Used vs New Computer Pros/Cons?

[rumblefish]

I'm in the market for a new computer and was wondering what the general opinions were about getting a used computer vs a new one. I know the general pro/con debate is about price vs dealer support and warranty coverage. I've always heard these horror stories about flooded computers. In general, is it advisable to buy used computers?

[mitsuguy]

so long as it has been taken care of and you get a hell of a deal on one, sure...

the problem is, it could flood first dive out (through no mistake of your own or the previous owners), and you'd be SOL...

There are plenty of inexpensive computers to negate the need to buy used... The Oceanic Veo100 is like $140, and a full featured, computer downloadable like the GEO is $270 after your 10% off here...

[Skred]

The only way I would ever buy a used computer would be on the condition that I could have it independently verified that the computer was in good working order and had never been compromised before I coughed up the dough. I would also insist it be serviced before I ever hit the water with it.

Problem is, those verifications may drive up the price enough to negate the savings gained from buying used so spending a bit more on new unit and the support that goes with it would likely be the best way to go.

[Kimusubi]

I agree with the previous posters. In my limited experience, diving or otherwise, although a used item may be cheaper, there are a myriad of risks that you have to take into account. If for example, the computer floods, and that happens to be a fairly expensive computer, it will break your pocket. The way you should consider buying new stuff is how much it will cost you to buy a new one, just in case something goes wrong. If it doesn't cost much to get a new one, then I suppose that's ok, but then again why not buy a new one in the first place? I suggest you go and buy a new one around your price range, it will make you feel good having a new piece of equipment and people tend to take care of new items better than used ones.

...Or you can be like me and buy stuff out of your price range and put it on your credit...... (don't go this route, it will cause you trouble!)

[fireflock]

The problem with used computers is that they fail in weird and unpredictable ways. Once they fail, they are usually worthless.

That said, I would (and have in the past) buy a used computer from someone I know and trust. The price has to be low enough to make up for the uncertainty.

The other place to score a deal is from someone who bought a brand new set of dive gear, dove on a trip or two, and then gave it up. The older models don't sell for much on the used market, but are still perfectly fine computers.

[chicken]

I wouldn't buy any computer without a warranty, meaning it would be new. This has become an essential tool to most divers why try to save a few $$$ to ultimately end up spending more? There are so many great deals on ST for new, full warranty backed units...pick one.

[awap]

I paid $68 for a used Oceanic Data Plus computer on ebay about 4 years ago. It is still going strong. IMHO, the great savings outweighs the added risks if you know what you are doing.

[ReefHound]

Originally Posted by chicken

I wouldn't buy any computer without a warranty, meaning it would be new. This has become an essential tool to most divers why try to save a few $$$ to ultimately end up spending more? There are so many great deals on ST for new, full warranty backed units...pick one.

Because in many cases it's a lot more than "a few" dollars and most of the time you do not ultimately end up spending more. I've bought 3 of my 4 computers used and never had a problem.

Computers flood mainly because somebody tried changing the battery and didn't know what they were doing. Or let it sit so long the o-ring deteriorated. Check out the battery compartment and make sure it is sealed right (or have it done for you). I'm sure it happens but in nearly 300 dives I have never been on a dive where anyone in my group or even on the boat flooded their computer. I've seen a dozen cameras flooded though.

[mrm777]

Scubatoys has used/demo computers marked down considerably....and they offer a 1 year warranty on them....best of both worlds.

[Damselfish]

Nothing wrong with used computers if you get a good deal. Yes there is a risk something could go wrong but aside from the flooding possibility there's not that much that can go wrong with a basic computer. Heck, it's probably more likely for something to go wrong when it's new than after it's been in use for awhile. (Electronics are known for infant mortality type issues.)

Some friends of mine recently bought a couple used computers cheap from someone on eBay, no problems and they're happy.