Is this a good comp for the $$?

Question

Alright its time to get me a new comp!!

Right now i have

windows me, ~380MB ram, 25gb HD, 4mb video-card ram-ness whatever, a dying sound card, CDRW, DVD-ROM

one im lookin at has..

Gateway Refurbished Intel Desktop Computer - Intel Pentium D 820 2.8GHz, 1GB DDR2, 320GB SATA HDD, DL DVD±RW, DVD-ROM, Flash Media Reader, TV Tuner, Wireless LAN, Windows XP Media Center

for 400$

ive been looking for a new comp for about 4 years now.. and this looks like an incredible deal to me..

Does it really make a difference if its refurbished or not?

I bought a refurbished laptop.. and it worked fine.. it's finally dying now i think (but its windows 95 still so i understand XD)

so what do you guys think? :3


(personally i think its a /really/ good deal.. but my dad needs someone elses opinion.. mine doesnt count i guess XD)

Answer 1

As long as the computer works it doesn't matter if it is refurbished. As for the specs, that is a great deal if you want a computer for primarily home usage and surfing internet.

Answer 2

Well the specs on this computer seem good to me, if no monitor is included expect to pay another 100-300 for an LCD monitor. Refurbished merchandise can be a hit and miss for how well it is, you should see what the return policy is if there is one just in case something does not work. Chances are everything will be fine, but if it doesn't work you might be able to return for a refund (that is in 30 days or less for most). Other than that seems like a great buy.

Answer 3

It's a good deal, but does it have integrated graphics?

Sorry, not sure if you're a gamer or not, but it's my new paranoia when buying a system. I despise integrated.

You'll wonder why you waited so long when you make such a huge leap forward to the faster system...

However...

Make SURE it comes with a monitor. some of those refurbs don't have one. That config looks similar to mine, and the pentium D 2.8 is pretty useful overall. nice HDD...

you're golden if it has the monitor, though...

It probably doesn't have integrated graphics, and even if it does, you could upgrade:

(from Pricewatch.com)
7300-7600GT card...
"$ 76.99 - geforce 7600
-$ 49.99 - geforce 7300"


However, Considering the LOW END Dell XPS systems with similar configurations START at $899 (not including tax or shipping), you could buy the refurb, and a monitor if it doesn't have one, and still spend less than you would on a (slightly slower) system from dell-- for some reason, the XPS 410 carries processors that are slower than the XPS 400 came configured with...no clue why.

Not knocking dell XPS, I have one myself with the exact same processor, but bang for the buck is that refurb.....does it come with a warranty btw?

Those can be nice if a part suddenly chokes out.

Elsewise, that's cheaper than a Wal-Mart system....and it's a LOT faster.

Answer 4

I think it's okay for the price. Refurbishing a computer isnt nothing bad, but possibly that's why the computer is only $400. And it's a Gateway brand. Gateway isn't too well known and not too popular.

Im guessing the computer has a built-in video card to its motherboard, but maybe it doesnt come with one. I would shop around more if i was you. And possibly look into a Dell, HP, or ABS. And I believe you can buy a NEW computer for around $500.

Good luck.

Answer 5

Not a bad deal with all thats in it.. I like "refurbished" and buy them often. They normally work well.

In many many cases the only thing that was done to "refurbish" was to reload the OS because some user didn't know how to use it, hosed it, returned it! As long as the warranty is decent, I'd say go for it, if it is in your budget!

You might also like to check Dells "Factory Outlet" and online specials.. they have had some good deals lately also.

Answer 6

that is a really good deal.just because its refurbished it doesnt really matter. id say take it