popnrock
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posted on December 3, 2003 03:09:57 PM new
I never buy electronics off of Ebay so I need some advice. My brother wants me to buy-it-Now a lap top computer. New condition. The seller is mostly a buyer but he has excellent feedback.
Is there any kind of protection when you are buying a second hand computer?
I am shocked my brother wants to buy this item because he is "Mr.Top quality Only" guy.
Advice?
Miss J, freezing her buns off in NJ. California dreaming at the moment.
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horsey88
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posted on December 3, 2003 03:13:00 PM new
If the seller of a notebook was previously a buyer,then that's one of the first signs of a hijacked account. If he is on vacation in Spain this week and wants a Western Union payment then your friend will be losing some $$$$ in the near future.
Do you have an item number ??
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trai
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posted on December 3, 2003 03:20:43 PM new
Is there any kind of protection when you are buying a second hand computer?
Over all, no. My advice would be to check out dell or any bona fide dealer on line or brick and morter store for this kind of item.
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eagleinc
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posted on December 3, 2003 03:29:48 PM new
I would recommend checking out Gateway, Dell, and HP factory refurbed programs (on their website). Same OEM warranty, cheaper price. I would hesitate buying a used laptop. Not enough of a price savings to justify the risk.
In case you're wondering, I've been a computer dealer for 20 years and yes I do sell used laptops if I have to. But it's not worth the risk.
That doesn't even take into account the integrity of the seller in describing it accurately. And if the price is so good that it beats the OEM refurbs, why does that make me think it's hot.
Better safe than sorry. Good luck
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fenix03
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posted on December 3, 2003 04:46:12 PM new
There are a lot of great electronics deals to be had on ebay no matter what the perveyors of gloom and doom here say. I'm assuming that this model is a year or two old? Email the seller - chances are they have upgraded. Hijacked accounts don't advertise used computers - not enough money to make it worth their while.
~~~ • ~~~ • ~~~ • ~~~ • ~~~
If it's really "common" sense, why do so few people actually have it?
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horsey88
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posted on December 3, 2003 04:52:07 PM new
Yea and most non hijacked accounts don't ask for Western Union
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popnrock
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posted on December 3, 2003 04:52:45 PM new
I am showing him all of the replies here.
He has reminded me that he as built many of computers over the years.
Thank you for the replies. It's his call.
Miss J
xxoxoxo
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sanmar
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posted on December 3, 2003 05:01:07 PM new
Before you buy on eBay, check ubid.com. You can sometimes get a real deal. I bought refurbed Gateway last yr. for $800.00. It has a 900MHz with 256 dram & 20 gig hard drice. Came with the Microsoft Suite 2002 already loaded plus the CD's. Has both CDRom & floppy drives, charger. I use it whenever I travel, also has a 56k modem. Caqme with a Gateway warranty & one year AOL free.
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eagleinc
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posted on December 3, 2003 05:46:52 PM new
HP's shopping factory outlet online website:
HP Pavilion ZE4200 w/ 90 day warranty (upgrade to 1 year warranty for $60)
• 1.7GHz Intel® Celeron® processor
• Microsoft® Windows® XP Home Edition
• 30GB enhanced-IDE hard drive, 256MB DDR SDRAM
• DVD/CD-RW combo drive
Cost $779 with no sales tax and free shipping.
Best Buy website (new)
Compaq Presario Notebook with Mobile Intel® Celeron® Processor 2.4GHz
Model: 2190US Maximize your options with this lightweight, take-anywhere notebook. Sports a 15" screen and 40.0GB hard drive. Mobile Intel® Celeron® processor 2.4GHz
256MB 266MHz DDR SDRAM memory for multitasking power, expandable to 1.0GB DVD-ROM/CD-RW combo drive $1049 minus $250 in rebates (if you are careful and actually apply for them) is net cost of $799.
So for under $800 you get a pretty powerful laptop and a manufacturer who has to take care of problems for the first year. Or you can buy for what $600, $700 or more and assume any risk. And if the guy only wants $300 or $400 ask yourself why.
Only exception is if you can find out if it is still under manufacturers warranty using the serial number before purchase.
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bunnicula
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posted on December 3, 2003 06:07:31 PM new
I bought a laptop off eBay last year and it was A-OK. I think that you need to know exactly what you need/want, check out the feedback of the person, and ask every question you can think of before you bid.
Censorship, like charity, should begin at home; but unlike charity, it should end there --Clare Booth Luce
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toasted36
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posted on December 3, 2003 06:29:32 PM new
http://www.pricewatch.com/ Price Watch most of the time beat used prices on Ebay for a brand new one ...check them out .We have bought from price watch at least 6 different times and never had a problem...anything from ram to motherboards...Prices shown include shipping
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