As technology and the process of refurbishing personal computers improves, more consumers are taking a second look at used and refurbished PCs that may not have the latest and greatest technology, but still meet their computing needs.

retailers There are a number of local places to buy used computers. Here are some examples: * Advantage Computer, Cary, 367-0066 * Computer Options, Raleigh, 790-8151 * Second Wind Computers, Zebulon, 404-2057 * TigerDirect, Raleigh, 790-6100 In addition, a growing number of Web sites sell refurbished PCs: * EBay http://www.ebay.com/ The world's largest online auction site can be a treasure trove of used and refurbished PCs, including many sold by the manufacturers. * IBM http://www.ibm.com/ The computer behemoth resells used PCs that it gets back from big corporate clients. * The Refurb Depot http://www.refurbdepot.com/ An online factory outlet that sells used computers, digital cameras, cordless phones, TVs, MP3 players and other gadgets. * ITParade.com http://www.itparade.com/ A business-to-business Web site based in Cary where dealers sell and auction used computer equipment. * Cheap Computers Laptops Deals http://www.expresscomputerindia.com/ Sells used computers and auctions desktops, notebooks and laptops, along with computer accessories and support equipment. * Affordable Computers.com www.affordablecomputers.com/ pages Lets customers shop by brand name. Sells used computers, notebooks and laptops, along with parts such as motherboards, cables, modems, fans and memory. tips * Ask about warranties and return policies. Warranties can be offered through the retailer or manufacturer. Either is generally fine, but manufacturers' warranties may require customers to ship equipment back for repairs. * Buy brand-name computers such as Dell, IBM and Compaq. * Realize that not all used computers have been refurbished. (Refurbished usually means that the computer has been repaired, tested and repackaged.) * Ask about software that comes with the equipment. * Ask about customer service and support. * Don't be afraid to haggle over price and other terms. While most retailers of new computers set their prices, there is a bit more flexibility for used and refurbished machines. * Check the system to make sure it exceeds the minimum requirement in memory and power that you will need to run your programs. * Ask who originally owned the computer to learn whether it came from a major corporation or large retailer. * Go online. If you can't find what you want at a local store, there is an ever-increasing number of Web sites where individuals and large corporations sell PCs.

Even with prices for new PCs dropping to record lows, a growing number of customers are turning to discount computer stores and Web sites to find low-price laptop and desktop computers.

Owners of local stores such as Advantage Computer in Cary and TigerDirect in Raleigh say that many customers buy used computers for their children. Others are first-time computer buyers who don't want to spend a fortune.

Some want a backup PC. And an increasing number buy them solely to access the Internet while keeping their personal files on a separate computer, safe from viruses and worms.

As consumers have become more familiar with computer terms and technology, they are less intimidated about buying used items, said Bob Whittaker, Raleigh store manager at TigerDirect, a Miami-based chain. They know what questions to ask and how to shop around, he said.

Hortense Tapp of Apex said she was tired of her husband's big, old computer taking up space in their home.

Tapp, 78, wanted a small laptop that she could handle easily. She shopped around at Best Buy and Circuit City. But six months ago, she decided to buy a refurbished laptop from Advantage Computer for about $500.

"It was the best deal in town," she said. "It does everything the other one did. I can send my e-mail messages, look up the weather and flood warnings. It was well worth it to me."

Knowing the right questions to ask is critical in buying a used computer, said Robert Davie, founder of ITParade.com, a

business-to-business Web site based in Cary where dealers sell used computer equipment, including through auctions.

He said customers should ask about the return policy and what type of warranty is offered. Warranties offered through a store or the manufacturer are fine, according to most computer experts, but if the manufacturer is located out of town, the customer could pay shipping charges if the equipment needs repairs.

Davie also suggests that shoppers stick to well-known brand names such as E-machines, IBM, Dell or Compaq.

Overall, buying a used computer isn't nearly as risky as it used to be, Davie said. "The process of refurbishing has gotten to be fairly standard. Typically a computer is going through the same diagnostics and testing process no matter where it is."

As a result, the market has steadily grown about 10 percent a year, said Davie, whose company also tracks used computer sales. Davie estimates both commercial and individual sales to be about $20 billion a year.

Improved technology has also boosted used-computer sales, Whittaker said.

"Years ago, if you bought a year-old computer, it was probably far behind the newest technology," he said. "Now a system from a year ago is still fast and can run most of what you want it to."

Such improvements have helped to make stores such as TigerDirect successful. Whittaker said the company opened its first Raleigh store in December. So far, the demand has been so strong that it has had to increase its inventory delivery from once a week to every day.

"The store has been doing much better than we expected," Whittaker said -- so well that TigerDirect is considering opening another store in the Triangle this year, he said.

Rick Freeman, co-owner of Computer Options in Raleigh, which sells used computers, said business has remained robust even though computer prices have dropped.

"Demand has increased," Freeman said. "People need them for their kids' homework and some people buy it to protect their main computers from Internet viruses."

Freeman said that he has a separate computer at home that he uses to go online. He keeps his important business and personal information on his main computer.

Charles Abney of Durham has bought four refurbished computers in the past two years, enticed both by the prices and the quality of the equipment. "I've bought two for my daughters, one for myself and one for a friend," Abney said.

He paid about $400 total for his daughters' two computers and about $300 for his own. So far, he said he hasn't had any problems with the computers. Even if money wasn't a factor, Abney said he would still buy a refurbished computer.

"It does the same as a new one, and if I want something extra, they can add it on," he said.

Phil Smith, general manager of Advantage Computer in Cary, said he has seen a lot of repeat business from his customers. Still, refurbished computers aren't for everyone, Smith said.

If someone is looking for a computer for children to play the latest computer games or to perform advanced graphics programs, Smith will suggest they buy a new PC.

Although used equipment doesn't have all the bells and whistles of a new PC, there are advantages to buying older computers, said Freeman of Computer Options.

Most retailers of used computers buy PCs from large corporations, and then test, repair and resell them. PCs designed for corporate customers generally are studier and last longer.

"They are built to run in the office eight hours a day, five days a week," Freeman said. "They have a large-capacity power supply instead of 150 to 300 watts."

That means the components are not being stressed as much and the system can be upgraded more easily. Some have better cooling systems with three or four fans that also cause less stress on the electronic equipment and help it last longer, he said. In addition, most refurbished computers come with an operating system such as Windows 98 or XP.

Still, for many PC shoppers, it all comes down to price.

Mike Turner is an engineer at Honeywell who lives in Cary. He recently bought a desktop computer from Advantage Computer. He said he saved about $1,200 by buying a refurbished PC after his old one crashed.

"It doesn't bother me that it doesn't look fancy. I only spent $300 and I'm happy about that," he said. "My needs were pretty basic. I'm not burning DVDs or CDs."

Turner said that he uses his computer to manage his personal finances and taxes. "This made sense to me. I've got other things to spend my money on," he said.

Staff writer Vicki Lee Parker can be reached at 829-4898 or mailto:vparker@newsobserver.com

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