Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)


I would like to look into purchasing a used or refurbished computer, but I have absolutely no idea how to proceed and what I need to look for?

It depends on your budget and risk tolerance. For word processing and the Internet, you would be fine with a Pentium II, Celeron or AMD processor with 64MB of RAM, a 4 GB hard drive, a 56Kbps modem and a monitor.

What does refurbished actually mean?
By refurbished what we mean is it is restored to as close to its original state as possible. This means that:
1. The hardware is fully bench tested and and faulty parts replaced or repaired.
2. Cosmetically it has been cleaned and it is presented in the best condition possible. Please note that some goods do have small scuffs or marks, but these really are very small and we do not let anything go out that we ourselves would not be happy with. We take the standard of our goods very seriously.

Does a Refurbished PC look 2nd hand?
Absolutely not!

Are Factory Refurbished Systems as reliable as a "New" PC?
Whatever the reason for return, all systems follow the same Refurbishment programme. To give you an idea of the thorough tests and checks that each machine undertakes, we have summarised the process as follows:

1. All machines that arrive at the Refurbishment Facility are powered on and tested to check for any faults. If no faults are found the Hard Drive is reformatted and the Windows 98/ Windows ME Operating System is installed. The unit is then "soak tested" for 4 hours.

2. Any faulty units are passed through to the Engineering section where the faulty parts are replaced. The unit then goes back through to point 1 above.

3. The serial number is then updated with a new serial number, which identifies it as a Factory Refurbished product and a clean label is produced outlining the Model Number, Specification, Description and Serial Number.

4. The System is then placed in new packaging and the new label is fixed to the box.

5. Prior to despatch each System is transferred to the Quality Assurance Department where all units are re-checked both technically and aesthetically. The condition of the packaging is as important as the condition of the machine. We want you to receive your Refurbished PC and think that the machine is actually New & Boxed.

6. All components of the machine are individually checked at this point. The keyboard and mouse supplied with the unit are used in the process, together with all USB ports both front and back. Our QA Engineers even run a DVD movie with headsets to ensure the sound and graphics cards are 100% tested and functioning prior to despatch.

7. The QA Engineer then signs off the QA Checklist for each PC and the System is then ready for despatch.

What warranty terms will I receive with a Refurbished PC?
All our Factory Refurbished PC’s are supplied with a 3rd Party 12-month on-site warranty, covering all parts and labour. Our on-site warranty is one of the best available with a guaranteed first time repair. This is only possible because all our Engineers carry a full range of spare parts on each visit made.

An extended 3 year warranty can be purchased for complete peace of mind for only £149.00 + VAT. If however you take out the extended warranty when you purchase the machine this price is reduced to £99.00 + VAT. It is worth noting that if you were to purchase an extended warranty for a New & Boxed system from a high street PC store you would pay over £225.00.

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