Community Newsletter: Q&A: Your thoughts on refurbished or "recertified" computers
- 2/29/08 3:23 PM
HP Warranty worthless anyway
by Stuart Gathman - 3/1/08 9:43 AM In reply to: Your thoughts on refurbished or "recertified" computers by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
Vista is a crippled dog on low end laptops ($400-$500) - and that is the only thing preinstalled. (Dell Ubuntu preinstalls start at $800). Furthermore, the warranty from HP is worthless. The small print on their warranty says it is void if you have ever installed non-HP software on the laptop. A literal reading says that the warranty is void for most Windows users, but I'm sure they *usually* honor it.
<p>
However, since I run linux on low end laptops - so that they perform like a Mac instead of a snail - the warranty is clearly void. I could play games by saving the system recovery partition, and reinstalling Vista from that in the event of a hardware problem. However, for such low end machines, I prefer to just save the additional $40 - $60 and get a reburbished or discontinued floor model. $360 for a wide screen laptop with smooth performance and 3D eye candy for the desktop is a great deal. Of course, you will spend time installing Linux (fast and easy) and tracking down proper drivers and configuration for problem hardware (harder), so this is not for everyone. (Get a Mac or preinstalled Linux).
<p>
Discontinued floor models are preferred, because I can test the hardware in the store with a LiveCD, and because they are a little less "up to date". Why is this good? Because most hardware makers don't bother releasing Linux drivers or even hardware specs to allow timely open source drivers. Thus, it takes time and lots of trial and error testing by people who like that sort of thing. So older low end hardware is better supported on Linux.
No to Refurbished
by michaellawre - 3/1/08 10:23 AM In reply to: Your thoughts on refurbished or "recertified" computers by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
For $199 you can buy a NEW computer at Sears loaded with a Linux operating system that is much more secure that any Windows os.
Refurbished Computers
by lubnaansari - 3/1/08 10:39 AM In reply to: Your thoughts on refurbished or "recertified" computers by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
I have purchased two refurbished/used computers, one is a Dell GX 280 and one is an IBM Netvista, these are 3.0 and 2.53.
All I had to do was double the memory from 512 to 1024.
These machines are performing superbly and are far better then the one built/assembled by me from off the shelf MB, Ram, HD Processor etc. In my opinion its the BIOS that makes branded machines work better. I have dual boot of Kubuntu one the Dell and Vector Linux on the IBM with Windows XP Home and Pro sp2 respectively.
For price saving and performance I would recommend refurbished machines any time.
Cheers,
Lubna
refurbished computers or any produst
by rct - 3/1/08 10:44 AM In reply to: Your thoughts on refurbished or "recertified" computers by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
I have beed buy refurbished produsts for several yesrs and as long as it is from a good company no problems,make sure it is a good price. I've bought HP computers,Zume 30 gig.,Sandisks MP3 player, no problems. now the X-Box I not sure of.They have a high rate of returns in the nomal new. LOL
HP Refurb
by jbquinter - 3/1/08 10:46 AM In reply to: Your thoughts on refurbished or "recertified" computers by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
We have purchased 2 refurb xw8400 workstations direct form HP in the last 9 months and couldn't be happier. You get the same warranty as with a new machine and they are usually running some sort of promotion that can add value. the first one we bought, if you purchased the 3yr warranty you got free shipping.(The warranty was $5.00 more than the shipping costs, so it was a no-brainer.) If you watch the ones that they have special deals on, you can get great value. The machines that we purchased listed for over $3000.00 new and we paid about $1100.00 each for them and they were still the current model when we bought them. We bought them will single dual-core Xeons, but they are capable of holding 2 quad-core Xeons and they can holding 32g of DDR2 ram, so there is lots of room to keep them running with the best for a while.
This is in the HP Business outlet.
One machine did have a bad #3 memory slot, but I did my due diligence before calling Tech support. When I called, I knew the problem and could explain. One 5 minute call and within 48 hrs an HP Tech was here installing a new motherboard.
OK if from reputable source
by williamwacker3 - 3/1/08 10:48 AM In reply to: Your thoughts on refurbished or "recertified" computers by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
Avoiding infant mortalities and a thorough checkout is what you'll gain, also a favorable price. What's missed are latest technology & features. If they're not all that important; go for it.
Happy hunting, Bill W
refurbs.
by Davidwed1 - 3/1/08 11:01 AM In reply to: Your thoughts on refurbished or "recertified" computers by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
Julianna I am an old dude that used to be the marketing head for the service dept at Prime Computer. We were always trying to catch up to HP and match their level of service in the minicomputer market. Never beat em.
