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Way back in 2004, the United Nations issued a report that showed the value of refurbished desktop computers, at least indirectly, when it highlighted the problem of e-waste. Now, with the economy slowing, there is one more reason to consider used or refurbished computers – they cost less.

Refurbished Desktop Computers Make Good Financial Sense

Why pay full price when you can get a refurbished computer that performs just as well (or better) than a new machine?

Refurbished desktop computers come from a variety of sources – customer returns, cast-offs after an upgrade, off-lease. When the machines are refurbished, they are thoroughly tested and cleaned to ensure they perform according to the manufacturer’s original specifications. Sometimes the original equipment manufacturer refurbishes the computer, and sometimes an authorized reseller does it. Either way, the computer is usable, suitable to most business applications, and much cheaper than a new one.

Can a refurbished desktop meet your processing needs? Yes. Equipment manufacturers will try to tell you through their advertising that you need the latest and greatest computer, but that is rarely the case. Unless you are in a highly specialized field, like graphic design or CAD applications, you can very likely get buy with a machine that is 2, 3 or even 5 years old.

You may also have concerns that a refurbished machine will be too old to service; that parts will be hard to come by. That is not usually the case. Many manufacturers, including heavyweights like IBM and Lenovo, offer their discontinued parts and accessories for sale through resellers. Whatever you need to service your desktop, you can probably find it.

Buying Used Desktops Makes Good Eco-Sense

Back to that UN report. The report urged governments to “slow the growth of high-tech trash”. UN researchers found that:

“…the average 24 kg desktop computer with monitor requires at least ten times its weight in fossil fuels and chemicals to manufacture, much more materials intensive than an automobile or refrigerator, which only require 1-2 times their weight in fossil fuels. Researchers found that manufacturing one desktop computer and 17-inch CRT monitor uses at least 240 kg of fossil fuels, 22 kg of chemicals and 1,500 kg of water – a total of 1.8 tonnes of materials.”

Of course most desktops now use LCD monitors, but the environmental impact of these machines is clear. The UN also made note of “the rapid rate at which [desktops] are discarded for newer machines.”

If you buy used equipment, you are making a good environmental choice. Yes, computers are still being manufactured using chemicals and fossil fuels, but you will not be contributing to the demand for new machines when you buy a used or refurbished one. Further, you will be keeping a computer and monitor out of the waste stream.
Bottom Line: Refurbished Desktop Computers Make Good Business Sense

Save money, reduce waste and still perform your daily computing tasks. Refurbished computers give you all that and the satisfaction of having benefited both your budget and the environment.

Electronics have established a wave of loyalty throughout the world; iPods, portable speaker docks, and speaker systems are a part of every day life. Simple strategies to find high-quality products for low prices is not a hassle. Contrary to popular belief, the customer’s needs will be met by top manufacturers when the demands increase. Electronics are in high demand, people are buying them for gifts and personal use, and the world thrives off gadgets for entertainment. If you’d like to save on electronics, you can start your search online.

Online Auction Sites

Online auction sites offer high quality electronics at extremely low prices; the retail advantages are evident in unopened packages that contain brand new equipment. You can save hundreds of dollars in entertainment if you bid online. The shipping costs are reasonable, but the price of the product itself is a lifesaver. According to PC Magazine, approximately 32% of electronic lovers purchase their products online.

In comparison to five years ago, the accessibility to online auction sites has increased by 20% for teenagers. The E-commerce Reports state that electronic purchase will continue to increase over the next few years. with this in mind, you should learn how to save on electronics when bidding on various sites.

Bargain hunters have mastered the art of negotiation. Their bids are relatively low for high-quality electronics, but their focus is on future business with a great electronic retailer. Online store owners start their bids at low prices to create urgency for multiple watchers. If you are interested in saving the most money, you have to learn how to negotiate with sellers for a reasonable price on their products.

Majority of today’s auction site buyers utilize principle in distinguishing product quality. If you understand what type of discounted electronic it is, you may have a seller’s favor in your argument.

Types of Discounted Electronics

Learn how to save on electronics analyzing the condition of the products; there are currently three categories – brand new, refurbished, and used. Brand new items are still the box, unused, and ready for a new owner. You may pay high prices on these electronics because no one has opened the box. Although, you may have to ask the seller what the problems may be with the equipment. Many will tell you the truth while others will disregard your questions.

Refurbished products are used electronics that have been reconditioned, fixed, and certified for resale from a manufacturer. Refurbished products are sold at reasonable prices below retail. If you’re interested in the lowest electronics, you can get a used gadget way below market value. Some problems may arise from these purchases, but you save on electronics’ high retail prices available in the stores.

Work your way through the online auction sites, online stores, and retail stores to compare prices. It’s easy to learn how to save on electronics by participating in bidding and online research on market prices. Some bargain hunters have mastered the art of negotiations for a reason – it’s to outbid and win the best gadgets for pennies on the dollar. You can learn how to save on electronics by working your way around the market as well.