Purchasing used computer

[stuartv]

Just keep in mind that used computers (except for the Shearwaters) do not offer any warranty to anyone but the original owner. Since they are also not generally user serviceable (other than a battery), that means that buying used is a lot riskier for a computer than other gear, which can all be fixed - generally for pretty cheap, too. If a used computer breaks, you are pretty much stuck buying another computer. If a BC or reg breaks, you can almost always get it fixed cheaply.

---------- Post added September 18th, 2015 at 01:34 PM ----------

BTW, is your screen name because you play a '77 Music Man bass? Sweet! One of my favorite basses of all time is my EBMM Sterling 5H 2008 LE.

 

[redacted]

Just keep in mind that used computers (except for the Shearwaters) do not offer any warranty to anyone but the original owner. Since they are also not generally user serviceable (other than a battery), that means that buying used is a lot riskier for a computer than other gear, which can all be fixed - generally for pretty cheap, too. If a used computer breaks, you are pretty much stuck buying another computer. If a BC or reg breaks, you can almost always get it fixed cheaply.

)

While it is a good idea to inspect a used computer or buy it from a source with some kind of condition guaranty, computers are a lot like lightbulbs. That is, they don't really wear out so the probability of a reliability failure is pretty much independent of age. I believe ebay provide a DOA warranty.

Used is rarely foolproof, but when the savings are around 75%, it may be worth the risk for the knowledgeable, cautious shopper.

 

[dmaziuk]

While it is a good idea to inspect a used computer or buy it from a source with some kind of condition guaranty, computers are a lot like lightbulbs. That is, they don't really wear out so the probability of a reliability failure is pretty much independent of age. I believe ebay provide a DOA warranty. Used is rarely foolproof, but when the savings are around 75%, it may be worth the risk for the knowledgeable, cautious shopper.

Typically a device like this will

• fail at initial power-up -- say, 60%
• fail during initial "burn-in" period -- maybe 30%
• die the day after the warranty runs out -- for dive computers that's probably less than 1%.

After that it'll be mostly plastic and/or rubber going brittle or gooey, springs under the buttons -- if any -- not springing: basically just age and wear. IR LED may burn out and if the manufacturer was silly enough to use electrolytic capacitors inside, those can die in a couple of years if they sourced the cheapest crap or got a bad batch. Decent quality caps should last a decade or more, but they do have a finite lifespan. So I'd be wary of something that's a decade old or thereabouts but 3-5 years old should be fine.

 

[stuartv]

I agree. My point was really just to say that I would only pay a price for a used computer that reflected the warranty situation and the risk (if it does happen to die). I think the OP was talking about a computer with hose air integration, too, which I think adds a small amount of risk due to the possibility that water could have gotten into the unit through the HP port at some point. Like I said, not a big risk. But, more of a risk than a "totally" sealed computer.

 

[Michael Guerrero]

If you want to buy a new reg for the price of many used, buy a HOG. Oh, and buy a backplate and wing, used of course.

Someone needed to say it...

 

[77mmbass]

I got the computer and it works perfectly. Looks great also.

 

[KeithG]

I got the computer and it works perfectly. Looks great also.

Works perfectly is the key! Nothing wrong with working used.

Looks great? I think there are some threads about that concept. When this topic comes up, I just envision myself in my wetsuit. And then I quietly sit in the corner...

 

[77mmbass]

Works perfectly is the key! Nothing wrong with working used.

Looks great? I think there are some threads about that concept. When this topic comes up, I just envision myself in my wetsuit. And then I quietly sit in the corner...

Well the cosmetics are in great condition.

And I'm right there with you on the wetsuit issue. But I'm better than 4 months ago. Back then I changed my diet and have been working out with a High Intensity Tactical Training program and dropped 45 pounds so far.
Went from a size 42 pant to a 36. a size 56 chest to a 50.
Not much more and I hit my goal of 90 - 100 pounds lost.