I must be nuts if I say “old is gold” while talking about old computer products. Or at least that is what many think. With ever falling prices and vendors vying with each other to offer better & better products aided by relentless advancement in technologies, it makes no sense to look for yesterday’s laptops, personal computers. But if you look closely you may come across many ‘diamonds in the rough’.

The reason I said these old, otherwise functional products are ‘diamonds in the rough’ is because with some simple upgrades like replacing a battery or upgrading the memory one can have a very desirable product at a bargain price that is soul satisfying. In such a hunt for bargain, one has to keep one’s use in mind.

For instance, imagine a user whose computing needs do not go beyond accessing his bank statements online or filing his/her income tax returns online or checking one’s email once in a while. Such a user does not need the latest laptops or PCs. Even an old laptop which comes in as a gift from a well meaning friend or relative will do the job. With the money saved which otherwise would have gone for a shiny new laptop/PC, one can invest it wisely for future returns or even spend it on other essentials. Here I have assumed that the user has some money saved and put aside for discretionary expenses. One other benefit with such old products is that they may come preloaded with useful applications for which we may otherwise have to spend.

This advice is all the more applicable to a person who doesn’t have any money set aside but only a credit card to swipe and buy it on credit. After a while the novelty of a shiny laptop/PC wears off and one is left with a huge bill to pay. In today’s uncertain economy it is wise to hold to one’s cash/credit and use it judiciously. Even if one is hesitant to buy a pre-owned (probably abused?) product at throw away prices, it is a good idea to consider buying not the latest but just a step behind in terms of specifications but brand new from vendors who are overstocked and offer such products at bargain prices.

OK, such tangible benefits do not move one to consider buying/reusing old products, how about some intangible benefits like saving the environment? We can delay or reduce the landfills with toxic chemicals. What do you think?