A Real Fixer-Upper, or Is That a Boat Anchor?

Did you ever have a minute where you thought, "I need a new car, or new lawn mower," because the old one is... well, old? Well, for me, a computer geek making a living at computer tech, it is always in my face daily. Should I get a newer computer, or should I just add/exchange a few items to get me over the need for speed?

OK, so here is what I see, in numbers:

New computer = $999.00

New parts update = $550.00

OK, so you think, "Hey Greg, you can save a few hundred by doing a DIY on your computer," and you're right. But for many, a DYI just isn’t in the cards without a little help from a techie person. So the only choice is a new computer.

But wait, I have another solution: refurbished.  Did you know that all computer manufacturers and computer retailers have a "refurbished" area on their website or store? OK, so off I went to look at something in this world and bang, there it was, a new computer for $699.00 with the same specs and same... oh my, it was the same computer I was looking at for $300.00 more new.

So what is the catch, you say? Well warranty length, it’s only 90 days. Hmm, I thought. How much for an extended warranty? $90.00 to $159.00 depending on length. So you can see, with a little looking around I came up with a savings and the same computer.

Here are a few vendors that offer refurbished items: Best Buy, Dell, HP, Tiger Direct, Newegg. Have fun shopping and save a few bucks along the way. I did!