ComputerHunter.org |
|
|
|||
|
 |
Do You Feel Used by Computers?
Do You Feel Used by Computers? A look at second-user computer equipment. Let's dispense with the myths first. I'm NOT talking about the sort of second-hand computers you get from some high street junk shops, or the sort you can buy from free ads newspapers. These are the types that get used computers a bad reputation since there are many dodgy deals to be had! I'm talking about a different breed altogether, the sort of used computers you'd be proud to own and feel safe buying because they have proper and lengthy warranties on each and every one of them and have been extensively tested and approved. The criterion is quite strict. Sure, there are any number of companies out there who offer used computers at low prices. Very few offer 12-month warranties however and many of them disappear just as quickly as they arrived leaving you with a problem. All computers, no matter which category they fit in, or what you call them, should be high quality, guaranteed, fully working computers from a reputable supplier. So, let's put all the computers into two categories, I'm going to call them 'used' and 'unused' computers. 1. Used Computers Second-hand, second user and used computers are what you would expect in that they have had a previous owner. Many of the computers have been returned to the company from which they were bought in the first place. This is ideal as the company has the appropriate expertise and spares already in place to correct any faults they find. There are a number of reasons why computers are returned: - businesses, colleges, individuals etc upgrade their computer equipment for the latest model - the equipment was leased over a set period and the lease expires (so the equipment is returned) - the computer gets a fault that can't be fixed quickly so it is swapped permanently out for a new one - the customer changes their mind just after purchasing As you can appreciate, 'used computer' can mean anything from 'barely used' to 'a couple of years old'. However, once returned the computers go through a rigorous check procedure, have their hard disks cleared or changed, have new keyboards, mice and cables if worn and new cases if they have noticeable damage. If there are any faulty components, such as sound card, video card, floppy drive etc, these are always replaced. These computers are often referred to as ex-lease, open-box, returns, refurbished, reclaimed, remanufactured, rebuilt, recycled, recertified or reconditioned computers. Phew! At worst, the used computers, as sold on to you, have minor blemishes, scratches, dents or wear. This is always just cosmetic and does not affect either the performance or value of the computers in any way. What you receive is a fully-working computer, the same working condition as new, but at a price well below that of new. You can often pick up recent high-specification models second-hand and save hundreds of pounds. Of course there are lots of bargains to be had whatever model or type you decide to purchase but note you will sometimes find it difficult to get anything as stock can go very quickly some weeks. 2. Unused Computers The other main categories of computers are the overstock, surplus, liquidated, superceded, discontinued, open box or end-of-line stock. These are all basically the same in that they are all UNUSED computers. So these are not what you would really classify as second-hand, ie they have not personally been owned and used by any business, college, individual etc. They will often be in their original packaging. The reasons why these computers come on to the market are because: - a manufacturer has brought out new models and wants to get rid of the 'old' superceded stock in his warehouse - a store wants to raise some urgently needed cash and sell his unsold stock - a factory or store becomes bankrupt and the computer stock is sold In most of these cases, the stock gets sold to specialist dealers who buy in bulk and who then sell it on to the public, businesses etc. They then either provide a new warranty themselves for the equipment, or ensure there is a full warranty from the original manufacturer. You'll often find Toshiba, HP, Compaq and other brand name computers offered with a 12-month warranty from the original manufacturer. Note that sometimes suppliers refer to open box as meaning refurbished - they will usually state in the description what they mean. So that's it. Two main categories of computers, quite different from each other but both offering great deals on branded equipment. Either way you will save money and still get a peace-of-mind guarantee on your computer purchase. One last point. Make sure you check what you are getting for your money. Sometimes the computer may come without Windows installed or without a monitor. Don't assume - check. This will ensure you are happy with your savings AND your purchase. The author is an experienced computer user, having worked in IT management for a number of years. Now heavily involved in the purchase, use and distribution of thousands of computers at http://www.1st-4-used-computers.com
Google News - Top Stories
|
|
|
|
RELATED ARTICLES
Does Size Really Matter In Our Digital Age? Well, we've all seen the advert, but that's not what I want to talk about, so get that out of your head straight away. No, let's think about what many call the "Queen of Arts" - namely painting. How to Avoid Getting Ripped-Off When You Purchase A New Printer It's no big secret that printer companies like HP and Brother are marketing their printers with the cost of refilling the cartridges in mind. Just the other week my family and I were at our hometown Wal-Mart and we were amazed at the price of a new printer. With joy we threw it in the cart never once thinking about the cost of refilling the contraption. Laptop Notebook ? Inexpensive Business Laptops Laptop Notebook ? Your Portable Office Laptop Computers Instigate Classroom Revolution! Have you noticed that laptop computers are beginning to dictate what happens in the classroom? Additionally, mobile technology is changing where learning takes place. This is especially true as laptops are entering the educational arena in ever increasing numbers. Testing a