Community Newsletter: Q&A: Your thoughts on refurbished or "recertified" computers
- 2/29/08 3:23 PM
No problems with refurbished.
by theboyofspewn - 3/1/08 3:52 PM In reply to: Your thoughts on refurbished or "recertified" computers by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
My mother used to work in a factory putting together hair dryers. She once told me about the processes that a returned product had to go through to be re-sold as refurbished. Often-times they would replace the entire innards of the product, and then sell it at a significant price break. Because of this, my family has always considered refurbished to be better than new, and cheaper. If I can find something I want refurbished, then I buy it refurbished, regardless of what it is. As long as the computers specs are what you need, I say go for it.
On another note, I would NEVER purchase a "used" system.
Refurb. Computers
by zerokewl - 3/1/08 4:08 PM In reply to: Your thoughts on refurbished or "recertified" computers by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
Look at it this way, its like buying a used certified car.
Except the components are not as expensive to replace.
Most computers are built with 3rd party components.
So if refurbish. means they had to change out a faulty component is as good as getting another from the build line.
Generally most Big name manufacturer's will just do that.
DELL,HP and etc.. all customize computers as you wish by altering hardware configurations.
Therefore in my opinion I dont think a refurbish computer would be a bad buy, unless it was dropped!
Love them
by glimmrmoon - 3/1/08 4:14 PM In reply to: Your thoughts on refurbished or "recertified" computers by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
I have an Imac I purchased refurbished form the Apple website and saved $300. It was the current model and had the apple warranty and service and everything a brand new computer would have had but I got it for $300 less. Anytime I am thinking of purchasing an expensive electronic gadget I look for refurbished deals. I have bought several (Imac, digital camera, HD-DVD player, then Blu-ray player 
, etc.) I have never been disappointed. I am a definite believer and supporter of refurbished products. I say go for it.
MAC's and Refurbished
by rlevesque - 3/1/08 5:59 PM In reply to: Love them by glimmrmoonNow before I reply to this let me say I am a UNIX lover, although MAC and Windows have their excellent uses also. Now...one thing to keep in mind, when you talk about MAC refurbished. MACs are a different breed of animal. Any MAC that is sold as refurbished goes through TONS of testing before it is ever released. Apple is probably one of the most strict companies when it comes to quality, this I know for a fact. So, that having been said...the original question was asked about a PC, can't really compare a refurbished MAC with a refurbished PC. PC companies simply do not and will not ever put their computers through all the testing Apple puts their MACs through.
NOTE TO PC LOVERS - disagree all you want, as I said I prefer UNIX myself. However, having worked for Apple at one time I know this as fact. Not saying MAC is better or worse than PC at all...just saying I do know how strict they are with their products and quality assurance.
Not everyone is knocking PCs
by Larry Launstein Jr - 3/2/08 8:23 AM In reply to: MAC's and Refurbished by rlevesqueThe big problem with PCs right now isn't the computer, per se. It is the Vista operating system. I saw XP as a much more stable system than Visa when that program was introduced. I admit I haven't heard much more to see if Vista has been stabilized somewhat with the service packs. However, I will say that Mac OS-X Leopard has been experiencing some of the same problems, and has had to undergo some serious service pack fixes itself. The big reason I recommend a Mac right now over a PC is because the newer Macs can handle both Mac and Windows programs. You are getting to continue using your favorite software in addition to using many of the great programs available for the Mac. To me, that was the big selling point that made me switch. Just make sure you can get a Mac capable of handling both kinds of programs and a big enough hard drive for both. 120 GB is about the minimum you should be shooting for size-wise.
If you choose to stay with a regular PC, I definitely would use a Dell. They have stood up to the test of time, and have also been well backed up by the company in terms of service and warranty. The University of Michigan-Flint uses exclusively Macs and Dells. I don't think you'll go wrong either way.
As for my qualifications, I have been using a PC since the days of the old IBM PCjr. I got that one when they were still being made and supported. I moved to a 286 and then a 486, and finally to an AMD Athlon before finally making the switch. So, I was right there almost from the start. I also had some experience using Macs along the way, so when I finally made the switch, it was fairly easy for me.
