Help in buying Refurbished Computer

[Ptfitzy]

Hello. A friend's Dell Dimension 4600 finally died. He can't afford a new one and wants to stay in the 100-200 Dollar range, minus the monitor.
I see a bunch of Dell "Optiplex 280's, 620's and similar ones. Also, HP's. All of these have "XP Home or XP Professional" loaded in them.
My friend normally just broweses the Internet, but likes to Burn CD's and DVD's.(His Dimension did not have a DVD Burner) I understand some of these are slower than the newer ones today.

Is there anything I should be looking for if I buy any of these and anything that may be upgraded without spending a lot of money on? Or are they sufficient enough for what he will be using it for the way they come. I've been reading up on some sellers that can sell you a "Rip Off" so I'm looking for a reputable seller.
Any help would be appreciated.
Thanks, Phil

[Geek-9pm]

I have bought a 'refurbished' PC awhile back. I used it for a long time. It was as good as other PCs I had at the time. The older refurbished PCs do not perform well with fast-action games. Otherwise, they do most of the things people expect.

One thing to check for. Is there a warranty?  Does the vendor have a good reputation? And is the Windows system come with the COA and the re-install CD in case the system fails?

Do a Google and look for this keyword phrase:
Microsoft Authorized Refurbished computers

Do not buy it if it is not an authorized reload of the Operation System. They can buy the COA for a fraction of what it costs you and I. So if the vendor is too small and too cheap to pay for a COA, what else did he leave out?

Do not buy from laptop_computers.bigdeal.com
Avoid Tiger Direct for refurbished computers.

[truenorth]

aleebluff, Maybe from your own experience you can recommend them but they sure are expensive. If i couldn't do a lot better than that i would give up. Ptfitzy, have a look at  http://www.ubid.com/ Been a long time but i have gotten some god deals from that site. Check out vendors stats re approval rating. Take the time to go through the site carefully. Don't be afraid to e-mail a vendor. Check on the shipping charges. truenorth

[soybean]

Here's another source you might visit: http://www.usedcomputer.com/   I just came across them via a Google search.  Also, I'd take a look at local listings on craigslist.org.   

[rthompson80819]

I bought a refurbished computer many years ago (from Tiger Direct) and the parallel port didn't work.  Luckily, the printer I had at the time had both a centronics and USB input.  I used the USB port and the computer worked fine for many years.  My guess is that when the computer got  returned they checked the CPU, RAM and HD but didn't check out the parallel port.

There is a risk with a refurbished machine so like Geek said make sure there is a warranty.  I had one, but I just didn't bother to use it.  If it was something more serious I would have used the warranty.

[truenorth]

I am probably not the best reference re the "warranty " aspect of this issue because i seek out (with a vengeance) used computers at garage sales. I have a maximum price range of $5.00 so my expectations level is very low. At best with a little effort i get a usable computer. At worst i get parts. I have bought at least 6 that way and have yet to find one that i did not get working. My greatest capital outlay after purchase has been a cooling fan for one of them. I don't recommend this approach for everyone but personally i enjoy the challenge and the opportunity to advance my knowledge. It is something like a Christmas present--you don't know what your going to get. The link that soybean provided looks very good for meeting your price range target. truenorth

[Salmon Trout]

If you're looking for a great/reliable/very reasonably priced factory refurbished computer, check out CheetahDeals.com ! CheetahDeals is really great - they have a ton of variety. They have desktops, laptops, netbooks & a ton of accessories! All of their products are great quality and well worth it! Check them out!

One post just might (maybe) be a satisfied customer, two makes this character a spammer for sure.

[Geek-9pm]

Well, let's not let the spammers dominate.
If you have an eBay account, you can get a good deal on eBay. And no, I do not endorse eBay, but it is one place where you get some information about the credibility of a vendor.
Plus they have forums where you can ask other customers. Here is a goo place to start:
http://search.reviews.ebay.com/refurbished-dell-computers
A lot of Dell system were out on lease and that came back and they clenched them up and reloaded a legal OEM Windows. It you can live with a Dell, that can be a good choice. Notice there are various vendors with different warranty policies. And different prices and models.

But one might want to buy a Dell not from eBay.
Just Google. Shop carefully.

[harry 48]

One post just might (maybe) be a satisfied customer, two makes this character a spammer for sure.

even his text reads like a saleman

[patio]

even his text reads like a saleman

I hope he's not on commision...

[harry 48]

I hope he's not on commision...

at the price of the equipment he will not sell many you could buy a new one cheaper