What are Second-hand, Used, Overstock, Surplus, Refurbished
Computers etc and How do I choose between them?
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, nor the sort you can buy from your free ads newspapers.
These are the type that get used computers a bad reputation since
there are many dodgy deals to be had!
No 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 used computers recommended on this site fall into that latter
category. If a company appears on this site, it's because it has
a reputation for selling quality used computers, offers appropriate
guarantees on the equipment sold AND has been operating a minimum
of 5 years or more.
This criteria 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 on this site, no matter which category they fit
in, or what you call them, are 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. On this site, 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,
in every single case, 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 category 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 is 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 sells 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. Let me know how
you get on, you'll find my address in the column on the right.
Lee
The 70-547 is not a much costly package. However there are some packages which do not cost much. Such as VCP-310, other than this 646-362 is also very beneficial but still cheap. You can prepare for these exams on computers which are nowadays easily available in affordable prices. In fact if you go to buy a second-hand computer, you’ll get it very cheaply.
For more information on used computers, or to choose from a variety
of related products and services, choose from the following:
Cheap Used
Computers (home) | Refurbished Mac Computer | Used Cheap Laptop Computers | Refurbished Notebooks Computers | Refurbished Desktop Computers
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