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Community Newsletter: Q&A: Your thoughts on refurbished or "recertified" computers
- 2/29/08 3:23 PM
Refurbished or recertified computers
by Ed Moxham - 3/1/08 7:28 PM In reply to: Your thoughts on refurbished or "recertified" computers by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
Based on recent experiences, my thoughts are not good. I work for a mid sized corporation that decided to try going "cheap" a few years ago. My assistant and I, who both work on spreadsheets and internet downloads on a constant basis were both long overdue for new computers. One day, the company tech guys wheeled in two apparently "new" DELL computers. We were happy campers, until we experienced problems with downloads. I checked the specs, and found they had absolutely minimal RAM memory. I got the techs back, and had them install considerably more memory, and we were back in business. While checking the computers out, I found that although they appeared new, they were, in fact, refurbished. About 7 months later, my assistant began to have problems booting up her computer in the morning when it was "cold". I advised the techs that I thought her power supply was the problem, and was not going to last long. Two weeks later, it burned out, and they replaced it with a new one. 6 months later, her computer started flashing "thermal overload" warnings, and shutting down. About that time, my computer started having boot up problems. After replacing more parts, they junked her refurbished Dell, and replaced it with a computer that was actually new. The company's "refurb" experiment was over- there were just far too many problems. My computer is now on it's second power supply, and I have been promised a new computer if there are any more problems.
Always think about what your going to use it for first.
by comicus - 3/1/08 7:29 PM In reply to: Your thoughts on refurbished or "recertified" computers by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
I own a multitude of PC's. Some I purchased brand new in a retail store, some I bought new online, and the rest are refurbished pc's.
The reasoning? What I plan to do with it determines where I buy it.
I own some businesses that needed pc's, but the usage of these PC's would be for simple Internet work. So I didn't need to drop a months salary on a whiz-bang high octane machine. Nor did it need to be brand new, so I opted to purchase some 'refurbished' PC's on Ebay. I recommend this only to individuals who know how to read the technical description of a PC and understand what it says. You have to know what the seller ISN'T telling you really. But if you can understand PC spec sheets then I say refurbs are fine. As long as it's a reputable company and that it comes with an OS installed and a warranty.
Buying a refurb for a light usage PC can save you hundreds of dollars over a new pc purchase.
Ocassionally, PC manufacturers will have a nice sale on low level PC's and these prices are very close to the refurb's prices so if you time it right, you could get a brand new pc for close to the price of a refurb.
I have bought many refurb PC's and have never been disapointed.
Comments from Riaz Ahmad Malik- PAKISTAN
by riazahmadmalik - 3/1/08 7:34 PM In reply to: Your thoughts on refurbished or "recertified" computers by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
Pakistan is a developing country. Majority of systems users prefer used systems that have been brought into the country. They working pretty fine, rather better than non branded systems. These used systems are branded.
I bought two of these - one was IBM PII and then it was COMPAQ PIII.
They are running great. No problems. I can perform all tasks. Wireless, Networking, AutoCAD, STAADPro, Other engineering software, internet, acceptable speeds, DSL connections, not very high tech games (I do not play but my kids do).
If I increase the RAM from 64 to 128 or 256, my PII IBM will still work.
Yes, I would not prefer Laptops since you never know how it has been used and parts are pretty expensive. But I can go for a PII laptop since it will serve my purpose and will be much lower in price.
But in Pakistan, as we all know you find most software pirated (I use licensed). So there is no problem with any software installations. You might find free rides on software on net which of course is illegal to do but to be honest, people do it.
So if you want to serve your purpose only and are not to become a hi tec person, go for a used one from a dependable supplier.
Hope this helps.
refurbished computers
by john doe 1234 - 3/1/08 8:11 PM In reply to: Your thoughts on refurbished or "recertified" computers by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
lee koo hello first let me say this i myself perchase refurds and resale them as a source of income there is nothing wrong with that however you should check the machine out closely looking for things like hard drive noise and the the CD ROM drive is working since moving parts wear out as far as hp Is concerned franly i think there not as well built as say a dell lee i work on a lot of machines and hp is not the best belive me. as a matter of fact hp dell accer e-machine ect onley rely put the parts together the they buy from different venders and as far as scanners print scanners ect remeber its sinply a matter of installind the correct driver sincely kevin of k-tect computer repar
My Thoughts on a Refurbished Computer...
by ghostdancer1996 - 3/1/08 8:38 PM In reply to: Your thoughts on refurbished or "recertified" computers by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
Frankly, I purchased a "refurbished" Dell computer approximately 6 years ago, and believe it or not, it still had a warranty on it from a rather sizeable corporation that had previously owned it. I kept that warranty until it ran out 4 years ago, then gave it to my daughter prior to her junior and senior years in High School....she purchased a laptop when she started College in 2005. The computer is still in circulation within the family. Never had a serious problem with it.
