/2 Mouse
1 x D-Sub
1 x Serial port
1 x Parallel port
4 x USB 2.0
1 x RJ-45 LAN connector
7.1 CH Audio connector (Front, Line-in, MIC-in, Center/Subwoofer, Surround, Rear Surround)
Expansion Slots: 1 x PCI-E X16
1 x PCI-E X1
2 x PCI
Refurbihed computers
by andrewr - 2/29/08 10:27 PM In reply to: Your thoughts on refurbished or "recertified" computers by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
I build and repair computers, and while I would hesitant to buy a complete refurbished computer, I have had 100% success with refurbished components. However, repairing computers has made me very wary of HP and, for that matter, most others. To keep the price down, it appears manufacturers are purchasing components using inferior parts (capacitors, resistors etc). I probably would buy a Toshiba laptop or a Sony desktop refurbished. But as suggested by another poster, to build your own is best. NewEgg sells at very competitive prices. Stay with quality.
Refurbished, Recertified- Basically - Working Used Computers
by Roger Panning - 2/29/08 10:30 PM In reply to: Your thoughts on refurbished or "recertified" computers by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
I have been looking for a working computer for two years to replace my E-machine, WIN 98 SE OS, 160 MB Ram, 4 GB HArd Drive. Since I am disabled I can relate to anyone that cannot afford to even get a working used computer from a local or Nationally known vender at a reasonable price, but don't give ip. Call your local vendors every two weeks, tell them whay you are looking for and what you can pay if they have a customer wanting to get rid of an older model. My budget is $150.00 any my needs are limited to Email, WiFi, 40 GB Hard Drive, 256 MB Ram, a decent graphics card and if the force is with me, a working 19 " CRT or Flat Panel LCD Monitor. I have a Wireless Router from the ISP I use at no cost to me since I have two old computer (the other one is a HP Lap Top that breaks down all of the time). The first step is to determine what you will use your computer for and what you can sacrifice not having. Since I've not been able to get any of the subject computers here in the Cincinnati Area from any source for less than $150.00 ) I've resorted to posting flyers at local grocery store bulletin boards, rich relatives that have money to up-grade every two to three years tat know of my needs and also am now trying to post requests at schools,universities and the want- ads. This crusade costs money so my attempts have been limited. Bottom line: If your needs are complex and you require a printer and LCD Monitor and want to surf the web with Email capabilities you must be prepared to take a gamble and be willing to pay $150.00 - $300.00 & which does not usually include Office Suite Software or other bells and whistles. Don't settle for anything with less than 40 GB hard drive,256 MB Ram and a thorough virus & system check prior to cleaning & sweeping the hard drive. I will add the Linux OS due to low cost and high performance.
Before I would buy anything (PC's only)I would make sure the hard drive has been swept clean of any programs and files that may have enbedded viruses or other malware. There is free software that can do this. If you can locate a unit, go to the seller's place of business or home and ask for a working demonstration before plunking down any money. For a nominal fee, many computer parts centers and repair shops can get your system working again after it has been swept. The cheapest low-end unit I've seen so far that claims to be new and has a 1-year waranty costs $300 plus tax, excluding monitor. You may be able to get a monitor at Good Will for $25.00.
Note: Always ask the seller why they are selling. If they say they
have upgraded ask them to show off their new system and what's
different than the one they are selling. If the seller is a
business, check to see how long they have been at that
location with the State Attorney General and also if they have
had any complaints with the BBB. GOOD LUCK.
refurbished or new?
by rulken - 2/29/08 10:33 PM In reply to: Your thoughts on refurbished or "recertified" computers by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
just look at the savings that anyone can realize by buying a "quality" used car and a new one. the savings are tremendous and very prudent to some one in your situation. in most cases the only main thing you need to do is upgrade the RAM to a respectable size. keep in mind that your system need only fill your needs then add a safe margin for future programs that you will likely need.
all this and keep in mind what others have repeated here, buy from schools,or some other reputable dealers.as for the brand I have found that every single printer or any other piece of equipment that I have ever bought interact just fine.
and this from someone that uses a MacBook Pro apple computer!
I Agree to Disagree
by sideburnz - 2/29/08 10:40 PM In reply to: Your thoughts on refurbished or "recertified" computers by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
On the matter of running soley HP products - beyond it being a personal preference - I'd say you should mix it up, HP makes a lot of boxes with "Special" parts and pieces (much like Gateway and Dell) but it depends on the size of desktop too. The small "VCR" size boxes tend to need custom fit parts to replace and its a @#$%^ to fix when something goes out.
I try to by used from a reputable source like so many people have stated - thay being said I just bought a G4 Mac on ebay and it works fine. It all depends on trust and a guarantee that you won't get screwed.
