Tips in Buying Used and Refurbished Computers


By Jo Williams


While computers today are generally cheaper than models sold years ago, they still represent a major investment. Quality new computers can cost anywhere from $500 - $1500, depending upon capabilities. Clearly, it is a purchase that deserves your full attention and thought. Speaking of thought, have you ever considered buying a used or refurbished computer? These computers can represent a major savings to you, without loss of performance. However, there are some things you should know before looking into these alternatives to new computers. In this article, we’ll discuss some tips in buying used and refurbished computers.

The first thing to consider when buying used and refurbished computers is the brand. While there are many different companies that specialize in selling used computers, it might be best to go with a reputable brand name. The reasons are two-fold. First, you can be sure that the parts used in manufacturing are of a high quality. Second, you will also be able to secure some type of warranty, which may not be offered by other dealers.

The next tip in buying used and refurbished computers is to make sure that that you receive the proper software documents and licenses. Often times people try to pass off stolen computers as “used”, so it is important to request the paperwork upfront. It is also important to have this software in case you need to do any type of system restore or back-up.

It is also important that you try any refurbished computer before you buy. Most reputable dealers will allow you to use the computer for a short period of time to check out before committing to purchase. What are a few of the things you should be looking for? Make sure that all installed programs boot up and perform correctly. Do a thorough check of all graphics, video, and sound drivers and also make sure other accessories work properly (mouse, monitor, keyboard, etc.). Lastly, be sure to check all CD and disk drives to make sure they open and close correctly.

Another thing to consider when buying a used or refurbished computer is the support option. Does the company you want to buy from have ample support staff available? And are the hours convenient with your own schedule? If a business does not offer support for the system you are considering, it is best to move on to another choice.

Lastly, make sure that you are safe if shopping online for your used or refurbished computer. The internet can pose many dangers, so protect your personal information on any site that you choose to do business with. A quality site will have some type of encryption service in place to keep your financial transaction private.

We hope that these tips in buying used and refurbished computers will help you make a more informed shopping decision. In addition to the tips mentioned in this article, using common sense will help ensure that you receive the best used computer for your needs, at a terrific value.


More Resources

Unable to open RSS Feed $XMLfilename with error HTTP ERROR: 403, exiting

More Personal Technology Information:

Related Articles

Advantages and Guidelines of Automated Testing
"Automated Testing" is automating the manual testing process currently in use. This requires that a formalized "manual testing process", currently exists in the company or organization.
Occupational Therapy and PDAs
Occupational Therapy Made EasierMedical downloads for the pda have improved the life of both patients and doctors of all kinds. These freeware software downloads make many types of medical conditions much easier to manage.
Compare MP3 Players for the Coolest Features and Sweetest Deals
How can you compare mp3 players to be sure you're getting the best features and price? You've checked some mp3 player ratings, and they're helpful. But iPod reviews and ratings don't answer all your questions.
FTP - File Transfer Protocol Explained
File Transfer Protocol (FTP) is a protocol that is part of the TCP/IP suite. It is the standard for transferring large amounts of data from server to server and from servers to clients.
Compile .BAT Files into Native Windows Applications (.EXE)
Since the DOS days, batch files have been one of the most convenient and immediate ways to accomplish certain tasks. Even today it's possible to find some remarkably sophisticated utilities written as command-line batch files.
Some Thoughts on Choosing a Flash MP3 Player
Flash mp3 players come with an exciting array of features, and can be used for more than playing music while you cycle at the gym. Here are some things to think about when purchasing a flash mp3 player, which might make the difference between your choice becoming an indispensable tool, or just another gadget.
Deleting and Destroying Data Forever
Peoples' private information needs to stay private, even after it has been erased. Wait a minute, after it's been erased?Have you ever given away an old computer or diskette, deleting the files off it, or giving it a quick format to make sure your information is gone? That might not be enough to stop some one from easily recovering the information!When you delete a file, normally the operating system and file system say, "ok the file is gone!" but at the physical level the information is still there.
Refurbished Computers on the Internet
What is a Refurbished Computer?Refurbished Computers. Remanufactured Computers.
10 Easy Steps to Speed Up Your Computer - Without Upgrading
1. Empty the Temp directory regularly.
SmartCar Memory Stick for LapTop Transfer Data
With the new technology used to transfer information to from your digital camera to your laptop or PC using memory sticks which hold significant amounts of data it appears such technology will be perfect for net-centric cars. Where all the data is stored in a black box situation as many cars now have these features already.
404 Error Pages: What Are They And How Do You Create One?
We've all seen them, you've been browsing a website and you click a link and nothing loads apart from the words '404 Error' along with the usual stuff.So what is a 404 Error page? The 404 Error page, basically informs the user that the server cannot find the file they are looking for.
Cisco Certification: Taking Your First Certification Exam
Youve studied hard; youve practiced your configurations; youve used your flash cards over and over again; and finally, the big day is here. Your first certification exam!For many Cisco certification candidates, their first exam is the CCNA Composite exam or one of the two exams that make up the CCNA, the Introduction To Networking exam or the ICND (Interconnecting Cisco Networking Devices) exam.
How Does a Palm Pilot Work?
Just The Facts, Ma'mPalm pilots are all the rage now. Everyone has a pda or wants to get one in the near future.
How to Protect your PC from Spyware in the Cyber Age
Wouldn't you be shocked to find that your personal sensitive information, like files, credit card information, operating system / software and other non-disclosed data to be penetrated by unscrupulous prying eyes? Even worse..
Portable DVD Players - Things To Know
In my humble opinion nothing makes a long trip easier (especially if you have kids). A portable DVD player is the ideal solution for those long plane rides or endless drives in a car to keep everyone entertained, especially when you have new hit DVD to play.
The Newbies Guide to Personal Computer Maintenance
When you turn on your computer, does it act like it needs a coffee to wake up? When you surf around the Internet, are you bombarded with pop-up windows? Does your computer freeze up or turn off for no apparent reason?Before you decide to throw your monitor out of the nearest window, there may be a number of solutions to fix these problems that won't require you having a degree in computer technology.There are two primary ways to maintain your computer's performance, and the maintenance should be done once a week or more.
How I Started Working With 3D Modeling Programs
So I'll start from the very beginning.One day I was surfing in the web and I found one site -- www.
Healthy Webmasters Choose Ergonomic Computer Products
Webmasters usually sit at their computers much longer in a day than most other office workers, sometimes up to 10 and 12 hours. This can bring about the potential for physical discomforts that are attributed to prolonged use and the repetitive tasks that they perform on computers every day.
Get Ahead When You Build Your Own Computer
If you've been kicking around the idea of building your own computer, it actually isn't a bad idea. It's easier than you might think, and you can probably come out with a system that gives you more kick for your money, than you'd see in retail, or those made-to-order places.
HTML Explained: Part 1
Want to save money while promoting your web-based business? Of course you do. Here's some advice on the matter, from a freelance copywriter who knows: it pays to learn the basics of HTML.