Rebuilt desktop computers can be a great deal. Often these are scratch-n-dent computers that were returned to the manufacturer, or desktops that a company leased for a short time and returned. After going through the remanufacturing process, these refurbished Gateway computers are sold for half the price of the same computer new. Although you can't custom-order remanufactured Gateway computers, you can snag great deals by keeping your eye on the sites that sell refurb desktops.

The following suggestions will help you figure the pricing and costs of remanufactured Gateway desktop computers:

1. Buy used Gateway desktop PCs when you are looking to slim down your IT budget.
2. Consider the cost and duration of any warranty before you buy refurbished Gateway desktops or laptops.
3. Make sure you're actually getting a good deal by comparing the price of the refurbished and new product.
   

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Save money when you purchase rebuilt Gateway desktop computers

Always compare the specs on the refurbished machine to the specs on the original product. Gateway will use the same parts when they rebuild a computer, but a third-party reseller with often sell rebuilt Gateway desktop PCs with alternate parts. Be wary of purchasing an open box product, because it has NOT been rebuilt, and is often sold as is.

I recommend: You save between 50 and 70 percent the cost of a new Gateway computer at RefurbDepot.com. TechforLess offers refurbished, factory refurbished, factory sealed, scratch and dent and open box Gateway computers for between $300 and $600. They quote the lowest price they have found on the Internet for the particular PC your are interested in. As always, though, you should do your own research.

Make sure that you get an extended warranty for your used Gateway desktops

Gateway remanufactured computers come standard with a free 90-day satisfaction guaranteed warranty from Gateway. Purchasing an extended warranty on a refurbished system is a very good idea. Ideally, the warranty should be offered through the manufacturer or a reputable third party, because that ensures that the system will be repaired to spec should any part fail.

I recommend: Consumer Priority Service is a third-party warranty and service plan provider. CPS has a strict no-lemon policy--if your computer fails three times for the same reason, they will replace the entire desktop. For more information about Gateway's 90 day manufacturer warranty, or other warranty products, visit the Gateway website.

Compare the prices of refurbished Gateway PCs with the same PCs new to see if you are saving

No matter what discounts a site claims, do your own research. If the model you are purchasing is currently available, always compare the price of the refurbished Gateway desktop PC with the price of the new computer on Gateway's website. If it is an older refurbished computer, check other places like eBay to see if you can get a valid price point, and verify your savings. Make sure you factor in the cost of an extended warranty with your price comparison.

I recommend: Check the prices of current models on the Gateway website. Often, you can search CBS Interactive for a review of an older Gateway model. These reviews usually include the cost of the system when it was sold new.

When your computer hardware budget is slim, consider rebuilt Gateway desktop computers. Some include a free 90-day warranty, for others purchase extended warranties with on-site parts and labor. Certainly, consider using rebuilt desktop computers in non-essential locations, such as a training room or for software testing. Gateway remanufactured computers have been totally refurbished at the factory. Some are products returned by customers in like-new condition. Find rebuilt desktop computers that are compatible with what you already have, or an out-of-stock Gateway remanufactured PC to replace existing systems in your organization.

Some things to consider when buying refurbished Gateway computers:

1. Examine the warranty —Gateway offers a free 90-day satisfaction guaranteed warranty. Warranties on used Gateway desktops offered by other resellers vary, so examine carefully.
2. Inquire about financing plans — Gateway offers 48-month financing plans at an interest rate of 14.9% for most applicants on refurbished Gateway computers. Other resellers may not have financing plans.
3. Compare price and features —There are several sources for Gateway remanufactured computers, each with its own return, financing, and guarantee policies. Check what accessories come in the box, as some only include the central processing unit.

Action Steps
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Buy refurbished Gateway PCs directly from Gateway

Gateway, along with other computer manufacturers, makes it a little hard to find the refurbished section, because they want you to consider buying new. If you take the time to navigate the site, however, you can buy used Gateway desktop computers at bargain prices.

I recommend: Use this direct link to cut navigation time to remanufactured Gateway computers. Prices here are higher than in the general marketplace, but the models sold here all have generous amounts of random access memory (RAM) and better warranty and return policies.

Buy Gateway remanufactured computers from online resellers

There are some fantastic deals on refurbished Gateway computers at reseller sites. You will find a greater selection of models and generally lower prices. In addition, they usually come with a keyboard and speakers, but you will often find them to be a little short on RAM.

I recommend: For fast order processing and satisfaction, Tiger Direct is fantastic. In addition, they have great prices and a reasonable warranty program. Another good place to buy refurbished Gateway desktops is RefurbDepot.

Buy a Gateway remanufactured PC from an online auction site

Be very careful ordering rebuilt desktop computers from online auction sites. Check their ratings and return policy thoroughly before purchasing.

