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Community Newsletter: Q&A: Your thoughts on refurbished or "recertified" computers
- 2/29/08 3:23 PM
Inexpensive refurbished gaming computer
by Reaper351 - 2/28/08 10:20 AM In reply to: Your thoughts on refurbished or "recertified" computers by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
Hi Julianne. There is nothing wrong with a refurbished computer. They are usually guaranteed or have a warranty. I wouldn't limit my choices to just HP though. You can get a fairly fast rig, you can get a rig with 3 GHZ processor and 1 gig of ram. off Ebay for under $500. Here is a link .
I have purchased several new rigs and have built a couple. I have had the most problems with computers that were made for the masses. I have purchased a couple E Machines and a couple Dells. None of them are working now. I have a Compaq, my custom built, Alienware and a Cyberpower that are still going strong. I am assuming you want the rig for gaming, but you did not say for sure. You also did not say exactly what you were looking for in a rig. Depending on what you want, will depend on what you should look for in the computer you buy. If you do not have a lot of money to spend, buy a computer with the fastest processor you can afford. You can always upgrade the RAM, video card and hard drive later. If you cannot afford a dual core processor you can look for one with Hyper Threading or Hyper Transport. These allow the single core to act like a dual core.
Maybe not HP....
by skycatcher - 2/23/08 1:02 AM In reply to: Your thoughts on refurbished or "recertified" computers by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
Having spent some eight years as an IT Tech in a large school (500+ PCs) I would avoid second user HPs. HP makes brilliant printers but their PCs are in fact Compaq. The last load we bought had horrendous power problems on the motherboard and had to be replaced - only to blow up again.
Try and look for Dell, Viglen or Gateway - stick with these big names and you won't go far wrong (UK users... avoid Packard Bell, Tiny, Time and anything to do with PC World) The main thing I hate about buying second user PCs is that most outlets insist on selling it with an OEM Windows licence... I have so many licences, they are coming out of my ears and why should I have to buy another OS just because my PC has gone to the big recycling centre in the sky, when I already own a full license version of XP Pro.
I've just paid £50 (UK) for a 1.8 MHz Viglen Genie (with yet another XP OEM licence) and it's a real screamer. However, I'd have enjoyed it a lot more if they were prepared to sell it to me without a HDD or licence. If you are planning on using Vista... get the fastest NEW PC you can find. Good hunting.
Consider All The Costs
by wstewart - 2/23/08 1:31 AM In reply to: Your thoughts on refurbished or "recertified" computers by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
Remember when you are looking for a computer solution, please consider all of the costs of ownership. It is NOT just the initial cost... whether new, refurbished or recertified. We tend to often overlook two of the more important factors: reliability and technical support. These two factors can cost you much more in down time and your own time spent in diagnostics/repair than you might think. Is your time worth something? If you agree with me, you will consult an unbiased source about this issue. I recommend Consumer Reports which consistently recommends Apple (my favorite... I have owned Macs since 1984) and Dell (my second favorite... when I must purchase a PC), because CR does not accept advertising... they are free to rate consumer items on merit alone. You say you like HP, but you will quickly see that HP (and their other computer line: Compaq) do not rate very highly in either reliability or technical support. If you must purchase refurbished or recertified, stick with the most reliable you can afford.
Build your own
by ivaskaj - 2/23/08 1:32 AM In reply to: Your thoughts on refurbished or "recertified" computers by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
In my opinion, all the pre-made computers are junk. If you build your own, you can be sure that it has quality parts, and that all the hardware is compatible with the type of computing that you do. It is really easy to do. Last I priced, you could build a nice system for around $500 including a case and power supply.
What's refurbished PC??
by ldsaint - 2/23/08 2:05 AM In reply to: Your thoughts on refurbished or "recertified" computers by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
HI,
I upgrade, build, design, PC's. I can spend hours sourcing and marrying up the latest technology. Computers (PC's) are a combination of compatible parts made by several manufacturers. So you see, a pre built brand like HP should have nothing to do with your choice but rather the hardware specification and quality.
