User Services

Buying upgrade hardware and used computers

Buying upgrade hardware - your first step:

Buy a computer magazine to get the latest news, reviews, prices and recommendations. There are many titles, aimed at the beginner through to the experienced user. Read a few articles and check out the adverts. You will get an idea of what's available and the sort of price you will have to pay. You can find the titles at Media UK Magazine Directory.

Where to purchase:

  • For cables, adaptors, and the like, try us at first. We have a small stock of the more popular items. If we haven't got what you require, we can tell you where you might purchase it locally.
  • Anything else - If you need the items now, try the local suppliers. Some are more reputable than others. If in any doubt, contact us for advice. Otherwise purchase through mail order. Look for suppliers in the popular computer magazines.

Buying used computers...

...can be a bit like buying used cars. It's a case of Caveat Emptor! The following are options:

  • Buy from a friend - If they sell you a dud, you have the moral high ground.
  • Private ads in paper/magazine - These usually fall in to 2 categories. Bargains, where the seller needs cash quickly, or rip-offs, where the seller hasn't checked the market rate and thinks his computer is still worth what he paid for it. Do your research!
  • Computer Auctions - Very cheap. Bids can be made online. Make sure you know exactly what you're getting. The computers should be guaranteed working and will usually have a very short return to base warranty (usually 6 days). Be aware that the hard disks in these systems will have been scrubbed, so no operating system or device driver software will be present. Likewise no manuals or any other printed information.
  • Used computer dealers - They buy job lots from auctions or distributors. Usually similar terms and conditions to auctions. Use the same approach as you would with used car dealers.

In relation to the previous information, the following list of suppliers' web sites is included as a guide to prices only.
Their inclusion in this list does not constitute an endorsement of any kind.

The following companies sell complete computer systems:

The following companies sell computer hardware and advertise in Computer Shopper:

The following companies, sell end-of-line and used PC systems/laptops/hardware and advertise in Micro Mart:

For used laptops and accessories, try:

For laptop batteries and AC adaptors:

For end-of-line/liquidated stock/used equipment, try the following online auctions:

For recycling and recycled equipment:

And finally... save yourself time, stress, anguish and the possible destruction of your computer by allowing us to install your new hardware for you. We will install, configure and test it for a very reasonable price. You know it makes sense!

The title of this document is: Buying upgrade hardware and used computers
URL: http://www-tus.csx.cam.ac.uk/hw_support/advice.html