On the other hand you can buy new and save aswell. For instance if you monitor is good you won't need a new one and if you (or someone you know) knows your way around a computer you can buy a bare bones kit from somewhere like New Egg or Tiger Direct and have new computer for next to nothing that has a ton of equip and you can customize. I recently did this with a Sauron (gaming computer) and put it into a print shop - it is snazzy and has more than enough juice to do what needs done.
Note that you have to buy an operating system for bare bones deals, but if you have one you have LEGALLY purchased with a computer you own you should be able to load it - read the EULA to make sure its kosher, Lord knows you don't want to lose you pants over an operating system.
Other than that good luck, I know there are a lot of opinions but what I scanned over looked like most said go used. But in the end it depends on your needs and knowledge of computers.
computer refurbished or recertified
by hobbyiest - 2/29/08 10:53 PM In reply to: Your thoughts on refurbished or "recertified" computers by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
hello if you need to get an computer i would defintly go with a re-certified computer because used or called refubished ones are not 100% garunteed and not always upto date and it may of only be reloaded again. i would say go with recertified because it's been brought upto date and and has a new certified system installed and all hardware has been updated with new certified hardware components . used or refubised are not been updated with certified haredware but have been repaired or replaced with the same type of haredware that it orginal came with some times they will updated it to a high haredware but not a certified haredware. again i real recommened that you buy a recertified computer and when you cane afford an new one go head but for now just get the recertified one. best choice. i'm an telecommunications consultant my website is http://www.freewebs.com/troy01 good luck.troy schlaht -hobbyiest o/a
"Refurbished" or "Recertified" are asking for trouble.
by Zorched - 2/29/08 10:59 PM In reply to: Your thoughts on refurbished or "recertified" computers by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
Let me preface my answer by saying I have a degree in electronics, and have worked in the field for years, doing circuit level repairs on super-computers and the such. I've seen the test suites that most large scale and corporate machines go through to be certified repaired. Some boards would go through days and days of heating/cooling cycles to get them to fail.
With that said, Consumer electronics are nothing like that. Their test suites are minimal, and their tolerance testing is minimal at best. Does it work? Yup! Send it out the door!
"Refurbished" and "Recertified" are synonymous with "Probably going to fail intermittently".
Why? Simple: Because the test suites don't run long enough or through enough environmental differences to test all, or in many cases even a few of the conditions the unit is going to be working in. Are you in a humid clime? Is it hot there? What if your wall voltage isn't perfect? What if there's a vibration sensitive solder joint? It's not worth it to the manufacturer to spend the time or money to search for all these problems on a $500 unit when they hope the 30 day warranty will catch the big ones. After that, well... the customer didn't pay much for it so why expect much, right?
I tried a few refurbished devices from various manufacturers and was disappointed in all of them due to some random quirk that made me spend time tinkering or just plain trashing the unit as it was out of the very short warranty period. I knew better and I still fell for it. Ooops.
Never again. Many may say that they had a good experience with them. That's great for them. For me, I've had nothing but bad luck with refurbished electronics. I guarantee it will be a gamble for you, one I wouldn't personally recommend.
Refurbished from a manfacture is good.
by baddawg65 - 2/29/08 11:20 PM In reply to: Your thoughts on refurbished or "recertified" computers by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
I think that a refurbished desktop from the manufacture is good deal. A manufacture will do better to refurbished unit since they have a reputation to uphold. It is best to get a extended warranty from them so they can fix it if fails but don't pay too much for that extended warranty. I have a new laptop that had its hard drive fail after 6 months after I bought it so even a new computer can fail.
MY Experience on buying a Refurbished Computer..
by KathyRay42 - 2/29/08 11:35 PM In reply to: Your thoughts on refurbished or "recertified" computers by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
I bought a refurbished DELL ON the Dell website... I have "NO" complaints.. I would suggest going to the Brands website to buy tho.
I since went back to DELL to purchase a new Desktop. I like getting it equiped to my specs..
Kathy Ray
Your thoughts on refurbished or "recertified" computers
by wjunwei - 2/29/08 11:40 PM In reply to: Your thoughts on refurbished or "recertified" computers by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
Hi Julianne R.,
Im Raymond from Singapore. I will share my experiences and fellow singapore pc commmunity peers views too.
1. Reburbishing is not in trend. sigh.. Reason is we have a large IT mall (Sim Lim square in Singapore) which provides services of building pc from scratches at relative lower price than purchasing from HP or even DELL.
2. Refurbishing HP pc is somehow avoided as we cant get motherboard drivers in HP websites. So i would definitely avoid buying HP motherboard unless if it comes with a drivers CD.
3. Refurbishing isnt that difficult and it is the same as building new pc. refer to link (http://www.hardwarezone.com/guides/intel-socketT/) or (http://www.hardwarezone.com/guides/amd-socket939/)
for detailed guide to which type of chipset you favour.
