Buying Used Computers - Part 2
My descent into the maelstrom of used computer buying continues its downward spiral. First I had the issue of finding an operating system. Rather than just buy one (for $99 from RetroBox), I decided to do what oh-so-many of us do: "borrow" one, just to test the difficulties involved therein. It's now weeks later and I'm here to tell you: don't go here. Buy a fresh new Windows OS from the computer seller.

Now, that still doesn't mean you'll get all the system hardware drivers you'll need, especially if you've bought a laptop. The byzantine nano sanctum of the laptop is nearly magical in its resistance to tinkering. I'm still at it, however, and here's where I'm stuck...

The damned PC Card Controller just doesn't seem to control PC cards. Finding out whether it is working or not is, in itself, next to intractable. Granted, I am not a Windows systems engineer, not Microsoft certified, and not Gandolph. But neither are most of the people who would like to buy (and presumably be able one day to use) a used laptop. (Notice that "used computer" carries a past tense connotation. Should this have been my first clue?)

One more thing: don't even attempt to install a new operating system on a used laptop without having a CD burner on your other computer (and, of course, you silly, don't try it without another computer)! You'll need to be transfering huge numbers of often very big files---over and over again to try it every which way. And these files you will be downloading from many many MANY websites all over the globe, so broadband Internet access is practically prerequisite.

Wish me luck. I'll cry more later.

About Buying Used Computers
There's a new kid on the block. RetroBox offers used computers at a fraction of the cost of new hardware. But there are a few critical issues you should know about before buying from RetroBox or anybody else.

First, know that you will be buying only the box. There's no operating system on these computers because Microsnot has made sure that their licenses are not transferable. That is, unless you buy the Windows operating system directly from Microsoft or from the vendor when you buy a new computer (or from the used computer vendor at extra cost), you won't be able to use your computer. Period.

Second, some kinds of computers are harder than others to get running when you buy them used. Laptops ("notebook" computers) are notorious in this regard.

That said, you may be able to save hundreds of dollars on each computer by buying from an outfit like RetroBox. NonProphet has just purchased a laptop from RetroBox. Check back here every day for running updates and reviews on the process.

On a quick side-note, a good friend of mine asked that I add a link to his site candles site: The Candles Dir