HP are a good brand with superb online support, but companies building systems are after maximum profits, so you can buy your base system at a shop thinking you'll upgrade later but when you look inside there's no graphics port, the RAM (memory) is not the best, the hard drive is a slower spec and the power supply is the lowest wattage required to run what you have.
So what do want this PC to be capable of? You need to buy the best you can for your money, so that means fastest processor, fastest RAM, biggest hard drive, and gaming systems require more money spent. On a second hand unit it becomes harder to compare what you are getting unless you know how the hardware specifications have changed over time.
Refurbished/recertified, just words to give you more confidence in a second hand or broken/repaired unit. As I said It's a about spec.
The second part of your question about peripherals can be answered easily, as "yes" nearly all brands will be compatible, buy units that connect by USB for increased compatibilty and ease. Many new units come without the USB leads so check inside the box. A USB lead shoudn't cost more than £5 (£2 on ebay). Check your system has plenty of USB ports and make sure it has hi speed USB2 compatibilty. The next thing to look for is will the printer, scanner, camera etc. run on your operating system (XP, Vista, Linux) The HP brand is good, but I prefer epson printers (ink is cheaper).
You should be able do get a good system with TFT second hand for £150-250 with a half decent new one for £300-£400. I would recommend getting something custom built or saving up for a package from someone like Dell or HP. Like I said they may not be the best systems for upgrades but they would be current and good overall value.
Good luck!
Buying refurbished or recertified...
by Wolfie2k5 - 2/23/08 2:11 AM In reply to: Your thoughts on refurbished or "recertified" computers by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
Julianne,
For what it's worth, a refurbished or recertified computer CAN be a good money saving option. However, it does pay to tread carefully when it comes to buying anything refurbished...
First off, what does it mean - refurbished or recertified? It can mean a lot of different things. Someone usually buys a computer, isn't happy with it for whatever reason, takes it or sends it back to the vendor. The box has been opened, and used, and it's no longer new. Or it could be a computer that was shipped and turned out to be defective and was returned.
The vendor has a couple of options at this point. They usually do whatever they can do to fix it or ship it off to a third party who does the refurb job on the computer.
Therefore, the $64,000 question is - who's doing the refurb? Is it the original manufacturer or someone else? And if it's "someone else" then what kind of reputation do they have? Do they do good work or...?
The thing to do in this case would be to search for feedback on these particular systems and see what other people seem to think about them. Google is your friend.
There ARE some things to consider before buying a refurbished computer:
1.) Take note of the warranty period on the refubished units you're looking at. Most new systems come with a full year (or more) but a refurb may only come with a 30 day, 90 day or 6 month warranty. Read the fine print BEFORE you buy. Make sure you know what the terms are such as what your options are should there be a problem. Find out the contact numbers for tech support and keep them handy - just in case.
2.) Odds are quite high that your "new" refurb computer will come with Windows Vista. Some older printers may NOT have Vista certified or compatible drivers. Likewise, scanners may also have software that doesn't play well, if at all, with Vista. You really should do a bit of research to see if your specfic device(s) are supported before you wind up finding out they're not going to work and you wind up having to spend more buying replacements.
3.) New computers are generally configurable with options - such as hard drives, memory, video cards, Windows XP instead of Vista, etc... BUT... Refurbished units are not configurable at all. What you see listed is what you get. This can be a problem if you like the basic system being offered, but need a bigger hard drive or more memory or if you have a need for Windows XP. You may wind up spending more on "upgrades" than you've saved by buying the refurbished unit.
Make sure the computer has everything to run ALL of your programs and games without having to buy more stuff down the road.
As a corollary to this - make sure that the computer has all the ports you'll need to run your peripherals. If you've got an older printer that requires a parallel port and your new system doesn't, well, you can see where I'm going. Another example: modern Dell computers come with at least 6 USB ports (4 in back, 2 in front). However, they no longer come with standard PS/2 ports (the little round ones for the keyboard and mouse). The mouse and keyboard that come with Dell systems are all USB. This can leave you a bit short handed if you've got a lot of USB peripherals.