I recommend: Online auction site eBay has a storefront for remanufactured Gateway computers, as does Amazon.com.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  If you see a remanufactured Gateway PC on the Gateway site that you want, snap it up. Refurbished Gateway desktops go fast, and there might not be another one available.

Choosing remanufactured Gateway desktop computers can save a lot of money when the systems have the amount of memory, processing power and hard drive space that is required to run your software applications. Remanufactured systems are also good choices for development labs, spare parts and backup computers. Check out some of the key terminology associated with remanufactured Gateway desktop computers to understand what you're getting.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Warranty

Most systems that are factory refurbished offer Gateway's standard 90-day warranty. Some sellers also offer additional warranty plans. Gateway's warranty includes technical support, but does not include software support, coverage for normal wear and tear, products that do not have a serial number or products that are damaged due to user error.

I recommend: View the full specifications of the 90-day warranty provided by Gateway at their website.

Extended warranty

Extended warranty service is available on Gateway refurbished computers. Warranties may be purchased from the reseller or through a third-party company. An extended warranty allows customers to extend coverage for up to five years, depending on the plan.

I recommend: See a description of extended warranties offered by Consumer Priority Service, a third-party warranty service.

Factory refurbished

Computers that are certified as factory refurbished are inspected and serviced by the manufacturer, tested to meet specifications and repackaged. Items are often factory refurbished, not because of serious defects, but simply because they had cosmetic damage, the boxes were damaged in shipping, the systems were demo units or they were simply returned during a money-back guarantee period.

I recommend: Check out RefurbDepot to see examples of systems that fall under the term "Factory refurbished."

Open box

Open box products are items that were returned by customers after the box was opened. Items are inspected and offered for resale at lowered prices.

I recommend: Check out PC Mall Sales for a full description of open box items.

Scratch and dent

Scratch and dent products are offered at significant discounts, because they have physical damage or are missing accessories. Sellers of scratch and dent items should offer pictures and a full product description, which should be reviewed carefully before making a purchase.

I recommend: See examples of scratch and dent Gateway computers available for sale, and a description of what "scratch and dent" means, at TechforLess.

Trade-in program

Gateway offers a trade-in program for used Gateway computers as well as computers from other manufacturers.

I recommend: To get started on the trade-in process, view information, terms and conditions on the Gateway website. Use the trade-in estimator to find out how much your system is worth.

There are several different types of refurbished Gateway computers available for purchase. Factory refurbished Gateway desktops are inspected and certified by the manufacturer. Open box items are used Gateway desktops that were shipped to the customer and then returned after the box was opened. Scratch and dent computers usually have cosmetic damage or are missing accessories. If you have a computer and are looking to purchase a new one, Gateway has a trade-in program that allows you to trade in not just Gateway computers but other brand computers as well.

Before you buy used Gateway desktop PCs, you should do your homework. Find out what, if any, problems a particular line of desktops is susceptible to. Also make sure that you acquire some kind of warranty for your remanufactured Gateway computers. The following online resources will provide you with remanufactured Gateway desktop computers advice and ratings:

1. Before you purchase rebuilt desktop computers, check out product manuals and troubleshooting sites.
2. Read independant reviews of the model you are considering purchasing before spending money on a remanufactured Gateway PC.
3. After you've made up your mind, buy your used Gateway desktops from online retailers that include a robust rating system.
   

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Visit troubleshooting sites and read product manuals before buying Gateway remanufactured computers

You can learn a lot about the refurbished Gateway desktop PC you are interested in purchasing by reading up on the history of the model. Reading product manuals will familiarize you with the layout of the desktop. Troubleshooting websites will warn you of any pitfalls in your future in regards to a particular model Gateway.

I recommend: Retrevo serves the dual purpose of providing computer manuals and reviews. FixYa has a Gateway Support Center that will let you know of any problems common the Gateway model you are looking to purchase.

Get to know the used Gateway desktops you are considering purchasing by reading independant reviews

Even if you are considering buying an older Gateway remanufactured PC, chances are you can still find a review posted somewhere. Even if the computer is less than a year old, it is still in your best interest to have some idea of the pros and cons of the model you are looking into purchasing.

I recommend: Read reviews of different model Gateway computers at CBS Interactive. You can also compare cost and reviews of different Gateway desktop models at PC Magazine.

Purchase your rebuilt Gateway desktop PCs from online retailers with a robust review system

An alternative approach to finding the right refurbished Gateway PCs is to purchase from websites where the review process is integrated into the website itself. Rather than reading an independant review of the model you are interested in that was penned by a single hand, you can read user reviews, sometimes hundreds per model. This will give you a good overall impression of the PC you are looking at purchasing.

I recommend: To help decide which of these computers are best for your office, compare reviews at Amazon.com of different desktop systems at Epinions.com. Then, you can buy directly from these sites.