Posted on March 29, 2009 at 7:22 pm In November of last year, my brand new computer crashed due to a virus.  After that, I was determined not to buy another brand new computer. So we checked the local pawn shop and found a computer, practically brand new for $35! It worked great once I cleaned off the excess videos and is Internet compatible.  It still works.  The computer that I'm using now cost $150 at the same pawn shop and works better than the brand new one that I purchased from Walmart for $350 and hasn't suffered a virus even once! Since then, I've seen practically brand new computers (Vista based) in the local shopper papers for around $100. What a deal! Many of these computers are loaded with expensive software. Do you know where to buy cheap computers in your town?    

Posted on March 29, 2009 at 7:38 pm That's technology for you!  People buy and throw away absolutely "great trash treasures" everyday.  You are one of the smart ones to capitalize on society's wasteful habits:)Thanks for the tip!

Posted on March 31, 2009 at 9:04 am I love that Internet cafe idea! Such a clever money maker.  If commercial rents were cheaper in our area, I'd do that too. 

Posted on March 31, 2009 at 9:05 am That's so true! These computers are perfectly good, but they are not 100% brand new so people just toss them out to buy something newer and better!

Posted on April 2, 2009 at 2:16 pm Yes, it was very cheap, but a good quality computer.  Not totally brand new, but new enough.  The system uses the XP platform, which is not really good. One of these days, I will upgrade to Basic Vista and the computer will be more secure for online use.

Posted on April 2, 2009 at 2:20 pm Actually...you probably should not upgrade from XP to Vista. Even though I use a laptop that has Vista on it, I would highly recommend staying on the Windows XP operating system because the XP system is more reliable and crashes less.  Congrats on getting a new computer for $35.  I don't think I could do that myself since I would want to look at the processor, RAM, and other components of the computer before I buy it...but that's just me... I'm a bit of a computer nerd ^^;

Posted on April 2, 2009 at 3:41 pm Star, I got my almost new computer at a pawn shop, which is a second hand store. I guess the previous owners upgraded and didn't want the computer anymore.  Once I cleaned off all the junky videos and spyware, it worked fine.  Still works great!  My previous two computers cost $800 total, cause I purchased them from Walmart at discount. Both crashed within one year.

Posted on April 2, 2009 at 3:48 pm That is very cheap. I wouldn't trust a pawn shop though, if I were in need of a computer. If I had the extra money, it wouldn't be an issue spending the 35 bucks, though. Maybe you can fix it up a bit and clean it and sell it on ebay or craigslist, and then try to find another computer, and repeat the process. Kind of like a little business for yourself!

Posted on April 4, 2009 at 10:06 am I can understand your feelings. Not all pawn shops are trust worthy.

Posted on April 4, 2009 at 10:07 am To expand on my last point, ordinarily, I might feel the same way.  But, we have previous dealings with this local pawn shop and they are very trustworthy. They provided us with check cashing services before we had a bank account at a very reasonable rate.  And, they always take back defective products within seven days, (written guarantee return policy), so I have no fears when using their service.  You have to check around to find a pawn shop that is reliable. Ask friends.  Look for a shop that has been in business for twenty or thirty years.  Those are the ones that are more reliable.