Best place to purchase a refurbished desktop computer?

[jerseygirl81]

We need to replace our old computer and can't afford a new one right now so I am looking into purchasing a refurbished desktop. I don't want a laptop I don't need it for work and we have an Ipad. I've been looking around on Dell, Amazon, Newegg, Overstock. I've done a lot of research on what I want in a computer but not sure of the best place to purchase it as far as returns or warranties. Thank you, Linda

 

[greentea]

We have 2 computers (a desktop and a laptop) from Dell's scratch and dent/refurbished outlet. We waited for them to be running a sale, and both of ours were refurbished. Looked brand new when they arrived, no issues. They've been working great for over 2 1/2 years. The only problem I've had at all is one of the keys on my laptop has started to stick a little, so I can't say much about returns or warranties. We checked the outlet often, as the stock changes quickly (especially when a good coupon is out) and sometimes if you call they can see more available stock.

 

[ibob52]

TigerDirect.com (former Circuit City)

CowBoom.com (Best Buy)

Warranties on Refurbished electronics tend to be 90 days. New products usually have a one year warranty.

If you buy with some VISA cards (signature) the warranty can be doubled.

(90 day = 6 months) or (one year = 2 year)

 

[jerseygirl81]

Thanks for the info I will look into these websites as well! Good tip on the Visa card. Thanks, Linda

 

[kaytieeldr]

Check woot.com famous name'slimline desktop for $179.99 today only.

 

[elgerber]

I have bought a couple of refurbs on HPs website. Honestly I don't remember the warranty info or anything, but both machines looked and ran like new, and we never had any problems with them.

 

[seashoreCM]

You may find that new software needed for the old computer may push the total cost above the cost of a new computer.

It takes careful and perhaps lengthy checking to see if the old computer has the software you need and in working order.

Sometimes you can get by with old software except that various quirks may be experienced if you move files back and forth between different computer frequently such as between home and grandma's house and the Firefox or Microsoft Word or Photoshop or Quicken software is of a different version.

If you are decommissioning a yet older computer at the same time you can usually move the apps (if you still have the CDs) to the next computer but usually you cannot move Windows 7 or XP etc. that came with the computer to any different computer..

 

[tinka-belle]

I second Tiger Direct. Have had good luck with the "off lease" products. Have purchased 3 of these (home & office) over the past 8 years or so, never a problem with the products or their service. Once they shipped the wrong computer out, was easy enough to ship back (they sent a pre-paid UPS label) and get the correct one sent out.

 

[jerseygirl81]

You may find that new software needed for the old computer may push the total cost above the cost of a new computer.

It takes careful and perhaps lengthy checking to see if the old computer has the software you need and in working order.

Sometimes you can get by with old software except that various quirks may be experienced if you move files back and forth between different computer frequently such as between home and grandma's house and the Firefox or Microsoft Word or Photoshop or Quicken software is of a different version.

If you are decommissioning a yet older computer at the same time you can usually move the apps (if you still have the CDs) to the next computer but usually you cannot move Windows 7 or XP etc. that came with the computer to any different computer..

I'm taking the pictures off the computer not looking to move anything. I considered a newer one but have heard much good about windows 8 but did hear windows 10 would be coming out so maybe I should consider it.

Thanks, Linda