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What to look for when purchasing a refurbished computer

Question:
"I am thoroughly confused. I would like to look into purchasing used or refurbished computers, but I have absolutely no idea how to proceed and what I need to look for."

Answer:

It depends on your budget and risk tolerance. For word processing and the Internet, you would be fine with a Pentium II, Celeron or AMD processor with 64MB of RAM, a 4 GB hard drive, a 56Kbps modem and a monitor.

If you plan to keep your computer for a few years and want to keep pace with software updates (new versions of Word for example), I recommend considering a more modern system. A PC with a Pentium III or greater processor, 128MB of RAM, a 6 GB hard drive, a 56Kbps modem and a monitor would be ideal for longevity.

For older computers, your best bet is to get recommendations for a local computer store that will stand behind their used equipment and has a good reputation for service. This can also be easier than establishing a service relationship on equipment from an online vendor, where you will have to mail the computer back to them for repairs. You can get great deals on older equipment from individuals, but you will have to assume the burden of testing and servicing this equipment.

A great resource for modern used computers are the refurbished selections offered by major computer manufacturers such as Dell (www.dell.com). Dell give all their refurbished computers the same warrantee as their new computers, and the prices offered are significantly reduced. Generally you can find a wide selection of refurbished computers offered.

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