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new or used: buying a computer

Yesterday a client asked me whether he should buy a used computer to save some money.  I told him it depends  I’ve had some good experiences with used computers. But thinking about it today, I’m reminded that too often, exactly the wrong people end up with used computers.

I don’t usually recommend used laptop computers. Portable electronics usually have a hard life on-the-road, thrown around in the first owner’s baggage, routinely getting all shook up. Whereas, the stationary existence of a desktop computer should minimize wear and tear.

With a used Windows PC, you’re probably buying somebody else’s glitches, viruses, spyware and other problems. You should give the old machine a fresh start, provided you have tech savvy and time enough to reformat and reinstall everything from scratch, then configure with care. But be prepared for that process to be slow, sometimes frustrating and too often arcane.

Used Macs generally have a longer useful life and less arcana; alas, this means their resale value also holds up remarkably well. (Windows users may be astounded at the going price for quite old Macs.) Shopping around, you may find more bang per buck in a new (or nearly new factory refurbished) low-end Mac, which could be twice or thrice as fast as a aging high-end Mac, but only slightly more expensive.

Other advantages to buying new? No parts will be already worn. Your machine’s inevitable obsolescence is further off in the future. It should generally run the latest software. Comes with a manufacturer’s warranty. And, if a Mac, it’s eligible for the excellent AppleCare 3 year warranty. 

So when does used make sense? If at least two of these conditions are true: You stumble upon a suitable machine that is greatly underpriced, or free. (Maybe it already includes exactly the software you need. But keep in mind, all new Macs include a lot of very good software.) You truly know and trust the integrity and technical wisdom of the seller. (Maybe she’ll provide tech support setting up the machine for you.) Or you have the technical skills and time to inspect and cope with the old machine yourself.

Living with a used computer is not unlike owning a used car, or buying a fixer-upper home. The upfront cost is lower. A skilled mechanic can inspect the old car before buying it. A hard working carpenter can turn a decrepit old house into a charming classic. The question is: can you be that person to your computer?

Who should probably stay away from a second-hand computer? First time users, old timers, young children, technophobes, busy people, and folks too poor to buy technical support. Sadly, these are often the very people who inherit the hand-me-down computer of their geekier kin or friend, who just bought themself a brand new machine (and wants to be rid of the old one).

Frankly, these are exactly the people who would benefit most from a brand new, basic model Mac. The iMac and MacBook (and iPod and iPhone) were designed with exactly them in mind, as was your local Apple Store and Apple’s technical support services.