What's a Refurbished computer???

Question

i'm looking online for a new computer before school starts...and i found one on Future Shop's website that's quite a good deal...but it's a Refurbished computer...and i'm not sure what that means and if there is any difference between a refurbished computer and a completly brand new computer...

so could someone please explain this to me and if possible give me some tips on buying a DESKTOP computer???

thx in advance!!!

Answer 1

Refurbishment is the process of maintenance or minor repair of an item, either aesthetically or mechanically.

Computers and laptops that are refurbished usually means that it did not initially pass quality standards of the manufacturer. They then fix or recertify the unit and sell it at a discount price (Up to 30% off). Most of them carry a 30 day store warranty and 90 days with manufacturer.

TIPS

If you want to buy a desktop computer and want to execute and work with multiple programs then AMD 64-Bit Quad 9950 Phenom processor will provide a very good experience or else you can buy a Intel Pentium 4 Quad processor. Also important thing is that the motherboard onto which these processors would be installed should have minimum 1333 MHz of FSB clock speed, otherwise these processor won't work at there full power. Also you need to have sufficient PSU. If you are a game enthusiast then buy a Nvidia 9800 GX2 PCIe card. It will enhance your graphical experience much more.

All of this would cost you just $600-800 budget to build a high end desktop computer.

Answer 2

A refurbished computer is one that is used and the hard drive has been wipe out and rebooted to the state at which it was first used. Far from being a NEW computer but it has been cleaned up for resale.

Answer 3

A refurbished computer means it's been used and then returned. then they fix up the computer to perfect condition again. they are just as good as new computers just make sure it comes with a warranty. refurbished computers are usually cheaper and i recommend getting an apple computer!!! Hope that helps!

Answer 4

It should mean that it has been reformatted and has a clean install of an Operating System and that it has been checked for any faults.

Basically it's a second hand machine that works.

It should come with a warranty and hopefully a back-up disc though a lot of firms don't give these now.

Depending on what you want it for I wouldn't settle for less that a 80gb hard drive, 1gb of ram and a Pentium 4 or equivalent processor. For school this should do you.

Answer 5

A refurbished computer is a computer that was returned for some reason. The company cleans and fixes any problems that it might have.

Answer 6

A refurbished computers is a second hand ones that people had used before. Its nothing wrong with the computer but the components inside the computer will be changed and everything so you be able to buy it.

A new computer is a brand new computer that people not used before. But it is better off building your own pc, because if anything is wrong with the pc then you can always buy that piece of component and put it in the computer.

Answer 7

refurbished means someone probably returned it to the store (its second hand / used basically)

they usually check them out to make sure they still work ok and re-install the OS etc etc so dependant on what said person did to the machine and how long they had it they can be just as good as brand new

Answer 8

Refurbished means that it has been returned by its first buyer, but it has passed inspections and is as good as new.  There may be slight differences, but from my experiences nothing too bad.  

For a desktop, you might want a wireless networking card to work with a wireless network, and a case that opens and cleans easy.  The rest depends on whether you want the top of the line gaming components, or are happy with the low-end components.  In general, AMD processors<Intel processors.

Answer 9

Basically it is used. Refurbished means "overhauled" and whatever problems it might have had have been fixed.  It might not have had ANY problems, the original owner might have simply traded it in on a newer, better model.

Buying a refurbished computer is kind of like buying a used car.  You CAN get a good deal if you know what you are looking for but I'd advise having someone with you that knows something about computers.

Just like a used car...you can end up with one that is a real gem...or a real lemon!

Answer 10

Basically refurbished means that the defective parts have been fixed and put back in or different parts have been put in.

Nothing wrong with refurbished anyway.

Just look at the system specs and see if they suit ur needs i would say

Answer 11

It just means it was slightly used and returned for some reason. Future Shop fixes it so it runs perfectly well before selling it at a low price. Rest assured, refurbished products work as well as new ones.

Go get it as soon as you can! It is a great deal!

Answer 12

Simply stated, you don't know who used the computer nor for how long it was used before it was reacquired by the seller.  In general terms, refurbished means they check it out and replace any parts that don't work and make sure it works okay.

That doesn't mean it works as good as new, just that it works okay.

I'd buy a new one.  Good Luck