(UK question) I need advice on buying a secondhand computer

R
Posted By
rgstr1685
Jan 14, 2005
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277
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Until now I’ve been using Photoshop at my local college, but now I’ve moved house, it’s too far to travel, so I’ve got to get a machine of my own (PC, not Mac).

As I’ve very little money, I need to buy secondhand, but I’ve two problems here.

First, I don’t know what specification I need to look for. I would be using it for Photoshop only, but I’d be working with large images (about 24 inches square at 300dpi). I don’t want to pay for specification I won’t use, so can anyone suggest a safe minimum to look for?

My second problem is that I’ve no idea of what a good secondhand price would be for a given specification. People keep telling me that new computers are so cheap nowadays that there’s very little market for used machines, and imply that because of this, there are real bargains to be had. The trouble is, whenever I see ads in the paper, the seller seems (to me at any rate) to be asking an unrealistically high price.

If I’m to haggle successfully, I really need to find a website that can give me guide prices for secondhand computers, so I know where to start. Do any such websites exist for the UK?

As a comple compueter newbie (you guessed?) I’d be very grateful for any advice anyone can give me on thhis topic.

Sally
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H
Hecate
Jan 15, 2005
On 14 Jan 2005 07:48:34 -0800, (mark) wrote:

Until now I’ve been using Photoshop at my local college, but now I’ve moved house, it’s too far to travel, so I’ve got to get a machine of my own (PC, not Mac).

As I’ve very little money, I need to buy secondhand, but I’ve two problems here.

First, I don’t know what specification I need to look for. I would be using it for Photoshop only, but I’d be working with large images (about 24 inches square at 300dpi). I don’t want to pay for specification I won’t use, so can anyone suggest a safe minimum to look for?

The important things are RAM and storage space. 1Gb and a reasonable sized hard disk, preferably two. However, you do realise how much Photoshop costs don’t you?

My second problem is that I’ve no idea of what a good secondhand price would be for a given specification. People keep telling me that new computers are so cheap nowadays that there’s very little market for used machines, and imply that because of this, there are real bargains to be had. The trouble is, whenever I see ads in the paper, the seller seems (to me at any rate) to be asking an unrealistically high price.

Don’t buy through the papers. Buy a copy of PC Pro and a copy of PC Advisor. Both will show you more reasonable prices.

If I’m to haggle successfully, I really need to find a website that can give me guide prices for secondhand computers, so I know where to start. Do any such websites exist for the UK?

As a comple compueter newbie (you guessed?) I’d be very grateful for any advice anyone can give me on thhis topic.
The only place (reliable) that I know of selling second hand computers is Dell online. unfortunately that limits you to Intel processors when AMD are cheaper and more powerful for PS.

OK, I don’t usually do this, but if you want to mail me we can discuss it and I’ll talk you through it. 😉

P&M

—

Hecate – The Real One

veni, vidi, reliqui
H
Hecate
Jan 15, 2005
On 14 Jan 2005 07:48:34 -0800, (mark) wrote:

Tried to mail you Sally, but the mail got bounced:

The following addresses had permanent fatal errors —–

(reason: 550 Requested action not taken: mailbox unavailable)

So, if you want help, you need to mail me first.

—

Hecate – The Real One

veni, vidi, reliqui
W
wruffner
Jan 15, 2005
A newbie *buying* off eBay for something like this might be too vulnerable to mistakes, but it’s a good source for pricing info such as this. Maybe too good!

Being precise on your model search (like "Dell XPS PIII") will get you started. Enlist a local geek to get the right upgrades
(software/hardware) right on whatever used machine you find.

Find local resellers of off-lease computers, too (local geek advice or possible via eBay), especially for a monitor – they’re heavy (expensive to ship) and ex-corporate stuff is usually in good shape.

I got two 21" Trinitron monitors for $140 each from such a place. Both still look and work as new.
DL
Donald Link
Jan 15, 2005
On Sat, 15 Jan 2005 10:50:44 -0500, Wayne R.
wrote:

A newbie *buying* off eBay for something like this might be too vulnerable to mistakes, but it’s a good source for pricing info such as this. Maybe too good!

Being precise on your model search (like "Dell XPS PIII") will get you started. Enlist a local geek to get the right upgrades
(software/hardware) right on whatever used machine you find.
Find local resellers of off-lease computers, too (local geek advice or possible via eBay), especially for a monitor – they’re heavy (expensive to ship) and ex-corporate stuff is usually in good shape.
I got two 21" Trinitron monitors for $140 each from such a place. Both still look and work as new.

I guess I am lucky because I have been picking up excellent 21 inch CRT monitors with sony flat screens such as Sun Monitors on ebay for less than $100. The secret is make sure you can pickup and be patient and do not get caught up in the bidding. I even got lucky and picked the monitor 21 Sun true flat screen monitor on my PC that I am using now for $50 when I made a bid because I thought it was so low from a seller that I used before and no one else happened to bid. I have saw the same monitor sold by the same seller sold for nearly $130.
AM
Andrew Morton
Jan 17, 2005
Ask in the computer unit of your college – they may have a an arrangement with a [local] supplier. They will almost certainly have a guide for you to read on buying a computer.

Andrew

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