| This article explains how you can have a fully reliable | | | | Now if something happens to our computer, we don't |
| computing experience, escape all computer repair | | | | have a problem. Instead, we have 2 spare computers, |
| hassles and expenses forever, and save a ton of | | | | sitting right under our desk, ready to go to work for us |
| money too. | | | | on a moment's notice. |
| The Problem | | | | So the question for us as computer shoppers is: Do |
| You're in the middle of a big project for an important | | | | we want an unreliable computer setup for $500 - |
| client, with a deadline looming, and your computer | | | | $2000? Or a fully reliable computer setup for $300? |
| starts acting funny. And then it dies. You already know | | | | But, Aren't New Computers More Reliable? |
| what happens next. | | | | I know, that's what I thought for years too. It sounds |
| Confusion. Delays. Errands. Stress. Repair technicians. | | | | logical, but it's just not how the computer industry |
| Working on an unfamiliar computer. Embarrassing | | | | works. Remember, that big impressive brand name |
| excuses to the client. And of course, an unexpected | | | | company you bought your computer from didn't make |
| and unwelcome repair bill. Geez, what a hassle! | | | | your computer. They assembled it, from parts they've |
| Are you ready to leave this part of your computing life | | | | bought from all kind of companies you've never heard |
| behind, once and for all forever? Are you ready to | | | | of, from all over the world. |
| save some money doing it too? | | | | And the computer makers just don't have the time to |
| It's easy, let's go for it! | | | | test each part installed in each machine. They ship the |
| The Solution | | | | new machine to you and me, and let us test it. Do you |
| Buy cheap used computers, instead of expensive new | | | | want this job? Is this why you bought a computer? |
| ones. Yes, I know, it sounds nuts at first, but it really | | | | Nope, me neither. |
| does work. Here's how. We can buy 3 used | | | | What I've learned after buying dozens of new and |
| computers for significantly less than we'd pay for one | | | | used computers over the last 15 years is that there |
| new computer. Computers depreciate in value | | | | isn't really any difference between new and used |
| dramatically over just a few years, even though they | | | | computers in terms of reliability. Sometimes we get |
| may still be perfectly suitable for most user's routine | | | | lucky, and sometimes we don't, no matter what we |
| daily needs. | | | | buy. |
| As example, I'm typing this article on a 10 year old $79 | | | | How To Buy A Used Computer |
| used Mac. 79 bucks! It does 98% of everything I want | | | | The ideal way to buy a used computer is from a local |
| to do to make my living online, and the other 2% | | | | friend you trust. But, that option isn't always available. |
| doesn't really matter. Because I'm paying only $79 for | | | | The next best option is to buy used computers from |
| my computer, I can easily afford to buy a couple of | | | | companies who specialize in selling used computers, |
| them. This is how we leave the land of computer | | | | and who offer a 30 day warranty. |
| repairs behind forever. | | | | Here are some tips on buying from companies who |
| When lightning recently knocked out the network card | | | | sell used computers. |
| on the computer I was using, I didn't panic, grind my | | | | 1) Do some Net research on the company first. If the |
| teeth, or call a repairman. I just set the dead computer | | | | seller is a bad actor, it shouldn't be hard to find |
| aside, and booted up one of the back up machines. | | | | complaints online. Visit forums for the kind of computer |
| Downtime, less than 2 minutes! No sweat, no swearing, | | | | you want, and ask for advice. |
| still smiling. | | | | 2) Once you find a seller of used computers who |
| The Secret Strategy For Safety | | | | treats you right, be loyal to them. Resist the temptation |
| A key part of our safe and reliable computing lifestyle | | | | to shop around because somebody else might be $5 |
| is to keep all of our files on an external hard drive, | | | | cheaper. You're already saving a ton of money by not |
| which is faithfully backed up to a 2nd external hard | | | | buying a new computer, be happy with that. |
| drive. | | | | 3) Buy the oldest computer that still meets your needs. |
| When one computer gets sick, we can simply | | | | By "your needs" I don't mean every cool feature |
| reconnect the external hard drive containing our files to | | | | you've read about somewhere. Be realistic, how do |
| a another computer, and keep right on working. We | | | | you actually use your computer on a day to day |
| can afford two external hard drives with the money | | | | basis? Remember, the older the computer you buy, |
| we won't be spending on a new computer. Or maybe | | | | the better of a deal you'll get. |
| we have a few extra hard drives on hand already. | | | | Is This For You? |
| A Money Saving Solution | | | | This strategy won't work for everybody, because |
| What's really cool is that having a stress free | | | | some of us really do need the cutting edge features |
| computing lifestyle actually costs less than buying a | | | | found only on the newest computers. But for most of |
| new computer. Buying one new computer costs | | | | us, full reliability, a hassle free experience, and saving |
| somewhere between $500 and $2000. And then we | | | | money, is a more important feature than the latest |
| have ONE computer. If something happens to that one | | | | whiz bang gadget gizmos found on the new machines. |
| computer, we've got problems. | | | | Buy cheap used computers. Once you get used to not |
| Buying 3 used computers at $100 each costs $300. | | | | having computer problems, you'll never go back. |