The low pricing and costs of refurbished desktop computers make them a great choice for businesses operating on a tight budget. Refurbished desktop computers are used PCs that have been returned to the manufacturer.

After undergoing the refurbishment process, refurbished desktops are placed back on the market at prices starting at 10 to 25% lower than comparable new models. Some manufacturers discount their refurbished PCs even more. Consider the following tips to help you determine if the low pricing and costs of refurbished desktop computers outweighs the disadvantages of purchasing refurb computers.

1. Research the benefits of buying refurbished desktop computers.

2. Compare pricing on new versus refurbished desktops.

3. Inquire about the cost of refurbished desktop PC warranties.

Action Steps
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Explore reasons to buy refurbished desktops

One of the primary factors for purchasing refurb computers is price. Buyers can purchase Intel Celeron refurbished desktops at a cost of approximately $100 to $400. Mid-level Intel Pentium 4 refurbished PCs can range between $200 to $500 and top of the line Intel Pentium D refurbished computers average about $300 to $800. To obtain the highest possible quality, it's usually best to purchase refurbished desktops directly from manufacturers.

I recommend: Check out ChristiaNet for tips on buying refurbished desktops. You may check out PC Bargain Hunter to read more about the costs of refurbished desktops.

Shop around for pricing on new and refurbished desktop computers

To analyze actual cost savings, it's imperative that you compare the refurbished desktop PC price to the cost of a comparable new system. If the system is old and no longer in production, it may be more expensive to purchase a refurbished computer than a new system. For example, a refurbished Dell Optiplex, a highly used Dell business desktop, sells for approximately $200 to $400. In comparison, new Dell business use desktops will range from $500 to thousands of dollars depending upon the system's performance can be considerably lower than the cost of new systems.

I recommend: Visit the HP Outlet to obtain pricing information on refurbished PCs. You may also check out refurbished desktop savings offered by Dell Outlet.

Ask about warranties for refurbished computers before you buy

Obtaining a warranty is critical when purchasing refurbished desktop computers. In most cases, refurbished desktops were returned due to defects, although the seller will most likely not divulge this information to you. For less than $100 you can purhcase an extended warranty for your refurbished computer. If you decide to buy an extended warranty, you should avoid any refurbished PC purchase in which the price of the warranty combined with the computer costs equal to or more than a new PC.

I recommend: Check out PC World for details on the cost of refurbished laptops and warranties. You may also check out pricing and feature details for extended warranties by visiting PC Mall.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  While refurbished desktop computers carry a lower price tag, a major drawback of purchasing refurbished and used desktops is that you are limited on system customization. If high technology and unique computing features and accessories are important in carrying out your business operations, then purchasing refurbished computers may not be the best solution for you.

Refurbished computers can be a perfect solution for the budget-conscious business owner, helping you to conserve money and avoid dealing with depreciation. If you are looking to put computers in an employee training room, the mailroom for tracking of packages or just need to supply a number of computers to get your company going, used desktops could be for you.

Refurbished desktop computers are not old, broken or otherwise faulty, but rather they have often been tossed out when their former owners upgraded, or they've been repaired after a physical or programming problem. If you know how to shop for refurbished PCs wisely and conscientiously, you will save time and money.

1. Make a list of what you need in a refurbished desktop computer including the standard file storage and warranty considerations.

2. Look for expandable pre-owned PC desktop computers so the computers can grow with your business for the best investment of your funds.

3. Find a trustworthy dealer selling refurb computers you can trust to provide you with the best, most dependable used desktops for your money.

Action Steps
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Make a list of what you need in a refurbished desktop computer

It's important to know exactly what you need before you go shopping for refurbished computers. Make a list of the features you require: RAM, drives, drivers, USB ports, open bays, brand recognition or other features. Also, note the number of computers you need for your business.

I recommend: Check out some of the desktops that were on the market a couple of years ago to find the features you need. Check out Global Computer for their recertified desktop computers, and Directron for their incredible listings of refurbished and used desktop computers. The manufacturers themselves tend to update their product listings more quickly.

Look for expandable refurb desktop computers

Expandable PCs allow you to upgrade a slightly outdated computer. If you find a refurbished computer that meets your brand, style and basic components requirements, ask if the RAM and processor are upgradeable (they usually are), plus look for open bays to install additional drives.

I recommend: Tiger Direct is an online electronics company offering refurbished PCs and laptops. They have all the major brands, including Dell, HP, IBM and Compaq. Check out Tech Soup where you'll find refurbished desktops offered, plus information on current processors and components. They also have a program that offers non-profit organizations refurbished computers at a discount.

Find a reputable refurbished computer dealer

It is important to purchase your refurbished computer from a reputable company or dealer. Also, make sure they have a warranty or other guarantee. It would be a terrible situation to invest in a number of refurbished computers just to get back to the office and have them malfunction or crash.