Warranty is what makes a desktop new or not
by frank bruce - 3/1/08 4:47 PM In reply to: Your thoughts on refurbished or "recertified" computers by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
If the hardware is refurb. by the factory (HP, Dell, Sony, ACER, etc) it comes out with a limited warranty, that is fine since you have some coverage. If the hardware is refurb. by someone that is not giving you warranty then you are totally uncover, that is a real problem.
Most of the so call refurb hardware is because someone returned hardware because it did not fit their needs or expectations, that said, the hardware is in good shape.
What makes the difference between new hardware and no new hardware is the warranty.
WHAT !?!?!?
by jacooker - 3/1/08 5:35 PM In reply to: Your thoughts on refurbished or "recertified" computers by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
Are you for real??? With the prices of new systems, even one thats at thre bottom of the **** list are so cheap that dudes living under briges can afford one! A refurb system was sent back becuse it was crap from the maker by the person that bought it. I would break out my old Win95 Atec (crap brand) before I would buy a refurb.
John A Cook
jacooker@yahoo.com
Refurbished Computers
by Paul Zaidel - 3/1/08 5:35 PM In reply to: Your thoughts on refurbished or "recertified" computers by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
I have bought 2 from Tiger Direct And am still using them 3 years later.
Refurbished computers are fine
by vaughnb - 3/1/08 5:37 PM In reply to: Your thoughts on refurbished or "recertified" computers by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
I've bought both new and refurbs, if bought from the manufacturer, no difference. Dell offers the same warranty as new. I do look when I'm saving a lot of money. With my most recent laptop, I saved around $400 compared to new. Downside on a laptop is you can't customize. Positive is that often the computer was sent in for repairs so you have less chance of it breaking since the first owner tested it for you.
I agree
by someoldguy - 3/1/08 6:08 PM In reply to: Refurbished computers are fine by vaughnbI have built my own computers and made upgrades for employers and friends since 1998. I decided I didn't want to build another computer. I bought a refurbished Dell a year ago and saved about $700. Enough to buy a 22" widescreen monitor instead of the 19" monitor I had been looking at and an XBOX 360 (also refurbished). I mention all this because I am very happy the purchase. I used Dell's Outlet page. (HP has a refurb page, also.) It took me a couple of weeks of checking Dell's Outlet page to find a refurbished computer that matched my requirements. They are always adding and selling individual computers so the offerings change rapidly. I would recommend buying from the manufacturer, if possible. For sure get it from a reputable source that will still be there a year or two from now. Dell's customer service is really good. Back around the turn of the century they had really crappy customer service. That's changed and they really have good service and I happy with the quality of my computer. I don't work for Dell but I have maintained Dells on small business networks for the last 8 years and I've always liked them. I used a lot of Gateways, too. I wouldn't recommend a Gateway, myself. As far as refurbished products in general. I think they can be a good deal if you do your due diligence.
Not what I would recommend at all...
by rlevesque - 3/1/08 5:50 PM In reply to: Your thoughts on refurbished or "recertified" computers by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
My opinion for your question:
1. For GOD SAKES stay away from HP (unless you want a useless boat anchor from a company who does not care about their customers at all). Better off going with Dell honestly if you wish to purchase a brand new computer. Dell has customer service that out performs any other company I have found, and I have to deal with all of them in a big way through the years working for large companies and ordering tons of computers.
2. refurbished or not depends on your individual needs and your expertise with computers.
Let me give you an example...
If you have very little computer knowledge and are a light user then you would be much better off just purchasing a new computer. If going through Dell directly is too expensive for you then try companies like TigerDirect.com, very reputable. However, if you know how to build your own computer then perhaps a refurbished one would be fine because you would know how to fix or upgrade it if you need to.
Either way you go one of the most important things is to be sure the computer you buy is not designed in a proprietary manner and that it is easily upgradeable. This way regardless of how much money you spent on it, it will be money well spent. Hope this helps...
RJ Levesque, Jr.
UNIX Network Administrator
Software Engineer
IT Technician
buying new of refurbished computers
by ezlovr - 3/1/08 5:52 PM In reply to: Your thoughts on refurbished or "recertified" computers by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
This is my reply to Julianne, it doen't so much matter whether you buy new or refurbished computer. The important things are, in my mind: 1. who is the manufacturer being considered. 2. Do they have a long standing reputation for excellence and warranty work. 3. What are the spec.s I want in my computer and what is the end use of my computer?
