Do You Feel Used by Computers?A look at second-user computer equipment.
Let's dispense with
myths first. I'm NOT talking about sort of second-hand computers you get from some high street junk shops, or sort you can buy from free ads newspapers. These are types that get used computers a bad reputation since there are many dodgy deals to be had!
I'm talking about a different breed altogether, sort of used computers you'd be proud to own and feel safe buying because they have proper and lengthy warranties on each and every one of them and have been extensively tested and approved.
The criterion is quite strict. Sure, there are any number of companies out there who offer used computers at low prices. Very few offer 12-month warranties however and many of them disappear just as quickly as they arrived leaving you with a problem. All computers, no matter which category they fit in, or what you call them, should be high quality, guaranteed, fully working computers from a reputable supplier.
So, let's put all computers into two categories, I'm going to call them 'used' and 'unused' computers.
1. Used Computers
Second-hand, second user and used computers are what you would expect in that they have had a previous owner. Many of computers have been returned to company from which they were bought in first place. This is ideal as company has appropriate expertise and spares already in place to correct any faults they find.
There are a number of reasons why computers are returned:
- businesses, colleges, individuals etc upgrade their computer equipment for latest model
- equipment was leased over a set period and lease expires (so equipment is returned)
- computer gets a fault that can't be fixed quickly so it is swapped permanently out for a new one
- customer changes their mind just after purchasing
As you can appreciate, 'used computer' can mean anything from 'barely used' to 'a couple of years old'. However, once returned computers go through a rigorous check procedure, have their hard disks cleared or changed, have new keyboards, mice and cables if worn and new cases if they have noticeable damage. If there are any faulty components, such as sound card, video card, floppy drive etc, these are always replaced. These computers are often referred to as ex-lease, open-box, returns, refurbished, reclaimed, remanufactured, rebuilt, recycled, recertified or reconditioned computers. Phew!