4. Since most of the HP pc are loaded with OEM windows license, you would need to get a new license if you dont have the original OEM windows installation CD with you. But if you have a full retail license, this doesnt affect you.
5. I like refurbishing pc. What i do is to gather unused parts from friends and then check through compatibility of hardware in internet.
I myself favour MSI, Gigabyte, ASUS, FOXCONN, INTEL and DELL motherboards as drivers and manual are easily available online. so for HP motherboard, it takes luck to find out who produce their motherboard and whether drivers are available or not. (eg. http://cedcomputerservice.com/hpmotherboards.aspx)
PS: Few recent motherboards which i refurbished are FOXCONN 915G series, Asterope2-918E HP#5188-4383 and MSI 865PE Neo3-F. I built them up into shape for friends.
~Raymond_sg (aka gonggong)
Peripherals work with other brands of pc's
by computernut - 2/29/08 11:42 PM In reply to: Your thoughts on refurbished or "recertified" computers by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
You should not worry about your peripherals working with other brands of pc's besides HP. Your operating system has more to do with the computer's compatability with your printers,etc., than does the brand of pc. I have personlly found buying refurbs a risky business. Sometimes it works out fine, but more often than not I wind up getting a product that either does not work at all or doesn't work properly. Also, if you shop around you may be able to find a new pc for near the price of a refurb with at least a full year warranty. If you need an entire computer system including monitor, Keyboard, mouse, speakers, etc, it may be more difficult. If you only need the computer alone you definitely should be able to get a good basic computer for under $500. If you have to go really cheap I have seen pretty good systems for under 350. at places like Best Buy and Wal-mart. Again, these were just the computer without a monitor.If you must buy a refurbished pc I would assume you cannot come up with more than say about $250. unless your life depended on it. Also, I would make sure the refurb has an operating system included. Often, they do not and you must then purchase that and install after you buy so then that 199.00 refurb is no longer such a good deal when you need to fork out another 90. to even 160. or more depending on what OS you want to put in it. I would say if you already have a monitor, speakers, and so forth, just buy a new desktop tower and you at between 3 to 4 hunded dollars and you should be fine.I tend to buy products that are highly rated buy the customers who bought them and frequent sites that use customer reviews like newegg.com and tigerdirect.com. One of my favorite sites for shopping for a bargain is pricegrabber.com. Look for a bargain new computer that is hightly rated is my best advise.
They are good and bad
by sharmajunior - 3/1/08 12:22 AM In reply to: Your thoughts on refurbished or "recertified" computers by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
Let me start off with a few points regarding why refurbished are good. Refurbished items are good for people who are looking for specific modifications in a specific price range. Meaning refurbished items may work okay as the companies replace the faulty part and leave the rest alone. This leads to a product that functions well and may or may not have cosmetic damage or blemishes. On the other hand the bad part about it would be dependent on the use of the product. Meaning if the product has been used quite a lot by the previous buyer, then you may not be aware of the overuse of its other components. This especially an important point to see as even though the faulty part has been replaced, the system may again become unstable due to the degradation of the life of the other components. This may cause more problems in the future and it would suck as most companies offer 90 days worth of warranty as even they cannot assure you of its limitations. So at this point it is best to see if you really need to have a particular product and if you willing to risk buying a refurbished product. Otherwise it is best to buy a new product as you know that the product's lifespan has not been degraded in any way.
Refurbished HP computers
by greenfid28 - 3/1/08 1:03 AM In reply to: Your thoughts on refurbished or "recertified" computers by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
Lee
I've bought 8 refurbished computers from the HP RENEW programme which operates through e-bay in the UK over the last 3 years. The PCs all come with a manufacturers 1 year warranty. By their appearance I would not have been able to tel they were not new. In general I would say that I paid about half the price of the new PCs. There have been minor probelms with 4 of these machines and two of them have had to be returned within the first week for repairs. HPs service on this was excellent and once repaired the machines have worked fine. I've accepted that some problems are inevitable with a refurbished machine.
Hope this helps.
Reliabilty
by RunRagged2 - 3/1/08 2:13 AM In reply to: Your thoughts on refurbished or "recertified" computers by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
I thought it might be worthwhile to look at product reliability.
The common theory is that the failure rate follows the bathtub curve.
Ie high number of failures in the first period, low rate random failures during the second (long hopefully) period and increasing rate of failures during the third period.
With factory refurbs, you are getting a system which may have had a single failure during the first phase. Hopefully this part was replaced. The system, apart from the new component will now be approaching the second phase, so should be more reliable than the new system.
In practice, you have the additional benefit that the unit has been tested again (hopefully).
Do, as long as you are getting a fairly new unit that has been factory (of to factory spec.) refurbed, you should be getting a more reliable system at a lower cost.
BTW, fan and hard drive failures tend to be the third phase failures, limiting the ultimate life of the PC.
I now sell fanless and diskless thin clients.
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