Bought a refurb computer??

[newtodis]

Has anyone bought a refurbished computer? We're looking at replacing our laptop and desktop that both died on us a couple of months back. I was looking at overstock.com and they had refurbs listed on there. I'm just curious to see what experience anyone's had with refurb computers and if it's worth the savings. Also, would you purchase the "Extended warranty" thing through overstock.com???

TIA!

 

[maddmike]

I have only bought new computers. I have bought Dell, HP and a couple others before I learned my lesson and stopped buying that junk. Nowdays when I purchase a new computer I go to a local store that builds it for me just the way I want it. That way it doesn't come with all those preloaded programs that just slow down the system. I get exactly what I want and what I need and best of all they have been cheaper than the name brand garbage that you but at best buy and store like that. Then if there is something wrong with it I can take it accross town to get fixed and don't have to call a foriegn country for support. It has worked great for me and I would recommend it for all.

 

[peyjax]

I am typing on one now. Our IT friend is big on refurbs. He picked this one out and we have had it for over 3 years. It has worked out pretty good. I am not sure I would buy one on overstock though, ours is a Dell. I would try there first. I agree with the previous poster about buying a quality pc is key.

 

[newtodis]

The computers overstock had were HP and Dell - the websites I was looking at anyways for like a quarter of the price which is why I was intrigued. Thankfully we have wonderful IT friends who I can have "customize" the machine for me (take off the stuff I don't want on it) once it's here instead of paying extra for it so that's a bonus for us too.

 

[luvthatdisney]

I am using one now too! We bought this one from buy.com. The only problem we have had is with the cord used to charge it. I could buy another cord, but we have another laptop and just use the same cord for both (both HP's).

We got a great deal (17" monitor HP Pavillion dv9000) for less than $500. We bought it for our teenage ds last Christmas. Since my desktop is on its way out I use his when he is not home (since he is 19, that is most of the time!).

I was very scared to buy refurbished, but would do it again. Just made sure I bought their extended warranty. You can always get a lemon with new items. Just have to know how to protect yourself.

Good luck

 

[dawson5]

I bought one last year from newegg. I have a gateway core 2 quad with a terabyte HD, 4GB memory and DL dvd burner. It came with Vista Home Premium. Only thing I didn't get that I wanted was bluetooth. I can get a dongle for $15, so it wasn't a deal breaker. Only issue I had with it, wasn't really computer related, they forgot the remote (media center). I called and got it a week later. I do believe I could have gotten the extended warranty with it.
Research the pc, research who you get it from also. I almost bought from another site until I started reading about things being sent and not received and the company basically saying "oh well." I've been buying from newegg for years now, so I knew I could trust them.

If you're quick and have time to spend to watch, there is a woot-off still going on. They usually throw on a few computers. Actually one on there right now.

 

[elgerber]

My son and I both have refurbs bought directly from HP. We will have had them 2 years in January. Both still working great, with no issues. My son is a fairly heavy gamer also. He had to upgrade the video card, but otherwises does everything else he wants it to do.

 

[Shutterbug]

Apple sells reconditioned computers as well that come with the same warranty as a brand new computer.

 

[Ohiodislover]

We have purchased 3 Dell refurbs. 2 laptops, and a desktop. No problems, and much more software loaded on them then we would have been able to get otherwise.

 

[Breezy_Carol]

I am sure I am typing on one but I didn't buy it. My Dell laptop had multiple problems and they finally replaced it. I am sure this is a refurbished one, not new. Seems fine so far.

 

[richmo]

I've had good luck buying refurb electronic equipment, including computers. The refurbs often get a more thorough inspection than the new stuff. About the only thing I can think of that I wouldn't go for a refurb is a widescreen TV.

As far as extended warranties, my inclination is to stay away from them.

 

[snykymom]

I bought 2 - a laptop & a desktop. Both directly from Dell, though, through their own site.

I bought a refurbished video camera from overstock.com. Piece of junk - lasted 2 months. I won't buy electronics from them again.

 

[Golf4food]

Apple sells reconditioned computers as well that come with the same warranty as a brand new computer.

This is how we bought our iMac. Apple refurb. It actually developed a problem about six months later and Apple replaced it with a refurbed 2009 version and all the new 2009 software, so that worked out quite well for us in the end, I suppose.

 

[FireDancer]

I am and I.T. professional and I would have no problem at all purchasing a referb. Often times the referb is not a repair but a check after a business lease is over. A laptop that is repaired has also been worked on by a real person who had a chance to check it over, not only an assembly line that did not.

I have never purchased one from overstock but have recommended many to friends and family from Tiger Direct. They will often times specify if the laptop is off lease.

No matter what I bought, new or referb, the first thing I do is completely wipe the hard drive and reinstall the OS from scratch. This gets rid of all the bloat ware that vendors place on it and also makes sure that no one hid anything in the disk. Call me paranoid, but the extra couple of steps is worth the state of mind for me. Wiping the disk includes rebuilding the MBR just in case something is sitting there that shouldn't be.

Lastly, if you get any computer that runs Vista (or even XP if it is a netbook) make sure it is Vista approved and upgrade to Windows 7 as soon as you can. Ok, technically you can now via the RTM version, but that is a whole different thread and may be more technical that some users are comfortable with. Windows Vista, despite the bad press, has a lot of security advantages over previous versions and Windows 7 cleans up some of the rough edges of Vista.

 

[Chuck S]

I just bought an HP laptop from Office Depot, I was shocked that the same computer (slightly different model number, all the same features) was $80 cheaper at Office Depot than at Best Buy. Shop around, there are a lot of rebates right now as they prepare for the Win 7 switchover.

It is not uncommon to find basically identical computers with slightly different model numbers, so the retailer can say "built just for us, you won't find it elsewhere." This happens with household appliances, too.