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Refurb Items
New Items
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Brought to you by Communicating Arts Credit Union
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With more new computers selling for less than $1,000, why
would you ever buy used? Well, as the prices of new
computers drop, so do the prices for used ones. Besides,
if you just want to write a few letters or send e-mail, or
you only need a backup machine when more than one person
wants "on" at a time, splurging on a new
computer might be like buying a $300 food processor when
you need a $2 whisk. |
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"If you're trying to stay
ahead of the curve, I hope you've got an unlimited
budget."
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Here today,
obsolete tomorrow
"In response to all the ads saying you've got
to have the latest, greatest machine when you buy a
computer, we say hogwash," says Ray Kopczynski, owner
of Computer Renaissance, Corvallis, Ore. "If you
think this is so, bring us your old one and we'll
refurbish and resell it." And with technology rapidly
changing, it's hard for anyone to keep up. Every 18
months, computing horsepower is doubling for the same
price tag. "If you're trying to stay ahead of the
curve, I hope you've got an unlimited budget,"
Kopczynski says.
"Someday every computer
will be worthless--some sooner than others," says
John Hastings, owner of American Computer Exchange Corp. (AmCoEx),
Atlanta, Ga. "The more you put in, the more you'll
lose," says Hastings, whose company acts as a broker
between computer buyers and sellers. His advice: Don't buy
more computer than you need, and try to get by with
minus-one (the next-to-the-latest) technology.
Lots of people are heeding
this advice. Last year, some 2.5 million consumers
purchased used computers for both personal and
small-business use, according to a study conducted by
Computer Intelligence, a leading source of computer
information in La Jolla, Calif. Half the used computers
sold in 1996 cost less than $500, and nearly
three-quarters cost less than $1,000. By comparison, only
10% of new computers in 1996 cost less than $1,000.
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Shop smart
If you're in the market for a used computer, follow
the experts' advice: Figure out how you want to use it. Do
you want to do word processing, play games, or design
graphics? "Tell us what you want and we can tell you
what you need," Kopczynski says. "Depending on
what you want, a $500 machine may work as well as a $2,000
machine."
If you want to use a
computer to buzz along the information super highway or
take advantage of new digital photo technology, you'll
need a newer, more-powerful machine. But think twice
before you invest a lot of money, Kopczynski cautions.
"Some people insist on buying a 200-megahertz
computer and end up playing the fastest game of Solitaire
you've ever seen."
If your kids are screaming
for the hottest new games, the computer you could buy for
your modest needs may be outpaced by their software's
requirements. Before you start to shop, check out the
"must-have" software's minimum requirements
listed on the outside of the package.
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Educate
yourself first
Visit several used-computer dealers. Do not buy anything
during this period--you're simply scoping things out, such
as:
- How knowledgeable are the salespeople? Once
you tell them how you want to use your computer, how
much help do they offer? "Don't let anyone start
talking over your level of knowledge," Kopczynski
says. Don't nod your head and pretend you understand
what they're saying. If they can't reduce the
information to plain language, find another sales rep
or a different store.
- How extensive is the inventory? Do they have
a variety of systems and components? Ask about each
computer's history--how was it used? If they say it's
been reconditioned or refurbished, find out exactly
what they did. Take along a note pad and pencil to jot
down information, and, if available, get a copy of the
computer's specification sheet for any units you're
interested in.
- How long have they been in business? What
about their warranty and return policies?
When you get home,
compare your options and then do some research on the
models you're most interested in. Ask friends and
co-workers about their experiences, and check consumer and
computer magazines for reviews--compare performance,
repair histories, and warranties.
Decide on a budget before
shopping, and stick to it. Otherwise it's not hard to fall
in love with the bells and whistles and lose sight of your
needs and your budget, Kopczynski says. And remember,
Communicating Arts Credit Union can help finance this
purchase with a personal loan or a credit card.
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"Some
people insist on buying a 200-megahertz computer and end
up playing the fastest game of Solitare you've ever
seen." |
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Get the most computer for your money.
"Buy the cheapest computer that does the job today,
and sell it or upgrade it next year," Hastings
advises. "RAM [random access memory--the memory
software uses when you're actually using the software] is
cheap today, making it very affordable to add to your
computer." If you're interested
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