The OneMinute Geek:

Save money with rebuilt computers

The Problem

Brand new computers are like new cars, new sailboats and new jewelry -- they lose a big chunk of their value the moment you buy them. Computers seemingly get cheaper by the day, but money is still money. As Hawaii author Robert T. Kiyosaki argues in his popular book Rich Dad, Poor Dad, we need to purchase assets, not expenses. With this in mind, how can you maximize the asset and minimize the expense of your next computer purchase? One way is to buy a pre-owned computer.

The Solution

We always advise our clients not to be early adopters of new technology. If you are the first to buy the latest and greatest computer, you will invariably spend more than you need to. On the other hand, we also advise our clients not to be late adaptors either because nursing more life out of obsolete technology is likely to be very expensive. With those admonishments in mind, it's possible to find a decent PC at an excellent price. Following are some ideas on where to start looking.

First, consider refurbished computers. Refurbished, or remanufactured computers are basically new computers that were returned for some reason. Although they are essentially “new”, they can't be legally sold as brand new.

Refurbished units are thoroughly tested by the manufacturer before being offered for resale. These units may have had a problem that has now been fixed. Or, the original buyer may have decided against the purchase. The bottom line is that you are able to get a new computer with both a warranty and technical support at a much-discounted price. The only downside is that manufacturers often will not customize a refurbished computer. Here are some places where you can buy refurbished computers.

Amazon.com www.amazon.com

HP Shopping 1-888-999-4747, or www.shopping.hp.com (outlet)

Dell Computer 1-877-471-DELL, or www.dell.com/factoryoutlet

Gateway 1-800-846-3614, or http://www.gateway.com/reman/hm_index.shtml

Overstock 1-800-989-0135, or www.overstock.com

PCNomad 1-800-278-4009, or www.pcnomad.com

Another way to buy a “new” machine at a very low cost is to consider buying a floor model from a retail store. Many stores will offer a discount on units used for sales demos. Ask them about units that have been recently returned, too.

Then, there are the online auctions, such as eBay, government auctions, and your local classifieds ads. Pre-owned units from these sources will often come with tons of software. But, be sure to have the unit checked by your favorite geek before you buy it.

Now that you’ve gotten your reasonably priced hardware, consider being equally frugal in buying software. If you have a student ID, any kind of student ID, use it! Academic discounts are offered by most software makers. You can save a bundle this way.

You don’t actually have to pay for anything beyond your hardware. For example, you don’t need Microsoft's operating system, if you want to learn Linux. Download a free copy at www.redhat.com . Or, you can find low-cost alternatives to Microsoft Office at www.e-press.com, www.openoffice.org and www.thinkfree.com .

Find shareware (free software for a limited period of time) and freeware (free software) at www.download.com and www.tucows.com ; free internet access at www.juno.com and http://www.access-4-free.com/; free fax services at www.efax.com and www.zipfax.com; and free web hosting at either http://geocities.yahoo.com or www.freewebhosting .com.

James Kerr is President/CEO of SuperGeeks, a Hawaii-based computer service and repair company (www.supergeeks.net). Please feel free to send your questions, comments and suggestions to Mr. Kerr. He can be reached at kerr@supergeeks.net and 942-0773.