4.) Make note of the technology that's going into the system you're looking at buying. You might find a system that seems to be just the ticket, but after looking closer, you might find that the system is based on fairly old technology - such as a Pentium D series processor which is three rather BIG steps backwards as far as Intel chips are concerned. Since the Pentium D series, they've released the Core Duo, Core 2 Duo and Core 2 Quad series. While it may work ok, you really don't want to get stuck with a machine that will need replacing SOONER, rather than later.
A little research can and will go a LONG way toward saving yourself from frustration and disappointment. A little common sense will likewise be useful.
As far as brand loyalty goes, I'm sure the folks at HP really do appreciate it, however, it's not mandatory to buy everything from ANY one vendor. The era of proprietary peripherals is long dead and buried. The ONLY advantage of buying everything from one vendor - you only need to remember ONE support number and should you find yourself needing to talk to someone in the department that handles printers, the computer techs can transfer your call there instead of hanging up and calling the other vendor and queueing for hours on their support lines.
Given most modern computers these days come with multiple USB ports and usually come with some flavor of Windows, you're almost guaranteed that an HP printer will work with a Dell branded computer as well a Gateway, Acer, or any other name brand for that matter - as well as any home built rig.
Remember, the U in USB stands for Universal. There are, as noted above, exceptions to this rule. As long as drivers for the peripheral exist for the flavor of Windows AND your system otherwise meets the system requirements, there isn't any reason why it shouldn't work.
Why not new?
by Manopoly - 2/23/08 2:23 AM In reply to: Your thoughts on refurbished or "recertified" computers by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
Julianne, I'm not sure what your budget is, but I have seen some fairly decently equipped new computors for under $300 at Wal-Mart. Most computors run on either Intel or AMD chips, and most motherboards are similar, so what you should focus on is speed, memory and storage mainly with an extra bit of attention to extras, such as CD/DVD reading and writing ability, rather than on Brand name. In short: get the most bang for your buck, but you are better off with a new unit for several reasons, not least of which is that the new unit comes with a factory warranty, and an additional warranty can be purchased as well. Secondly, there is no telling what a reconditioned unit has been through, how long it will last, or if a bad bit of trojan will come back to haunt you. You may also upgrade most computors, so a new slower computor may do well for now, and an affordable upgrade in speed or memory may be performed at some future point.
Try Tiger Direct
by ronkauff - 2/23/08 2:26 AM In reply to: Your thoughts on refurbished or "recertified" computers by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
If you are the least bit technically qualified, build your own! As I have been doing for the past 10 years. Tigerdirect.com has many different combinations of really excellent systems from bare bones systems (sometime on sale for $200 or less)to high end motherboard/CPU combinations. You can also purchase a new motherboard, CPU and memory and you are on your way. It really is quite easy and you have the satisfaction of saying, "I built it myself." Better yet, you can fix it yourself.
I have too a quite powerfull computer
by dj_thema - 2/23/08 2:28 AM In reply to: Your thoughts on refurbished or "recertified" computers by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
Processor is intel Pentium D 930 with 3 GHz
with 2x2 MB L2 Cash
it it occurs quite often
I have too Windows XP SP2
what I think is that Microsoft is pushing us to go to Vista but I wont because my Computer rejects it I'd rather install Linux
Huh?
by bigjohnl - 3/1/08 6:23 AM In reply to: I have too a quite powerfull computer by dj_themaDid he say anything?
responds to Your question on Cnet
by danielnagel69 - 2/23/08 2:43 AM In reply to: Your thoughts on refurbished or "recertified" computers by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
Dear Julianne,
at first,I hope ,I understand Your Prob the right way cause my english is very bad but if You try to connect hardware from diferent brands normally works eventime,sometimes could be that You need new drivers,but Youhaven´t to buy all from the same producer only in reason that You bought once upon ago a computer or any else from them.
