2006-08-01 17:14:38 · 13 answers · asked by lwegehaupt 1 in Computers & Internet ➔ Other - Computers
they're not bad, but you get what you pay for
2006-08-01 17:19:14 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I was involved in high tech for almost 30 years. I will share a few things I learned.
Computers are mass produced with little or no human intervention, that is especially true of the actual circuits. When a computer fails and is refurbished, that job is done by a human. And probably a very well trained and thoroughly experienced human. The system is repaired if necessary, inspected and thoroughly tested. In all likely hood it is better than that new one you take out of a box and spend hours trying to make work only to find it is broken and you have to return it for a new one. BTW the one you took back will be repaired, inspected, and tested then sold at half the price because it is refurbished. So, as long as the equipment is to your liking, i.e. the right processor, memory, and accessories the answer is, it's a good idea.
2006-08-01 17:28:51 · answer #2 · answered by gimpalomg 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
"Bad Idea: Most Computer geeks tune up their PCs (overclock) and wear out the PCs so much that they buy New PCs every other year. and Sell their OLD pc for refurbished."
Wrong. Most do-it-yourself consumers don't buy computer hardware, overclock it, and start anew every other year. The reason why most overclock is because they don't have that kind of budget and they need to squeeze out every bit of power for the hardware they can afford. If you can buy a 2GHz processor and then overclock to 3GHz, you'll save anywhere from $100 to 500 depending on the core.
Anyway, it's a good idea if you can find it for cheap and it has a warranty of some kind. It's 50/50 if you can find it cheap without a warranty. It's a bad idea if it costs slightly less than retail. Keep in mind: it can last for 20 years or it can arrive DOA whether it's new or refurbished from any manufacturer. It is the nature of computer hardware.
2006-08-01 17:47:09 · answer #3 · answered by FreeBadAdvice_8D 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well, if you know the hardware that's included in the purchase, and if you have a knack for dismantling stuff and modifying them ... then I feel it's pretty alright to get refurbished computers. However, take note that hardware like Hard Disk Drives and CD/DVD-ROM drives may be in bad condition after 2-3 years of regular use. Thus, prepare to invest in a new Hard Disk Drive when you buy a refurbished computer.
Don't expect to run much with refurbished computers, unless they're relatively new.
2006-08-01 17:22:00 · answer #4 · answered by bryanchen 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Good idea: Most refurbished computers are cheap and good.
Bad Idea: Most Computer geeks tune up their PCs (overclock) and wear out the PCs so much that they buy New PCs every other year. and Sell their OLD pc for refurbished.
Summary:
Refurbished computers even though good and cheap, most dont last very long, as you dont know what was done with it.
2006-08-01 17:20:21 · answer #5 · answered by mark k 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
probably depends on the refurbisher...
usually you can get a good savings and a reliable piece of equiptment but make sure to immediately have a good virus and antispy program on it if going online!!!
Hopefully it will have a new harddrive and reliable drives for disks that you will want to use,and if your requirements are such maybe even necessary changes can be done before the computer leaves the center...
2006-08-01 17:29:18 · answer #6 · answered by jerry 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Most refurbished computers are returns, not defective units.
So, I have 4 of them, all Sonys and all never a problem.
Get a great price, go for it.
And refurbished and used are two seperate things. All mine were brand new, no one had ever used them before me.
2006-08-01 17:18:19 · answer #7 · answered by MrPurrfect 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Good idea as long as they are factory refurbs. It has been fully tested which a new comp never is, and the savings are great.
Many never had a major problem in the first place other then a cosmetic blemish.
I have bought many with no problems.
2006-08-01 17:30:04 · answer #8 · answered by jibberjabbar 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Refurbished products are usually reliable if the seller is. Most have a DOA* warranty.
*Dead on arrival.
2006-08-01 17:23:33 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
it could be a real bad idea unless you know a little bit about computers. even then you have to be willing to get your hands a little dirty now and then.
2006-08-01 17:23:24 · answer #10 · answered by breezy b 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is a great idea as long as the person that did the refurb. is reputable.
2006-08-01 17:18:36 · answer #11 · answered by fireman_4_69 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