I recently bought a higher level HP desktop and had a minor problem installing it. I called HP service and was truly dissapointed. From not being able to take my basic information to not knowing their basic information. I'm sure I could have made the pc work as I have a very intelligent son working for Microsoft support but I sent it back. Sadly no one is much better. Got a Gateway and service is horrible there to.
I'm setting up a computer controlled home theatre system and found a great deal on a Sony factory refurb. It didn't work. I ordered another and asked for it to be tested before shipment. Sony declined. It didn't work either. No more refurbs for me. I used to love Sony
Took over 6 months from ordering components to watching first movie due to returns. BUY NEW Oh try Amazon better prices than Sony and often free shipping.
Tahnks,
by SOPADEFADEO - 3/1/08 11:18 AM In reply to: refurbs. by Davidwed1Hello, i just posted a reply in references to the many responses, and I am going to do just find one and buy it. THanks for your input!
My thoughts
by Reric456 - 3/1/08 11:05 AM In reply to: Your thoughts on refurbished or "recertified" computers by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
I bought a refurbished dell Latitude D600 computer with XP PRO SP2 for about 550.00 not too long ago and I love it. I have always had great luck with a Dell as long as Vista is not the OS. Although the technology is a little old, it still has 2 gig memory and 2 gig processor and runs my IIS and ORACLE quite nicely. I also have other memory intensive programs that run well too.
Eric
Manufacturer/Factory Refurbished, Yes!
by vizenos - 3/1/08 11:06 AM In reply to: Your thoughts on refurbished or "recertified" computers by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
If by "refurbished" you mean factory-refurbished by the original manufacturer, I'd say go for it. Several months ago, my wife and I both purchased factory-refurbished laptops, and they have both been problem-free. I'm not sure what "recertified" means, so I wouldn't go there.
New Englander gets it....
by SOPADEFADEO - 3/1/08 11:15 AM In reply to: Your thoughts on refurbished or "recertified" computers by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
And it isn't just a few hundred dollars we're talking about-i suppose i should've mentioned that I bought my PC I have now re-furfished (unknowingly, that's how little I "knew" when I began)and i am a full time artist/painter. This was about 2 or 3 yrs ago. So, I just read everything I could and learned about what I needed to absolutely max this PC out with memory ,extra-hard-drive, etc...i even had to re-format it with XP Pro at one point (in the beginning, which ended up better than the XP home it came with).
Now, I scan all my paintings in and this PC's max is 1GB and I think (or am assuming I need) that if I just had one of the desktops that now can be go up to 4-even 8GB, i would be, or feel, much safer about all my files (they are backed-up), artworks (my livelihood)...and the sysytem they are on.
As far as many of your responses to HP products, also have a mac (that's another story), I assumed HP was at very least an above average PC system. However, as I mentioned, all my equipment-scanner,two printers are HP and I cannot afford to have those things suddenly become non-compatible with a different system. I deal with TigerDirect -and was "building" one, but again, the price just started going up and up.
They have, however, re-furbished PCs with enough GB and hard drive, and dual-core (a must)with 2.0Ghz-for as little as four hundred dollars! This is my dilemma! Is this just too good to be true? I mean, buying it sight unseen is not my idea of safe, but when i speak with them, it seems that with my limited situation, and the refund option if it is not operable in combination with my fairly decent ability to figure most of my (so far) PC's issues out on my own or with on-line tech help, that this is, okay, now saying it-it is my ONLY choice at this time!
Thanks everyone for all your comments, it pretty much helped me make the desicion i already probably knew, but needed to hear some other opinions.
One thing to the "laptop loyalists." I don't think you understood what I needed, and I have been told this MANY times-to get a laptop-but there is no way, with my set-up, my work and how I use my system in regards to it, that i could get a laptop to do what I do. ONe day,I will get one, but it is the equipment needed and constantly being used that would never make me switch to something smaller, but thanks anyway.I am loyal to desktops at this time
I know what its like!
by xalux888 - 3/1/08 11:23 AM In reply to: Your thoughts on refurbished or "recertified" computers by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
My last laptop was recondicioned and it was fine after the 90 year warranty expired, the laptop overheated (Toshiba) so I had to open it up and clean it. I would buy refurbished computer or laptop again. Hope this helps!
rto buy or not to buy.. refurbished or not... your computer
by gaulloa - 3/1/08 11:24 AM In reply to: Your thoughts on refurbished or "recertified" computers by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
Dear Julianne:
There are many issues in your question:
1/Refurbished computer mean a machine that has being overhauled and recertified as working properly. The thing is who certifies that. I could certify you a computer I checked as good. But does my certification means something to you? Or would say NO. But if a big name manufacturer says they checked it out and that anything is fine..you tenmd to believe them..right?
