Nonprofits and refurbished computers

03-22-2006 3:46 PM

wcook

Top 50 Contributor

Joined on 12-20-2005

Hundreds of millions of computers are discarded in the United States each year -- yet only a very small percent are donated to the schools, families, and nonprofits that need them. Read how new programs, organizations, and initiatives around the United States are working to change this in TechSoup's article Refurbishing for a Better Tomorrow.

The article also includes resources for those interested in donating or purchasing donated computers, or who simply want to learn more about e-cycling and the refurbishing movement.

Have questions about refurbishing? Do you know of an organization that has benefitted from donated refurbished computers? Tell us about it here!

In reply to

RE: Refurbishing for a Better Tomorrow

02-12-2007 3:21 PM

jimlynch

Top 150 Contributor

Joined on 02-19-2003

San Francisco

Jim Lynch here, the refurbishers summit organizer. I like this event to be a very 'networky' conference where it's easy to get to know folks. If your organization needs IT equipment for your own programs or for distribution to your clients, I'd be curious to know what kind of computer equipment you need and how and where you've been finding it up to now...

-jim

In reply to

RE: Refurbishing for a Better Tomorrow

02-27-2007 11:41 AM

wcook

Top 50 Contributor

Joined on 12-20-2005

In case you're arriving at this thread through the forums, the event Jim is referring to is the 4th Annual International Computer Refurbisher Summit, which takes place March 9-10 in Washington, D.C.

In reply to

RE: Refurbishing for a Better Tomorrow

02-28-2007 9:57 AM

mgmartin

Not Ranked

Joined on 11-17-2004

TechSoup Member

I am President of the Keith Highlanders Pipe Band, a Scottish bagpipe band, located in Seattle. We have been a 501c3 since the 60s. The band has been growing rapidly in the last few years and we are in need of 4 to 6 projectors that we can hook up to laptops and use for instruction/classes. I have checked around and so far have not been able to locate a source that donates such equipment to nonprofits. We have a Dell contact but she says that Dell doesn't get involved in such donations. Any ideas as to where else to look would be appreciated.

In reply to

RE: Refurbishing for a Better Tomorrow

03-01-2007 1:28 PM

jimlynch

Top 150 Contributor

Joined on 02-19-2003

San Francisco

On LCD projectors, I'm not optimistic that you'll find a good source for free ones. There's no harm in checking with the electronics refurbishers in your area. Find the The zipcode searchable listing of Microsoft Authorized Refurbishers at http://www.techsoup.org/mar/marList.aspx

Failing that & if you have some budget for this, you might try a place like United Visual that sells their used rental units.

-jim

http://www.unitedvisual.com/2rent/2forsale.asp

In reply to

RE: Refurbishing for a Better Tomorrow

03-03-2007 9:59 AM

mgmartin

Not Ranked

Joined on 11-17-2004

TechSoup Member

Thanks for the tips, Jim. I'll continue looking around. I am also working on a number of grant prospects that could help solve our problem.

In reply to

RE: Refurbishing for a Better Tomorrow

03-07-2007 11:40 PM

zuesko

Not Ranked

Joined on 03-07-2007

TechSoup Member

Hi Jim,
I stumbled onto your site looking for a hardware problem, which I hope someone can help. But your organization is fantastic. Do you know of any similar in Australia. If so please send URL's or any relevant infomation.
Cheers, :smile;

In reply to

Re: RE: Refurbishing for a Better Tomorrow

02-23-2010 12:22 PM

OperaCarolina

Not Ranked

Joined on 08-07-2009

TechSoup Member

I bought a refurbished computer from techsoup but could not open it until after the 90 day expiration date because we were waiting on some software. I did not know about the 90-day period because I had not opened the box to see the documentation.

They will no do nothing to fix the refurbished computer that never worked, so I am left with a large paper weight. Very frustrating, and makes refurbished very unattractive.

In reply to

Re: RE: Refurbishing for a Better Tomorrow

02-23-2010 1:15 PM

shipley.c

Top 10 Contributor

Joined on 07-20-2005

Hartford, CT

Hmm, that is frustrating, but I think the description of the refurbished computers clearly says they have a 90-day warranty on them before you even purchase. The lesson here to me does not answer the question on whether or not to buy a refurbished computer. It's whether or not to check purchases you have received to see if they work before the warranty is up.

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Nonprofits and refurbished computers