Buying used computers

Steven Welborn · Post by **Steven Welborn** » 22 Jul 2004 2:11 pm

I recently decided to have my PC wiped and reloaded cuz of virul deterioration. Its from the dark ages (366Mhz,etc.)and had 98 SE. The shop reloaded it( know i know how to do myself) with 98 first version. Then things started breakin. SB sound card (new one is on its way from Creative), BIAB wont function, etc. To cut it short, I decided to get with the times and build my own 2.6 Ghz,XP,etc. But I see used machines of that class,2.6 Ghz,512MB,Audigy SB card,monitor, table, the works, goin for $300 or $400 bux.
Any good reason not to buy a used machine??

Ray Minich · Post by **Ray Minich** » 22 Jul 2004 6:23 pm

The metaphor is buying a used car. Gotta look at a lot of stuff to make sure it works and is what you want. Open the case and make sure everything is there. Then, make sure it all works. Some pretty good machines can be had new for $900.

Watch for the highly integrated motherboards where everything is on the MB. Better if functions are supported by individual cards. Best if you can get the motherboard manual with the box.

I try to practice the rule of thumb of 10 to 15 cents on the dollar for used unwarranted electronic equipment. If it works, great, if it don't I'm not out much.<FONT SIZE=1 COLOR="#8e236b"><p align=CENTER>[This message was edited by Ray Minich on 23 July 2004 at 12:21 PM.]</p></FONT>

Ken Lang · Post by **Ken Lang** » 22 Jul 2004 6:50 pm

(Any good reason not to buy a used machine??)

Only if you know all about computers and all the strange thingies inside....And you enjoy the heck out of being frustrated trying to update a stone age machine thats maybe 3 years old.

Ron Page · Post by **Ron Page** » 23 Jul 2004 9:47 am

That's not for me, but it sounds like a good deal by todays prices. What you describe would approach $1200 at Dell today. I just bought a very siimilar unit from Dell, w/o monitor and it was $1000 including shipping and sales tax; ordered last Wednesday and received this past Monday.

I'd also make sure you could clean the drive and reinstall Windows XP and all software. You don't want a bunch of junk someone else has loaded. Will they give you a few days to check out all peripherals? Any warranty?

2 years ago I bought nearly the same unit (only 256 MB ROM and 40 GB HD) for $580 after $340 in rebates; only 1-yr warranty on that one vs. 3 on the newest one. Looks like they have some pricing strength today. Back then the used price wouldn't have sounded like a good deal.

------------------
HagFan

Post by **Brad Bechtel** » 23 Jul 2004 10:01 am

You can get new machines for around that price if you look around a bit. Dell in particular has the Dimension 2400 for under $400 regularly.
Check sites like SlickDeals.net or Ben's Bargains or even Pricewatch to find the best online deals.

Doug Ferguson · Post by **Doug Ferguson** » 23 Jul 2004 10:46 am

Dell has a refurbished computer center on their web site also. I am sys admin for a company that has about 60 computers, all but 7 or 8 are Dells. I've ordered several from their refurb site. You can sometimes get real good deals on them, and you don't have to wait 2 weeks for a new one to be built. And you get a full warranty. They don't look used either. All the ones I've ordered look bran new, even the packaging, and I'm sure the keyboard and mouse are new by the packaging. Just a suggestion. You have to look hard to find the link to their outlet store online so here's the link if you are interested... http://www1.us.dell.com/content/default.aspx?c=us&cs=28&l=en&s=dfb&DGVCode=IR