Transformer- How To Accurately Test A Transformer There is two types of transformers in the market- linear transformer and switch mode power transformer. The transformers design is different. Sometimes it is just referred as ac transformer. Linear transformer mostly used in radio, project kits, VCD and etc while switch mode transformer can be found in Monitor, Tv, Fax and so on. Would You Like An Extended Warranty With That? Should you buy an extended warranty with your laptop? You may not want to think about it now, but sooner or later, something is going to break down on your laptop. When it happens, the big question will be who gets stuck with the bill, you or the manufacturer. Motherboard Basics A recent Tech Tip covered the basics of selecting a computer case and made mention of the various sizes that correspond to motherboards of different form factors. A few people wrote in expressing interest in understanding more about the basics of motherboards, and that's exactly what this Tech Tip intends to address. What Is A Fuse? And How To Test It. A fuse is a very thin wire, which either melts or vaporizes when too much current flows through it. The thin wire may be made of aluminum, tin-coated copper or nickel. The resulting open in the circuit stops current flow. In electronic equipment, most fuses are cylindrical glass or ceramic type with a metal cap at each end! The current rating also can be seen in one of the two metal end caps. There are two popular physical sizes: 1 ? ¼ X ¼ - inch and 5X20mm. The 1 ? ¼ X ¼ - inch size is used in many automobiles. You'll find both sizes in many electronic equipment, but the smaller 5 X 20mm has become more common. Fuses are available with current ratings from 1/500 Ampere to hundreds of amperes. 10 Solid Reasons To Make Your Next PC A Notebook Notebook computers are becoming very popular. They seem to be popping up everywhere: on tv shows, on airplanes, in movies, or in your friend's lap. These sleek little machines are invading our daily lives like never before... and the invasion has just started. Find out why they have become so popular with their users and why your next PC should probably be a notebook computer. How To Choose a Computer Mouse Computer Mice How to Read CRT Tube Part Numbers All picture tubes, whether monochrome or color type are identified by a specific code consisting of numbers and letters. The codes are different from each other because different tubes have different characteristics. Ceramic Disc Capacitor-How to Accurately Test It The last article I mentioned about electrolytic capacitor breakdown when under load. In this article I will talk about the high voltage resin coated ceramic disc capacitor. In computer monitor, it is frequent used in the screen voltage (G2) line at the crt board. When it fails, it can cause erratic or intermittently raster bright and dim and sometimes no display. An Inexpensive Solution to Securing Public Access Computers Offering secure public Internet access is not as easy as it may seem. As the IT manager for a mid-sized public library, it's become apparent to me that creating a secure network of library workstations for use by the public is more important than ever before. System administrators have the responsibility of protecting the library's networks and systems, while ensuring quality and speedy service to all patrons. Offering public Internet access requires a dynamic security plan that is constantly under revision, taking into account the technical changes of the times. Traditionally, the software options available for help in this regard come at a significant price, often forcing libraries to spend thousands of dollars securing their computer rooms. Your Business versus Mother Nature Business Consultants earn hundreds of thousands of dollars every year showing businesses how to improve their productivity. All business consultants in the Information Technology area agree that the biggest threat to business survival is data loss. Getting A Great Refurbished Laptop Are you sick of all the high priced notebooks out there? Does getting a used laptop seem like a better choice to you? Refurbished laptops are everywhere these days, and the word itself seems like a "buzz word" of the industry. But do these used machines actually hold up to the strict standard of the word "refurbished"? Wireless Networking, Part 1: Capabilities and Hardware Wireless Networking, Part 1: Capabilities and Hardware Cheap Ink Cartridge A cheap ink cartridge is sometimes the only way that people can afford to keep all of their printers ready for use. Internet email addresses are constantly loaded with a number of offers from various online merchants, but one such email that a consumer might not want to ignore is any one that offers a great deal on ink cartridges. Some of these deals can offer the consumer a substantial amount of savings on their ink cartridges for just about any printer. Buying a cheap ink cartridge is the perfect opportunity to have quality ink for your printer while enjoying savings that can be quite significant on a printer cartridge. Laptop and Notebook Theft Prevention Laptops or Notebook computers are an expensive personal and business asset that are highly sought after by both small time thieves and large complicated theft rings. Keeping your laptop and notebook computers safely in your possession should always be in the back of your mind. Not only are these extremely expensive, they can contain very private personal information or business secrets that can hurt you if the information was ever brought public, or worse yet, sold to a competitor! Three Must Have Accessories For Notebook Computers An Optical Mouse A Look Inside The Elusive Inkjet Industry The Inkjet printer industry is booming. Office supply companies report they make more money on ink sales alone than on printer sales overall. Due to increasing ink sales, many inkjet manufacturers have introduced innovative products and services to meet the demands of discerning consumers. Customers are now able to purchase refill kits that allow them to handle their inkjet needs at home, without having to purchase expensive new cartridges. Refill kits contain a syringe like instrument that injects ink into the cartridge.
|
|
|
|
|