I say go for it, but be aware that Dell does stand behind its products whereas HP and Compaq do not. Dell goes the extra mile.
Sue S, EMT
Have had refurb MACs for 18 years, also DELLs
by Razzzberri - 3/1/08 8:39 PM In reply to: Your thoughts on refurbished or "recertified" computers by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
HELLO!!
I'm typing on a "refreshed" MacBook purchased at an Apple store. I've bought refurbished/refreshed Apple products online and in retail outlets for over 18 years. Never had a problem. If a computer is "factory refurbished/refreshed/recertified, with a guarantee, & meets your technical requirements, what's the problem,?
I also am responsible for purchasing PC's (required) for our General Motors business, and have purchased several refurbished DELL computers from their website. Go online, check out what they have to offer, then make a call to their 800 number to speak to a representative about a specific unit. You can save hundreds, get the same warranty.
It's elelmentery, I think. If you buy refurbs from the manufacturer, or a highly rated reseller, why buy new? Save your $$$ for software, et al.
thoughts on refurbished or "recertified" computers
by m121j - 3/1/08 10:11 PM In reply to: Your thoughts on refurbished or "recertified" computers by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
hp computers are not the best. their computers are integrated and thereforoe can't be completely upgraded over time and will not last long because of this. i do like other hp products as well, scanners, printers, etc. but i won't go near an hp computer for anything. their peripherals (scanners, printers, etc) will work with any compatible computer, you just need to install the drivers, which are available for free from their website. my suggestion, go with a dell, gateway, or other computer that can be upgraded over time and often cost less than the hp equivalents.
Refurbished
by 1Chris - 3/1/08 11:23 PM In reply to: Your thoughts on refurbished or "recertified" computers by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
I posted a note here a few months ago about the same thing. I was shopping after Christmas and decided on an HP that was within my price range and had the power I needed. So after much deliberation, I went to the local electronics store and they were sold out. I went back home and saw the exact same model on the HP site...red tag sale - refurbished. With tax and shipping it came to the exact same price I would've paid in the store. It's been holdin' up so far. Some say that refurbished is as good as or sometimes better than new. That *can* indeed be true.
But I'll tell ya, after the experiences I had with HPs support - I really don't know how they stay in business. Yeah, they're vamping it up, but if it's the same 'quality', it's just gonna be hype.
As far as getting a refurb - go for it. Some of the returns weren't even opened. Could be any number of scenarios.
Refurbished or Recertified are fine
by Spywell - 3/1/08 11:55 PM In reply to: Your thoughts on refurbished or "recertified" computers by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
Buying a used computer is much cheaper than buying a new computer. It's even cheaper than building your own. First check out the warranty if available. Most builders don't take time and throw machines together and that may lead to problems further along. Usually if your computer works fine for three weeks then it should last. Check your temperatures and make sure everything is running mildly warm.
Now for HP, I would stay far away from them. Before CompUSA closed I use to work on computers a lot and of all the computers, we got mostly HP and APPLE computers. You see HP uses really cheap parts. Their laptops are flimsy and their HINGES break VERY easily. I also noticed that we had a whole bunch of returned HP desktops with MEMORY errors. Yes the memory was bad out of the box. If your looking for a High quality Fast Cheap Desktop get an ACER.
Also with custom or used computers you stay away from all the advertisements pre-loaded on your system (hp is one of the worst) Hp also has VERY BAD DRIVERS.
I hope this helps.
Preston
CCNA, A+
Don' worry about compatibilty with peripherals
by rsimanski - 3/2/08 12:00 AM In reply to: Your thoughts on refurbished or "recertified" computers by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
By now, you've received many good replies to the key questions in your message. However, no one has seemed to pick up on your concern about compatibility with peripherals such as printers and scanners made by other manufacturers. This is simply not an issue when it comes to buying a computer.
The real question is compatibility with the operating system that will be installed on the computer. Just about every piece of hardware in your system requires a software component, called a driver, that allows the operating system to communicate with the hardware.
If you have existing hardware that you would like to use with the new computer, you must make certain that there are drivers available for it that are designed for the operating system. In many cases, the operating system itself will come with the necessary drivers. In others, you'll need to obtain the drivers from the manufacturer of the peripheral hardware. Check the manufacturer's Web site for further information.