1. Companies I would consider would be: Dell, Gateway, Hewlett-Packard.
Reason: Great warranties and tech assistance as well as online help.
Companies I would NOT consider: Acer, Compac, (there is another that escapes me at the moment). Reason: their systems are closed (non-upgradeable at a cheap price). Some of these companies sell a nice system if you don't want to add anything to them but usually, they use a proprietary motherboard or case that does not allow for expansion past what is already included in the pre-packaged deal.
I bought my first system from a specialty computer shop that built my system to my specs and although it was a great little fast system for a 286XT computer back in 1986, I couldn't readily upgrade the system without tremendous cost, well over new! Fast forward to 2005 and the way systems are built now, and you can have a custom system built that is pretty much off the shelf.
You simply have to know what peripherals you desire, the CPU speed and brand you want, what size hard drive will satisfy your requirements now and in the near future. The larger, the better! At the prices today, its a "no brainer" to buy the biggest hard drive you can get (500 GB).
Warranties are important after you load all your choice software on it and it begins to impact performance of your system because they take up so much room on your hard drive AND LOADING THEM CAN IMPACT YOUR SYSTEM'S PERFORMANCE, TOO.
Reputable companies have a responsibility to their good name to service you better. As far as buying an "out of date" system goes, every computer you buy is at least 6 months old even though it may be brand new out of the box. Technology moves that fast!
Concentrate on the CORE issues and buy from a reputable company whether it be "brand new" or refurbished. Refurbished computers and rebuilt to factory specifications so you won't have to worry, if you buy from a reputable comany. I usually build a "wish list" of my dream computer then shop for the closest system to it, at my price I am willing to spend.
just my 2 cents
ez
Refurbished or recertified
by emjan101 - 3/1/08 6:07 PM In reply to: Your thoughts on refurbished or "recertified" computers by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
First the question is do you know the difference between refurbished and re-certified, and secondly does your proposed seller? Refurbished is nothing more than restoration of the system and operating system, or Os. Some system depending on their architecture, can run the newer OS's, but in some instances they will be slower. Re-Certified is the same, except it is certified as in saying warrantied or guaranteed to run the recommended OS. This is just one scenario as there can be numerous interpretations regarding this topic. My advice is simple, obviously since you can not afford a new system and therefore can not run a new Os such as Vista, go with a re-certified system, preferably a Pentium 4 at least running at 2.6MHz. This will allow you to run a stable OS such as Windows XP Professional or Media center without to much delay in processing. Hope this helps.
Refurbs!
by nyctrainman - 3/1/08 6:09 PM In reply to: Your thoughts on refurbished or "recertified" computers by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
Hi Julianne!
My first computer (1998) was a refurbished IMB Desktop. I had that computer for 10 years, and it worked flawless for the entire period! I still have it, but it sits in a corner of the spare bedroom collecting dust. I loved the way it just worked day after day! I work on used computers for fun, and I believe Hewlitt Packard computers are among the easiest to work on. They are extremely reliable, and I would buy one for myself in a heart beat. Check Wal Mart, they have very affordable systems for less than most other retailers.
Stay away from Dell computers. They aren't what they used to be,and they're hard to work on.
Refurb all the way for me with the last 5 PC's & Laptops
by kmorris283 - 3/1/08 7:11 PM In reply to: Your thoughts on refurbished or "recertified" computers by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
I have purchased nothing but Dell refurbished PC's and laptops for the last 5 years. The savings is tremendious and the quality is just as good as anything they sell in the higher priced new machines. I do photography, video and games so my needs are great and I find that I can get a PC or laptop that is almost the top of the line in the new PC's for hundreds or even thousands less then when I look at the new machines. I have purchased 2 laptops and 3 PC's and I even bought an HP refurb for my son as well (although that was at least 6 years ago). In fact everything I have bought in the last 5 years is still working and being used on an almost daily basis. Figure out what you need in hardware and software and then just keep your eye out on the dell or other refurb sites and you can get some GREAT DEALS... Good Luck...
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