When it comes to computer equipment, it does make fiscal sense to considering buying used equipment rather something. In fact, you can save quite a bit of money. But there are a few things to watch out for…

The Solution:
Fortunately, most hardware and software is designed to last several years and often a little while longer than the market considers useful. A friend of mine, for example, is still using one of the original Apples. It’s more for historical reasons rather than real utility yet it works nonetheless.

Here’s what you need to know:

1. Is the seller offering a no-questions-asked, full refund if – for whatever reason – the unit dies within 30-days of purchase? Ask for it. If the seller is confident the equipment is working well, there really shouldn’t be a problem getting a 30-day warranty. If the seller grumbles, negotiate a cheaper price.

2. Does the computer contain any pirated software? Free software, even illegally obtained software, may seem like a bonanza, but what will you do when Microsoft starts sending you warning notices that your version of XP is counterfeit. At the very least, make sure the operating system (check the label on the outside of the computer) and the Microsoft Office applications are owned by the seller and transferred in the sale. Insists on including the original CDs that came with the unit. If the seller grumbles, negotiate a cheaper price.

3. Does the computer actually work? You’ll have to actually touch the unit for this one, otherwise be sure you have that return policy in place (see #1 above.) Look for an exterior damage, broken keys on the keyboard, stress cracks on the hinges of laptops, etc. Turn the unit on and off a few times. Does it get hung up on anything? Could mean software conflicts. Also, see if you can hop online. Is the unit slow? Could be a spyware problem. If the seller grumbles, negotiate a cheaper price.

4. Can you get a real diagnostic? Visit your neighborhood SuperGeek and have a computer expert run some tests. Bad sectors on the hard drive may entail replacing the drive sometime very soon ($100.) Viruses and spyware can lead to even more problems ($150.) If the seller grumbles, negotiate a cheaper price.

5. Is the computer too old ? Unless you’re a collector of computer stuff, avoid the dead or dying platform. Anything older than a Pentium III is probable not worth the purchase price. And keep in mind operating systems like Windows 3.X, 98, and Me are no longer supported by Microsoft, so nursing them along will eventually become cost prohibitive.

As for where to look for deals on used equipment, there’s always eBay.com. For local listings, take a look at Honolulu.CraigsList.com. The conventional daily newspapers have listings, too.

Good luck. And if you have any questions, please feel free to call me at 942-0773 or email me at help@SuperGeeks.net.