Your thoughts on refurbished or "recertified" computers
by jdawg069 - 3/2/08 12:17 AM In reply to: Your thoughts on refurbished or "recertified" computers by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
Well Julianne, my advice to you would be to build a PC from scratch- provided you know what internal components you will need. You can order from the HP website or call them directly, and still order a brand new- current or future driven computer- say without the operating system i.e. Windows Vista or XP, and say, goto Wal-Mart, or any other retailer and seperately purchase the software you want- so it's not pre- loaded and you won't end up paying for your O.S. plus demo versions of software you don't want or need- in that respect.
That is what I would do, especially if you're a power user, gamer, etc... and just think, you could get it cheaper and just buy an older, yet current OS such as XP, which I highly recommend over Vista, being that vista prompts you on your every move, and crashes more often due to far more user interaction with background programs, plus XP is cheaper and not as graphics intensive as Vista, henceforth, faster to you, noticeably.
Hope this helps.
My experience with Dell reburbs - GREAT!
by gholttn - 3/2/08 4:54 AM In reply to: Your thoughts on refurbished or "recertified" computers by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
This is a topic that hits home for me. For the past 5 years I've been purchasing Dell refurb'd systems for both home and work. I've probably purchased over 20 units, mostly desktops and about 5 laptops. I've only had 1 out of box failure. That particular unit Dell gave me a refund on quickly. Of the units I've had (including the replacement for the out-of-box failure one) all units have given me no issues. My expereience with Dell's refurb systems is overall great.
I've got other friends and coworkers that have purchased refurb'd units from HP and IBM and they've had more issues. Warranty issues and failures occuring within 3 months of purchase toping the list.
So, here's what I believe to be the main points when buying a refurb unit. Some are Dell specific...
1. ONLY purchase refurb units from the manufacturers. I have little faith in other sources for refurb units. I don't care how many years they have been in business or how smart they think they are, if you're not buying a unit from the manufacturer, you're buying a unit that has probably already been used and abused.
2. Be sure to get at least a 1 year warranty (standard I believe, but make sure).
3. Favor buying a 'new' refurb rather than a 'off lease' unit. New refurbs, for Dell anyway, are units that went out, may or may not have been opened by the customer, and were returned for some reason. 'Off lease' units spent probably at least a year in the field somewhere and could give you problems.
4. Consider the purchase of additional years of warranty.
5. Once you get the machine, be sure to use it 'hard' in the first several days. Don't push the box into the corner and wait a few weekends to open it. Get it out and give it a good workover. If you're going to have an out-of-box failure, you want to know about it sooner rather than later. Dell gives you a 30 day period.
6. Someone mentioned in a reply to open a line of credit with Dell and get the coupons for Dell Outlet. I've done this have averaged between 10-20% off the already low price. Sometimes they will also give coupons for an addition years warranty.
7. Don't forget that driver disk. You may find yourself wanting to reload the OS someday and that driver disk (CD, DVD) will be more valuable than gold.
So, there's my points I can think of right now.
Cheers.
My experience with Dell reburbs - GREAT!
by joan3316 - 3/2/08 5:08 AM In reply to: My experience with Dell reburbs - GREAT! by gholttnI agree with you on everything. I purchase all my desktops now as refurbished from Dell and only Dell.
New they put together everything and ship it out to you. Refurbished the computer has gone completely over and tested. I have had no problems but I do intend to buy high end systems. In most cases you get them cheaper then new and certainly just as good.
One exception is a laptop XPS (high end) new. It is a little over 3 three years and I have never had a problem with this laptop. I use it at work so it gets used every day.
With Dell computers at least my high end ones you get all the disks. Hp didn't do that.
I want a computer that lasts as I then hand them down to my relatives. I still have my Win98se desktop purchased in late 1995. I keep this computer because of the many Dos computer games I have and play.
Go Dell
Joan
My Refurbished Toshiba Tecra 8200 purchased online at...
by wdbrindle - 3/2/08 6:08 AM In reply to: Your thoughts on refurbished or "recertified" computers by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
UsedLaptops.com has taught me rather more than I was looking for regarding how to repair laptops and, after 2 years of problems with laptops and the San Francisco area (Mountain View, CA) company, progress towards passing hardware repair certification exams; how to control my temper and frustrations; and who not to do business with. A caveat.
The next repairs on my list of "To Do"s are the cognitive & ethical operating systems of key members of the staff of UsedLaptops.com !
Couple question
by nightster33 - 3/2/08 6:26 AM In reply to: Your thoughts on refurbished or "recertified" computers by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
First do you need a new monitor. Buying just the PC instead it will save you money. Also, what is the current configuration of your machine. You maybe able to upgrade the RAM most time systems come with the 512MB from HP.
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