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By Rachael King

Bargains on Reconditioned Technology

As the credit crisis continues, many companies are holding off buying or leasing new hardware. But sometimes that desktop, laptop, server, or router just can't wait. Fortunately, you can find some great deals on refurbished hardware if you know where to look. For instance: an Intel (INTC) Pentium 4 desktop computer, running Windows XP or Vista, for $200 to $300. While that may not work for a power user, it might do the trick for a worker who primarily needs just Microsoft (MSFT) Office and the Internet.

To avoid getting burned with faulty gear or counterfeit hardware, find a reputable reseller. Some resellers specialize in refurbishing and reselling equipment from large enterprises. Intechra, IBM (IBM), and Network Hardware Resale post deals on their Web sites, while Redemtech offers refurbished equipment via Micro Center, a nationwide retail chain. Some of these resellers even offer warranties and service plans—a good idea because older equipment tends to need more care. The following slides show some great bargains on the market. (In some instances, the image refers to a more recent version of the product.)

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