Buying Cheap Used Computers
(Recertified & Refurbished)

Finding A Recertified Computer Online.

Most local computer stores near where I live do not carry a big range of used computers. When I had a look online I was stunned by the range of recertified and refurbished computers I found. Since I've done some research I thought I'd share it with you.

You will want to browse the best prices for cheap computer systems here.

If all you want is a computer for school assignments, web surfing and email, then you do not have to spend much. You can get a solid computer system for $300 (without a monitor). Monitors cost from $100 upwards depending on how big and bright you want your display. Sometimes you can even find full systems around the same price with a monitor; you will want to check out the systems offered here and here.

If you're a real "do it yourselfer" then you can get a fast new computer for very little money. You can buy cheap OEM versions of Windows as long as you know how to install them yourself.



You can find really great deals on cheap computers fully loaded with a CD writer, big hard drive, lots of memory and of course Windows XP. Some models do not include a monitor but if you are armed with the knowledge on this site then you can select a monitor that suits your needs easily.

If you're interested in seeing the best monitor and LCD deals I've found, click here

If you are looking for a newer, more upgradable, computer then check out Pentium 4 systems. They are much faster than the models above because they sport the Intel Pentium 4 with HT (hyper-threading ... fast!) technology. Some come with CDRW-DVD and Windows XP. Again these computers are so cheap because some are recertified brand name desktop computers and some are new but not major brands. Please note that some of these computers do not come with a monitor.

The advantage of these computers is the ability to upgrade the AGP graphics card or processor in a year or two and totally renew the speed of the machine. Intel will continue to build new processors over the next year that will simply plug into the computer motherboard.

Graphics card technology increases at blinding speed and every year cards that are twice as fast cost half as much. Get a computer that has an AGP slot so you can add an inexpensive new graphics card later.

Some computers cannot be upgraded because they don't have an AGP slot for a faster graphics card and they have an old motherboard type that will no longer have new CPUs released for it.

These Pentium 4 systems are great for games and therefore would suit a family situation. They can also be upgraded because faster (compatible) processors will be released and can be placed into the motherboard. Plus a new (AGP) graphics card can be added for massive improvements in games. In fact the latest cards have over twice the graphics performance of the Playstation 2.

Well that about wraps up my guide to buying cheap used computers online. The examples I have provided hopefully illustrate my point that getting used computers online is one smart way to go. The sheer selection available means that you can get practically get any configuration you want.

Check out the current deals offered from Dell's Factory Outlet for refurbished computers, and high-volume retailers like TigerDirect's Recertified Sale Center to get the best deal you can on cheap used computers!

If you can't find the exact used computer you want then you can always buy the extra components you need (say a DVD drive) online and install them yourself.

Everything you need to know about upgrading computers is on this site so have a look around.