I recommend: Use Nextag to compare refurbished computers side-by-side with the dealer and brand name included. They also list the prices, features and have a rating that is decided by users and site officials. Consider having someone who is knowledgeable in computers go with you. If you don't know anyone, contact Rent A Geek for on-site service or questions.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Carry a general computer power cord with you to test the refurb desktops you may find while shopping, in case the computer you are interested in does not have all necessary cords with it.

Computer technology tends to advance at a rapid pace and can render your company's used desktops obsolete in just a few short years. To offset this obsolescence costs, you can purchase refurbished computers at a discount. Refurbished PCs usually carry all the same warranties from the manufacturer but a reduced sale price. These computers are ones that had a problem and the original purchaser returned them to the maker. The maker then fixed the problem, retested the computer and then put it on the market again.

Refurbished desktop computers advice and ratings is an integral tool that can help you or your company minimize the cost of this purchase. Prior to purchasing refurbished desktops computers, you need to know the basics of the process, review online publications for the latest information and look at all of the available purchase options. However, before you begin, there are a few items to consider:

1. Study the refurbished desktop PC buying guides.

2. Subscribe to online PC magazines for the latest on the refurbished desktop computer industry.

3. Contact several factory refurbished desktop outlets to compare pricing and purchase terms.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Examine the buying guides for refurbished desktop PCs

Before you purchase a refurbished desktop, it's imperative to know the potential pitfalls and opportunities contained therein. For instance, make a list of all the processes that the computer needs to complete on a daily basis. It may be important for your desktop to have wireless Internet capabilities or a sizable hard drive for a graphics intensive company. No matter what the discounted price, if the computer won't perform the required tasks, then it wouldn't be a wise investment.

I recommend: Review the refurbished PC buying guides from PC Bargain Hunter and Smart Money. Video Jug also has a short video on buying the right refurbished computer for you and your business.

Use online PC magazines for the latest pre owned desktops reviews and information

Personal computer magazines offer an excellent source for refurbished rating and advice. These publications usually have reviews on most every major computer outlet store, along with information about the computer in general.

I recommend: Evaluate the articles and advice from PC Magazine regarding refurbished desktops. Subscribe to the RSS feed at the CNET website for the latest refurbished desktop PC ratings and information.

Compare the refurbished computers at several outlets prior to purchase

While price is a driving factor in purchases, there are other items such as warranty terms, delivery options and products, that factor into the decision. For example, you may want to keep your old monitors and just purchase the processing unit. The shipments of monitors can be very expensive because of their weight and monitors are generally interchangeable on PCs. In fact, most refurbished companies sell the monitors separately.

I recommend: Contrast the price, warranty and delivery terms of Dell Outlet, Hewlett Packard and PC Mall. If you work for or own a non-profit organization, you should review the refurbished program from Tech Soup.

Many companies are choosing to purchase refurbished desktop computers, because of the computer systems' lower prices. Refurbished computers are reworked, repaired and returned to factory standards. This allows companies the ability to buy better computers at lower prices. When shopping for refurbished desktop computers, there may be some jargon that could confuse you. Review refurbished desktop computers key terms to help reduce any confusion, find the computer system that best fits your needs, and expedite your shopping process.

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SDRAM

SDRAM stand for Synchronous Dynamic Random Access Memory. SDRAM runs up to 133 MHz, which is almost twice as fast as RAM. RAM, or random access memory, allows software programs to temporarily use the memory to work faster.

I recommend: Learn more about SDRAM at wiseGeek. Visit Tech-FAQ for information about Synchronous Dynamic Random Access Memory.

Processor

Processor is the new term for CPU, or Central processing unit. A computer processor is the part of a computer that processes the data used to allow the computer to run. Processors are available in single, dual and quad core styles. The dual and quad cores use two and four microprocessors instead of one large processor.

I recommend: Discover more about processors at What-Is-What.com. Computing.net also provides information about processors.

Platform

A platform is the computer's software and hardware that works together to make the system work. Platforms include the computer's operating system, architecture, related runtime libraries, programming languages and graphic user interface. The most common platforms are PC and Mac.

I recommend: TechTarget has more information about computer platforms. Visit BusinessDictionary.com for more details about computer platforms.

OS

The OS on a computer is the operating system. The OS is a computer program that, once loaded, manages all other programs on the computer. Common operating systems are Windows, Mac and Linux.

I recommend: Find more information about a computer's OS at Worth Godwin. Read more about operating systems at Tech Web. HowStuffWorks also provides information about operating systems.

Optical drive

Optical drives are drives on the computer that use lasers to read the data on a storage device. CD and DVD drives are optical drives.

I recommend: IWebTool and TechTerms.com have more information about optical drives.

WXGA

WXGA is a wide screen monitor with a resolution of 1366 by 768 pixels. A WXGA monitor is the smallest wide screen monitor. The WSXGA and WUXGA monitors have a slightly higher resolution.

I recommend: Visit Reference.com for more information about WXGA. SmallBusinessComputing.com also has information about WXGA.