Reliable site for used computers

[Wayne K]

I have very little time with this one, so I was wondering. I see some laptops as low as $100, but it looks too good to be true

I don't need anything great. I just like to network and write. I can spend about $200

Any help would be appreciated

[kuwisdelu]

For that cheap, I would go for something like craigslist, or any site where you can meet the seller and actually have them boot up the computer for you, show you that it works decently, and give you a chance to see any signs of significant wear. I wouldn't trust any computer for that price without trying it out in person. Maybe a desktop, but definitely not a laptop. You can certainly get good deals on used computers at that price point from geeks who've taken care of their old hardware, but I'd be careful.

[thothguard51]

You can also lease to own at places like Rent-a-Center or Aarons and they carry full warranties. If you don't like, you turn back in, no problems...

[fivetoesten]

you could always go with recertified netbooks. Here (http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?Submit=ENE&N=100006746%204017&IsNodeId=1&name=%24100%20-%20%24200) are some from newegg.

[Wayne K]

Thank you guys.

Yeah, I know I'm taking a chance, but I can't go more than $200. I'm in bad shape financially

The rent a center thing might work too

[kuwisdelu]

Yeah, I know I'm taking a chance, but I can't go more than $200. I'm in bad shape financially

The rent a center thing might work too

If you can find a seller who's willing to meet you, I think that'd be the best bet.

I'm not a netbook fan, particularly used, but I would probably trust a recertified one from Newegg to last at least a little while, and you have at least a limited return for a replacement policy.

The rental thing could end up costing more over time, and I'm too paranoid about them after a few stories I've read re: privacy.

[DeleyanLee]

Be very careful with the rent-a-center places. Yeah, you can get a new computer, but tally up all the payments and see how much you'll be paying over the long-haul.

I once got a washer & dryer from one such place and when I tallied it all up, I realized that I was signing up to pay around $2000 for a $800 set. I sent them back after the first month and got a used set at a garage sale.

Rent-a-centers also do not report to credit agencies if you make all the payments, FWIW.

[Alexys]

Pawn shops are another possibility, but make sure they'll either let you try the computer or let you return it.

[Matera the Mad]

Tiger Direct has good deals on refurb and off-lease. I shop there a lot. Got a nice little desktop for a local business for $150. They lovin' it, couldn't believe the price.

Trying out isn't always a guarantee. I stuck myself with a local lappy that has huge display problems after it's been on a while. It looked great -- then. Got worse and worse as soon as it was mine. :-s

[Wayne K]

I've bought used stuff before so I know the games, and I know sometimes the thing will die soon after I buy it.

Thank you guys for the leads, I appreciate it :)

[Gale Haut]

I have very little time with this one, so I was wondering. I see some laptops as low as $100, but it looks too good to be true

I don't need anything great. I just like to network and write. I can spend about $200

Any help would be appreciated

I would go with a refurbished netbook. Not all of the netbooks are good for writing, but I have a Samsung NC model, and I love writing on it. The keyboard is practically full size. They only cut off the elongated keys like tab and enter in order to fit the whole board on. Very comfortable typing.

Or you might want to get an Acer and purchase a USB keyboard to go along with it. I don't really like the Acers, but they do all the things you need just fine.

[Little Ming]

Does it have to be a netbook/laptop? Because for less than $200 you can get a decent desktop, provided you already have the accessories.

I've heard good things about geeks.com (http://www.geeks.com/products.asp?cat=SYS), but have never tried them myself.

I would avoid the rent stuff if at all possible.

[Williebee]

+1 on Tigerdirect. I use them regularly.

I've also had good success with partstock and cdicomputers.

I'm not certain an individual can purchase from partstock, though.

You might also contact some of the local repair shops in your area.

[bonitakale]

I like the local repair shops idea, or Craigslist. Though in my younger and more innocent days, I bought a used laptop that worked on Ebay, I don't know that I'd be willing to chance it again.

[apmiller]

Where are you located? My workplace has a bunch of computers we're trying to sell. Probably going to sell them all to one place, but if you're in the Dallas area, we could probably hook you up.