Thursday, 14 February 2008

2002_03_17_archive



About Buying Used Computers

There's a new kid on the block. RetroBox offers used computers at a

fraction of the cost of new hardware. But there are a few critical

issues you should know about before buying from RetroBox or anybody

else.

First, know that you will be buying only the box. There's no operating

system on these computers because Microsnot has made sure that their

licenses are not transferable. That is, unless you buy the Windows

operating system directly from Microsoft or from the vendor when you

buy a new computer (or from the used computer vendor at extra cost),

you won't be able to use your computer. Period.

Second, some kinds of computers are harder than others to get running

when you buy them used. Laptops ("notebook" computers) are notorious

in this regard.

That said, you may be able to save hundreds of dollars on each

computer by buying from an outfit like RetroBox. NonProphet has just

purchased a laptop from RetroBox. Check back here every day for


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