On 20/09/2014 19:04, fred wrote:
In article , Andy
Burns writes
Tim Lamb wrote:

Andy Burns writes:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/171424219178
That's about a 5 year old model

Are they all likely to be that old? Is there an easy way of checking
vintage?

The clue on those ones is that it is a "Pentium D" which pre-dates the
Core and Core Duo processors, and the current Core2 processors, likely
to be a bit more power hungry if leaving it on 24x7.

Some of these "refurbs" are machines from a large corporate that have
been used, abused and replaced, then someone's bought up the job lot and
made 50 usable ones from 100 half-dead ones.

Some might be brand new old stock that's been sat in a warehouse or a
cupboard as spares for 5 years.

Not a bad concept but it's difficult to trust a seller eg. that
misrepresents a 3G dual core as a 6GHz processor and quotes UK mainland
delivery as free with Ireland and Wales 15quid extra.

Fine for the switched on but perhaps not something I'd suggest for a noob.

Especially when you can get, for example, a brand new laptop which will
quite possibly out-perform it, with W8.1 already installed (and,
obviously, licensed), as you imply it will use less electricity,
built-in monitor and UPS! For £230.

--
Rod