Is it time to upgrade your computer, printer or monitor? If "new" doesn't quite fit into your budget, you might consider "new to you." If you know what to look for, you can get used or refurbished equipment at a lower cost and still get what you need.
Need more incentive? Think about this: Newer, pricier models typically include special features that you simply don't need.
"I think most people purchase way more power than they need in a computer," says Joe Kraynak, author of <em>The Complete Idiot's Guide to Computer Basics</em> (Alpha). "I have several computers in my home. One is over five years old and can do just about everything my family and I use it for -- typing and printing documents, checking email and surfing the web."
So how do you know what to look for? Here are some tips for getting a good deal on used computer equipment online:
Tip No. 1: Buy refurbished from the manufacturer's web siteWhat makes an item refurbished? It might have a scratch or a dent. Maybe it was a store model. Or maybe the box was opened by a customer, who returned the item without using it. Either way, refurbished computer equipment is usually sold at a discount, directly from the manufacturer's web site, such as Apple, Dell or Hewlett-Packard. Make sure the refurbished equipment comes with a warranty and an option to return, in case the computer or accessories are not everything you thought they'd be.
Tip No. 2: Beware of private sellersYou might find what looks like a good deal on Craigslist or eBay, but it's hard to protect yourself against fraud or disappointment when working with private sellers. If you buy from a private seller, call the manufacturer to verify whether the machine is still under warranty and whether the warranty is transferable. If it's not, you should expect a very deep discount on that machine. After all, computer equipment eventually fails -- and you could end up with a failed machine the very next day and no way to return it.
Software is another concern when you buy a computer from a private seller: Make sure you're purchasing the licenses of all software on the machine and that you receive all of the installation CDs.
So often, a person thinks he's getting all the software included simply because it's already installed on the machine, says Deborah Shadovitz, Mac expert and the author of several <em>Dummies</em> computer guides. But sometimes, she warns, programs have to be reinstalled after a hardware or software problem. "That's when the buyer finds he's out of luck" unless the seller provided all of the original software disks, Shadovitz says.
If you buy from a private party that you find online, try to buy from someone locally so you can test the machine and deal with the buyer in person.
Tip No. 3: Ask an expert for adviceYou'll encounter a lot of choices when shopping for computer equipment, such as how fast a computer runs and how much data it can store. The world of computer specifications can be a confusing one. So if you don't know how to interpret all of a machine's features, ask someone you trust. Go to a local computer store for advice. Or ask the tech support person at your office or school for help. In fact, if you're buying a computer for a college student, "be sure to speak with the college tech support person about minimum requirements and network capability," Kraynak says.
Also, most manufacturers are happy to help you figure out what kind of machine you need. Just call the toll-free customer service number (which can be found on a company's web site) and tell a customer service representative how you plan to use the computer. Jot down the recommendations and refer to them while you shop.
The final word when it comes to buying a used computer, says Kraynak: "You wouldn't buy a used car without test-driving it, so take the same approach when buying a used computer."
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