If You still got problems to install some hardware You coan contact me and I´ll try my best to help You if You like,just write again here on cnet and I would give You my E-mail address to help again if You allow,Great success and lovely greetings from germany ,Daniel
Refurbished's worked for me
by plg6 - 2/23/08 3:41 AM In reply to: Your thoughts on refurbished or "recertified" computers by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
My last two computers have been refurbished, in my case IBM's. The thing to watch for is from whom are you buying them? If you're getting them from anybody on eBay, what are your service options should something go wrong? My second IBM still had warranty time on it so I got a free motherboard replacement. That's why I prefer dealing with a reputible vendor than an individual trying to unload an older machine on you.
Other than that, there's nothing inherent about HP's being better than Dells, per se. The bottom line is that each will run Windows equally well, and it's at the operating system level that the devices interact so you should be fine in that regard. Sticking to a well-known name brand, be it HP, Dell, Toshiba or SONY is a safer bet than getting some no-name or off brand computer.
Bottom line is that you'll save a lot on the bottom line, and likely will have a reliable, useful computer for a long time to come. Spend some of the savings on a good backup system. You'll thank me for that later.
Brand Loyalty in PCs is NONSENSE!
by Dr. Planarian - 2/23/08 3:43 AM In reply to: Your thoughts on refurbished or "recertified" computers by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
HP computers can't do anything anybody else's computers can do. There are really only two different "brands" of PC where things won't always work between them, Apple and "everything else," and even this is becoming less of an issue as Apple is now throwing in the towel on a lot of their "proprietariness."
Furthermore, HP is one of the biggest offenders in pre-installing a load of useless and burdensome crapware. For many years now I have gotten my computer built by a local shop (being too clumsy and/or lazy to do it myself), which has the advantages of coming to me clean with only the O/S and appropriate drivers installed and of providing me with the REAL Windows distribution disk, which is a LOT more useful than the "rescue disks" provided with name brand PCs.
Nearly all printers, scanners, network devices, cameras, whatnot, work with nearly all PCs.
Don't get me wrong... HP builds a good PC. But so does everyone else. Go for the best deal, the biggest bang for the buck and the features you want, and don't even glance at the brand name on the box, and you'll be better off.
Opinions on refurbished or "recertified" PCs
by jeppo26 - 2/23/08 4:23 AM In reply to: Your thoughts on refurbished or "recertified" computers by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
BUYING A PC WITH A BRAND NAME IS POINTLESS , YOU ARE JUST PAYING THE EXTRA MONEY FOR THEIR ADD-ONS.
WHICH ARE NOT REALLY REQUIRED , XP COMES WITH EVERYTHING YOU REQUIRE TO RUN EVERTHING INCLUDING ALL HARDWARE, ALSO DRIVERS ARE ALSO AVAILABLE FOR PRINTERS ETC FROM MANUFACTURES WEBSITES.
YOU WILL HAVE A LEANER AND CLEANER SYSTEM WITHOUT THE BRAND NAME , BEAR IN MIND THAT IF YOU DONT WANT TO LEARN THE BASICS OF KEEPING YOUR PC IN TIP TOP MAINTENANCE AND ACTUALLY LEARN SOMETHING , THEN BUY THE BRAND NAME BUT IT STILL WONT MAKE YOUR PC INVINCIBLE.
For Julianne
by jusbeth55 - 2/23/08 4:24 AM In reply to: Your thoughts on refurbished or "recertified" computers by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
My desktop is a Dell, which I used to have the Dell printer and it wore out very quickly, but then I used it alot too. I still have the Dell computer, but I replaced my printer with an HP and they work great together.
I had to replace my desktop a couple of years ago and bought a refurbished one, it still costs me $400. I haven't had any trouble with it (it's a Dell too) but my laptop is an HP and I really prefer them to Dell. So whether you buy new or used, it's going to cost, so (personally) I would go ahead and get a new one. At least you will know what you're getting.
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