Has anyone ever bought a refurbished computer?
 

I see some really good deals on refurbished computers from reputable dealers so I was wondering if anyone has ever bought one and if it held up as well as a "new" computer. I'm looking for a new computer for my daughter who is about to enter high school, but I don't want to spend too much money.

Thanks for the input.

Fat E

Our school district gives all middle schoolers iPads

My son is heading off to college and I looked at that route for his laptop. However, the price difference didn't make up for the risk and loss of warranty.

However, in your case, you might check out the Lenovo Outlet. Some pretty decent deals there.

I advised my parents to buy a refurbished iMac several years ago and it's still going strong.

I bought my wife a refurbished PC laptop about 6 years ago and she used it without issue for a couple of years before she got herself a macbook. The computer itself was still functional, but because it was a lower end model when we bought it, it was effectively obsolete.

In short, I didn't have any trouble with either of the refurbished computers I've been involved with.

I'm currently using a $150 acer aspire 5100 i got at the local repair shop, it was perfect for about a year, but now the screen is starting to occassionally act up by going into spasms of yellow and red lines.

On average, I think there's probably a quality difference between factory refurbished and a machine that's been repaired at the local repair shop (although depending on the repair guy, that can certainly vary). It all depends on what kind of discount you're getting and how much risk you're willing to take.

I would say you probably already got your use out of it for that price.

that PROBABLY has more to do with it being an acer than it does with it being refurbished.

cheap computers start with cheap components

We bought a refurbished iPad and also have a refurbished Acer tablet. Both work perfectly.

I've got an ACER that doesn't have cheap components.

Very ironic, I have a similar model, also an Acer Aspire but different model# and its starting to do that same damn thing. I bought it about 3 years ago on clearance so I definitely got my moneys worth out of it.

My mom is on her 2nd Acer Laptop, the first lasted 2 1/2 years brand new and was a total pos. The verdict is still out on the current one I got her less than a year ago.

Does it not?

Depends on the manufacturer. All refurbs are not created equal. Many places will use different/substandard/used parts when they fix the units for refurb sale. It's always a bit of a gamble.

Apple refurbs are a very good deal. I know for a fact their refurb units use the exact same new parts that go into their new models. And you can still get warranty coverage on a refurb unit just like a new model.

I've ordered a few Lenovo refurbs too, and those have all been solid.

I've heard decent things about Dell Outlet. But I've never dealt with one. I think they will let you get warranty coverage on a refurb too.

daughter in law got a dell refurb...had it for a couple years. no problems except for when my son uses it and it catches the clap. neither one is very good at running anti-virus.
sec

One good thing about Acer's is that you can find replacement parts very easily...

http://www.amazon.com/Acer-Aspire-51.../dp/B004IM95Z2
http://www.amazon.com/BrandNew-Gloss.../dp/B002IAR7QA

Acer's are pretty easy to fix.

Should be ok, did computers for 20+ years, the most that will break is the hard drive which is easily replaceable. Everything else is pretty solid, if you take care of it, shouldn't have any problems..

I do this part time and you save so much money buying new, yes the warranty isn't there, but half the time, its never used..

Pawn shops are also a good place to get a laptop cheap, most of them are fairly new and they wipe the drive so no porn...

Yep...have 2 refurbed gateway towers that work just fine.

aol is slow a shit on mine.

Acer's aren't bad. Apple and Lenovo are at the top, followed by asus and acer. HP is really hit or miss. Dell's don't live up to their big name.

I use a refurb HP tower... It isn't anything fancy but runs like a champ

dont buy one, I thought i needed one in college so I bought one before it, its better to just hit the library up, forces you to do your work instead of dicking around in your room on your own laptop

We've been buying off-lease, refurbed Dell 6400 laptops for a year at work and have had no issues. Just got an email yesterday for 6410 models at $379.

We are also heading in to our third year of rolling out DakTech Discovery 61 desktops. http://daktech.com/build/144 You can't beat the price and a 7 year warranty. (PM Bob Dole if you want his sales contact.)

if you would like a quality used apple puter, my friend has this place and he's been doing folks right a very long time

http://www.dvwarehouse.com/

Not worth it 95% of the time. Risk/reward is high. There are so many laptops for cheap, it's really not worth it.

Find a laptop that is out of style or one generation behind.

NewEgg, Best Buy, Amazon, and Wal-Mart all have great deals on NEW laptops. Don't waste your time on used crap

I only buy refurbished, but directly from the computer maker's refurbish store. Never had a problem yet. One Acer and two Dells.

I just bought 6 refurbished Dells, haven't even received them yet. I'll keep you posted. They will be in a tough environment so it will be a good test.

Asus manufacturer refurb sold at Tiger Direct for $299. Hard to pass up at that price.

I just placed the order; we'll see how it goes....

I've bought 2 refubs from Dell and one was great while one crapped out. I bought no extended warranty. Lesson learned.

I then bought two Lenovo refurbs and they are doing fine. I also bought two Squaretrade warranties which will cover them after the manufacture warranty expires.

If you are buying a refurb buy some place where you can get it warrantied for an extra time period from some place like Squaretrade and I think it can be a pretty good deal.