Where'd you get your computer? Frugal?

[Roupey03]

Re: Where'd you get your computer? Frugal?

My father works for IBM. I got my Desktop as a gift for graduation and my laptop was employee discount 2000 marked to 1300. I could have got one cheaper, but with my dad working at IBM I get free replacement parts for the life of the model.

[LittleGopher]

Re: Where'd you get your computer? Frugal?

Some of our first computer systems were hand-me-downs from friends who wanted the latest and greatest on the market.

Now my husband has many opportunities to scavange from the companies where he installs security systems. Often he'll come across a pile of electronics ready for disposal, he'll ask and receive permission to take what he wants, and we have a motley assortment of computer components. We've rarely had to buy anything computer-wise, except for printers. My husband comes across them, but usually there is a good reason for being in the disposal pile, or the ink cartridges are outrageously expensive.

It is really amazing what is deemed obsolete by many companies. If you have the know-how, or are married to one who does(in my case) or know someone who does, this is a great way to put together a system custom-designed to your needs.

[kealina]

Re: Where'd you get your computer? Frugal?

my current computer, a dell laptop, was given to me around 5 years ago by my uncle when my desktop died... he had two extra and gave me his "spare" junk one... he's the president of a construction (plumbing) company and i think somebody gave him the brand new dell for free but he didn't need it (he likes to stay on top of tech) so he gave it to me... yay! i think that's as frugal as it can get...the hard drive has gone bad twice so we've replaced it twice but that's only $100-200 each time as DH is handy and does it... =)... works for me, especially as i have simple needs...

[debtfreeme]

Re: Where'd you get your computer? Frugal?

bought it in 98 for grad school lap top was a requirement. is very slow so i have not used it in probably 1.5 years. i use the comp at work on my lunch and before/after occassionally on the weekends. the comp sits at home in it's case. i dream about a new one but then would have to pay for internet and would not really use it at all right now. I am enrolling in another masters in fall 07 (accepted but postponed it a year) so i am sure i will have to buy one then.

[billybob]

Re: Where'd you get your computer? Frugal?

I was considering buying a new laptop, but instead requested one through work. Now I have a computer for free as long as I work here...

[seaar2000]

Re: Where'd you get your computer? Frugal?

I got lucky and their dad told me to get a computer for the girls so they can do their homework. Had my sister-in-law go with me because I did not know one thing about computers. When my sister-in-law was talking to the salesperson I didn't understand one thing they were talking about. It was like a foreign language! I got a $350 rebate after I bought the computer.

[mverch]

Re: Where'd you get your computer? Frugal?

Hi,

I bought two computers (refurbs) on ubid. I've been VERY happy with them.

-Melisa

[LuckyRobin]

Re: Where'd you get your computer? Frugal?

Our current PC was a Christmas gift from MIL and FIL in 2004. They bought it the day after Thanksgiving for really cheap. Got one for their daughter's family, too. My current laptop we got off ebay for $150 plus $25 shipping. It works great, looks pretty, and its a Toshiba so you know it won't fall apart anytime soon. It's a workhorse. And did I mention it looks pretty?

[LuxoDave]

Re: Where'd you get your computer? Frugal?

Yes and no. Yes because I bought a relatively cheap bare bones unit and used mostly parts I had from my old pc, and a video card I got for free from work. No because I splurged on RAM and the power supply. All in all, I spent about $800. No because I could of bought a new one for less, though I would have been very unhappy with it.

[LuxoDave]

Re: Where'd you get your computer? Frugal?

By the way, if you just want a cheap refurbished pc, you should check out retrobox.com. It is also a good place to get a cheap pc for people who want to try out linux (FREE software!) but are scared to put it on their main machine.

[PrincessPerky]

Re: Where'd you get your computer? Frugal?

Yes and no. Yes because I bought a relatively cheap bare bones unit and used mostly parts I had from my old pc, and a video card I got for free from work. No because I splurged on RAM and the power supply. All in all, I spent about $800. No because I could of bought a new one for less, though I would have been very unhappy with it.

If you would have been unhappy then you wouldn't have gotten a frugal purchase, just a cheaper one. IMO