Buying a computer isn’t that different from hiring a consultant or any other professional.
Since you probably can’t fully understand the product, you at least have a right to know the reputation of the people offering it.
In at least one case, in fact, a court ruled that the computer dealer in effect was functioning as a consultant and had more responsibilities to the buyer than he would have had if he had been selling a less complicated product. It’s an interesting ruling. And that’s it. Don’t count on it to protect you.
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Will the store owner himself sign the contract? Remember, your trusty sales rep may be on his way out of town.
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Rules for Buying a Used Computer
1. Know your prices. Study the want ads of the local papers. There’s even a Computer Classified Bluebook that rates micros for value in various areas (such as dependability) and offers possible prices. It’s available from Computer Classified, P.O. Box 3395, Reno, Nevada 89505 ($30 a single copy). Micro prices can change faster than a guide can keep up with them, but the Computer Classified Bluebook might be a good start if the local newspaper doesn’t carry many want ads for your particular machine. Obviously, too, you’ll want to ask around user groups and read the classified sections of their newsletters.
2. Pay attention to the machine’s physical condition. A banged-up case—or a chipped one—might suggest that the innards have been roughed around, too.
3. Find out how your pet programs run. If you don’t have any available that work on the machine you’re considering, see if you can borrow some from a friend and have him or her accompany you. Make sure your friend has backup copies in case the programs are damaged by a sloppy drive in machine[a sloppy drive in machine] you’re considering.