We are looking for alternatives to buying brand new computers for some classrooms. While the price of new PCs is low (relative to past years), we are giving serious consideration to buying refurbished equipment.

We have found a couple of organizations that specialize in refurbishing corporate grade off-lease equipment ~ not quite the same (in my eyes, anyhow) as equipment that is broken and then factory refurbished as this equipment is apparently coming out of a corporate environment.

In any case, TKO Education looks to be a good organization. There are others on eBay and the like, but this company seems to have lots of good things going one. When I called, they will even clone our software on all the PCs ~ at no extra charge. We thought about buying direct from Dell, but their new computers will cost in excess of $700, while TKO Education has something with plenty of power for our needs will be less than $300. These guys include a 3 year warranty and new keyboard and mouse with each computer. These guys seem to have been in business for a long time, look to be on the up-and-up with Microsoft software, etc. and are even members of the Better Business Bureau.

Does anyone have any advice? Our thoughts are that we work too hard trying to gather up all this money not to get a little creative about how we spend it. Does anyone know these guys OR had any experiences they'd like to share? Dell has an outlet store, but every time I visit, they don't have the same computer we previously thought that would fit our needs.

Look 'em up on their state BBB and Attorney General wessites to see if their are any complaints, lawsuits, etc

I'd then ask them to give you 7- 10 references - not of individuals but of organziations, schools, etc to see if they can actually do what you want them to do.

Question on cloning the software- do you get actual discs and site licenses with the software- if they're just cloning 1 app onto 50 computers (you and the school system can get in big trouble- our Disctrict and state IT wouldnt even allow copies of parents software on school machines even if the parent had a multisite licence - guess better safe than sorry)

I've had no experience with them but I dont use eBay anymore (I have issues with eBay's monopolistic practices, fees and lack of control of fraud)

Be sure you've consulted your school district's technology section. They generally need to approve any computer related procurement. The issue isn't just the initial purchase but the long-term support. by school district staff. There may also be branding issues if a district has a particular agreement.

I agree with Shawn. Check them out very thoroughly before you make the purchase. The Better Business Bureau website is fantastic.