When times are tough many companies cut surplus equipment. Some companies go under all together and their equipment gets liquidated. What that means is a good supply of good second hand equipment.

In case you aren’t familiar, refurbished equipment is second hand equipment that has been tested and inspected and given a clean bill of health to be resold, at a considerably lower price than new equipment.

Refurbished machines could have been used, damaged or simply purchased and returned, and while some pieces may have scuffs or scratches they should be in perfect working order. That being said, it is very important that you buy your refurbished equipment from a reputable place.

Most computer companies offer their own refurbished equipment for sale, like HP and Dell. When you are buying direct from the manufacturer you often get a warranty essentially making the equipment as good as new, but with a price tag that’s a little friendlier to the bottom line.