In looking around, I have notices that there are a lot of refurbished systems for sale that often are quite attractively priced. I wonder what others' experience has been with refurbished systems in general. The one disadvantage I could see was that they have reduced warranties.

Also, I wonder what you think about eMachines' systems in particular. While lacking exceptionally high performance components and technology, it seems that they represent a good value often with many features for the average user.

Within the next few weeks, I'll be looking to get another computer for general home use and school work. The focus will be on keeping the cost down, while trying to maximize on value and features. High performance/ latest technology is not the aim this time.

Finally, I am also thinking of waiting until after the holiday rush to buy my computer. I noticed that prices have been going down lately, and I read about new technology being/to be released. In view of this, when would be the best time to buy?

The one's I've seen have all be good and all came with a 30 day warranty. That amounts to about a half dozen machines and as far as I know, they're all still working just fine.

Try pcsurplusonline.com for some pretty decent deals...I like the PIII's for less than 150 bucks with free shipping. They must have sold a slew of them over the weekend as the list is very short today.

Skip

If i was you, i would try and buy a computer after christmas.

Refurbished systems should be fine for what your needs are. i brought one for my son for his school work, and that was fine for him, and like you said, a nice cheap price to.

But like you said, the shortend warrenty. If your just using it for school work, i cant really see what could go wrong with it. my sons hasnt gone wrong for a good few months now!

Good luck and i hope i helped a bit! :)

AMD Athlon XP 1900
PC2100 256mb
Geforce 4 MX440 64mb ddr
Matsonic MS8188e
Windows XP Pro (sp2)
300 watt PSU
56X cd-rom
16X cd-rw
20G 5200rpm hard disk
Standered ATX case w

Speaking of Refurbished systems, even Dell have a site dedicated for this special buy HERE. If you wish, you can even purchase a 4-year extended warranty. For further info read Dell Outlet FAQs HERE

i_XpUser

Thank you all for the input. I will continue to look around and weigh the different options. Also, I'm quite sure that I'll wait until after the holiday season before buying. Thanks again for the info, and if there's anything else please keep me posted.