Refurbished Desktop Computers

From LoveToKnow Business

Refurbished desktop computers is an investment that can save your company thousands of dollars depending upon your needs. Older computers lack horsepower and features offered by the latest models, but they’re good workhorses that can be used to outfit sales, customer service and inbound/outbound ordering call centers and where a network of computers are needed.

How Resellers Obtain Refurbished Desktop Computers

Resellers buy computers in bulk from several sources. Organizations replace older computers for newer models obtained through grants. Large corporations regularly replace aging equipment usually in the 4th quarter and find that it’s more cost-effective to sell to a reseller than to dispose and incur environmental fees. Both make arrangements for bulk purchases of their computers to resellers. Resellers in turn pick up and transport the units delivering these to their in-house tech departments. Once the units are cleared, they are offered for sale, mostly online.

Differences Between Used And Refurbished

Refurbished desktop computer resellers have in-house tech departments that do complete system operation checks and purge viruses and spyware before offering the computers for resale. Resellers offer system recovery disks that they burn themselves or obtain from software manufacturers. Usually these resellers offer some sort of 30-day guarantee on their refurbished products.

Used computers are sold by individuals and smaller businesses who can’t meet refurbished reseller minimum purchase requirements. These computers are sold as is and may not be free of virus or spyware infestations or operational defects from years of use. System operation disks probably won’t be offered because most of the time these disks have been lost.

How Old Is Too Old For Refurbished Units?

If you have an in-house Information Technology (IT) department, computer age may not be a big factor, depending upon how the computers will be used. As workhorses, refurbished desktop computers can be stripped-down when used in IT-supported networks. Microsoft no longer supports Windows 98 and support for Windows 2000: MS Ends Support is on borrowed time. If your IT department can handle operational glitches that come up from time to time, pre-Windows 2000 machines may be just right for you. But if you lack an IT department, then seek desktop models no older than Pentium II, and develop a good relationship with a reliable computer desktop consultant. Even Pentium IIs are fast becoming ancient history. What you ultimately choose will depend upon availability.

Software May Be Lacking

At one time manufacturers packed many software options into computer packages sold thru retailers. But you probably won’t find any software in your refurbished desktop computer because copyright laws make this illegal. What you should look for is a system operating and recovery disks.

Buy A Warranty

Some resellers offer extended warranties as do OEMs. Should you purchase a warranty? In most cases, yes. The reason is that a new desktop computer has a 90-day burn-in reliability period. If a computer survives this, it should work for years. With refurbished units, you’ve already gone beyond the burn-in. Most resellers grant a 30-day guarantee, figuring that systems should last at least this long. But the most vulnerable component of any computer is the hard drive which usually has a 2-3 year life span. While the reseller checks to insure that the hard drives are operating, keep in mind that hard drives are moving parts and moving parts wear. How long your hard drives will last is anybody’s guess. That’s why warranties extended beyond the reseller’s 30-day is a good idea to cover hard drives that go bump in the night.

Monitors, Mice And Keyboards May Not Be Included

In your package deal, the mouse, keyboard and monitor may not be included. The mouse and keyboard have moving parts that wear quickly. Ask the reseller to replace these with new units they should have in inventory for about $5 each.

Refurbished monitors are inexpensive, but are somewhat unpredictable and may not be covered by a guarantee. Most older monitors are smaller, standard 15-inch models, OK for some applications.

A Word About Shipping

Make sure that you insure your refurbished equipment for full replacement costs. Ask the reseller how they will ship your purchase. Smaller orders of 20 units or less will most likely be shipped by UPS or FedEx. Larger orders can be palletized and shipped by train or truck freight carriers. Monitors are heavy to ship, add substantially to shipping costs and are easily damaged. Your best bet may be to skip the original monitor unless given a great deal for $20 or so. Otherwise, go buy new Computer Monitors.