Refurbished computer verse a new computer?

Here's my spill on refurbished computers, You can purchase refurbished computers from many different manufacturers. Some refurbs are older computers that have been tested and reloaded. You can purchase these for considerable savings. Average warranties on refurbs are less than 1year. The important thing is to shop around before you purchase a refurbished machine make sure it will fill your needs. If your only saving a few dollars between new and refurbished than buy new by all means. The main disadvantage is the average consumer doesn't know the true value of a computer and can purchase a refurbished machine for more than its worth. Not all refurbs are worth the money. Lets face some companies will try to get you pay ridiculous prices for machines that are refurbished. One final note stay away from computer clubs that try to sell you computers for outrageous amounts. They set these clubs up to ripoff unsuspecting customers. Most of the computers are not brand new and are refurbished. Also, they are low grade machines and just not worth you putting down your hard earned money on. Used computers are really convenient because they can be purchased online, auction sites, or from individuals. You can sometimes get a nice computer for a song. This takes more shopping and looking around. Be careful what you buy and how much you pay for it. Computers do not have sentimental value. Some people believe paying $1000 a few years ago entitles them to sell a machine for a lot more than its worth. There are some places online that evaluate the value of computers so you can truly know if your paying too much. The main disadvantage for buying used is the computer could be defective or on its way out. Most used machines are sold as is with no warranty. So you can be taking a chance. Look for any information that the seller says the computer is tested or is working fine. If you do go this route try to purchase your used machine from some place reputable.

Well, I have actually bought a refurbished computer! :) I honestly bought it for two and only two reasons: the design on it was really cool, and it was far cheaper than the same model purchased new. Still, it was in factory perfect condition with factory settings. It works like a dream. :D The only real disadvantage I could see with getting a refurbished computer would be that it might have cosmetic damage (the one I have came with a minor scratch or two on the lid--that's it).

i guess it all depends on what your after in a computer and how much your wanting to pay. if the computer is for you, i'd go new cause then you get the warranty etc with it. but if it's more for the kids, a 2nd hand one would suit them. then they can learn to look after it etc, to make it last longer.

Very very minor difference to be honest. Refurbished can be used to describe defective or old computers that have been restored or repaired to become new. In some cases, there may have been nothing wrong with the computer to begin with and people just return them for true or made up reasons. Which then results to these computer being send back to the manufacturer for inspection. If there are parts of the computer that is not working, those will be found and replaced during the inspection, and the system will be tested then cleaned and sold as "refurbished". Refurbished goods (computers in this case) are sold at a huge discount. In most cases, perhaps 100% of the time, the refurbished computer will work the same way as the stock computers, as they have been screened to be in proper condition. Some refurbished goods, may receive warranty from the re-seller, or perhaps the original manufacturer of the goods. I must add, stores can add the refurbished sign on their products, but that term is very tricky. Refurbished doesn't necessarily mean that the computer was defective or even used. But, in some cases, some of these refurbished products may have not been checked properly. So with this said, there are stores who specialize on refurbished products, those can be trusted, but with stores that you may find sketchy, I would avoid them. Finally, I would personally purchase refurbished goods for their ridiculous discounted prices. However, you must carefully inspect these products, as you may find more current refurbished goods, and much older products that may not be supported properly. Always try to compare to the "new" or "original" products when possible. And always check with the return conditions of the store you are purchasing from. NOT ALL REFURBISHED PRODUCTS ARE BAD in fact they may be better as usually inspections are done personally by technicians, whereas computers straight from the factory may just be assembled without testing.