This is also true with brand new PCs and cars and houses.. but sometimes even in brand new state you get a headache.... so for this sake the only cure is: HAVE A 100% OR CHARGE BACK WARRANTY IN WRITTEN! new or refurbished.
2/You don't really can affirm an HP/Compaq machine ../yes is the same company/ is better than a Dell, for example. A ford better than a chevy? ... your opinion or mine is based on what you hear and how you like the commercials and ads... that is why there is a Consumer Report Magazine, and wish we have the real back for repairs statistics on any computer manufacturer, but they dont give those figures.. so you choose almost on impulse. All common computers accept scanners, printers, etc... but there are some differences you should point to when choosing a computer:
a/Those connections you talk about are translated into PORTS /wholes and jack where you connect things/ in the back, front or side of your computer: most of them are USB for your printers and scanners and webcams, memory expansion and mp3, etc... get at least one for any kind of stuff you wanna connect.. I would request at least 4 USBs, one internet port for broadband or ethernet,etc.
You should request the computer for what you want it. Want to do letters and Powerpoint? a $350 desktop or $650 notebook is fine.. it even handle common games and web browsing. You play high level games or do autocad or print design? ...then a 2 to 4 gb ram with a good quality screen and +2.4Ghz CPU is vital, and forget a 40GB harddisk.. you should get at least an 80gb....
By the way: peripherals as printers and scanners and digital cameras work almost on any computer, provided it runs Windows, and some also do fine on Apple stuff. So you can have a Kodak camera, and a Dell laser printer and a n Hp inkjet printer and a Canon scanner connected to any normal PC. Just visit the stores with a knowledgeable friend and ask the salesman to confirm you can have all your stuff communicating with your computer.
Another advise: if you want to buy, ay, a printer, and you know you want it to be inkjet, just visit the reviews and comparisons sections at CNET and other websites... you will even find very good comparisons on terms of perfomance/price, quality, etc...
Another one: VISIT eBAY.COM and look for highly ranked stores and include your zip code: on that fashion you will be able to check on prices, origen, and if the salesman is close, you can go and visit. That is for free!
Another think is visit large stores, like Circuit City, Target, Best Buy, etc.. most weekends theyt have equipment on sale, clearance and demo units available.... you can visit thjem on their webpages or newspaper ads...
Refurbed vs. New
by n1osgandy - 3/1/08 11:56 AM In reply to: Your thoughts on refurbished or "recertified" computers by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
Find a reputable dealer. Here in New England, we have many fine shops, but do they let you test the machine? I have found many used computers in dumpsters, and all that was needed was a few hours of effort on my part to refurbish these machines. Most of the time, the previous owner did not have a firewall, anti-virus protection, and anti-spyware installed. As a result, a reinstall of Win2K resolved issues. Maybe this is too much effort for you, but I have machines from 750mhz to 2.4ghz that work with no problems. Occasionally, a new hard drive is needed, as the old one is corrupted beyond recovery. Most of the time, I will upgrade the ram. Out of 17 computers, all but one was a success. That was a DELL laptop. Due to DELL's un-willingness to give out the bios unlock code, I would never recommend any DELL product. Maybe you will have better luck. Of the 17 computers, 12 have been given nice homes to play in.
Find a reputable dealer, or hope you get lucky, like I did.
dustybear
LOVE Em!!
by dfrandin - 3/1/08 12:22 PM In reply to: Your thoughts on refurbished or "recertified" computers by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
I've personally bought over 10 Dell systems from the Dell Outlet, all refurb'ed systems, and I couldn't be happier with them. To give you an idea of the pricing differences, I just bought a refurb'ed Dell Vostro 1400 laptop, with Core2Duo/1.4/2GB/160GB/wifi/webcam, pretty much most everything you can get on this model, and only paid $549 for it. While pricing out a duplicate system via the normal build-to-order website, the same system would have been over $850.. I've bought two Dell Optiplex GX620s last year, for $419 each, systems that were virtually identical to the systems we were buying at work for $985 apiece...
I am happy as I can be with Dell's refurbished computers, other vendors, YMMV!!
Dave
| Forum legend: | |
 |
Locked thread |
 |
Moderator |
 |
CNET staff |
 |
Samsung staff |
 |
Norton Authorized Support team |
 |
AVG staff |
 |
Windows Outreach team |
 |
Dell staff |
 |
Intel staff |
