Old But still good machines with linux

[atlasmike]

Does anyone have any luck in reselling older machines with Linux Ubuntu installed? It seems such a waste of of a computer since because it is a little old. Some computers from Dell especially are well made work horses that can live on past the software's life span. Linux being so stable and user friendly, I was wondering if anyone here had success in reselling older machines to people for a good price. Is there a small market for this?

 

[ohio_grad_06]

Thing about your idea is you will attract people who are price shopping imo. You don't want clients who are solely focused on price. They seem to be neediest and the first to complain if there are any issues.

 

[SpaceSquad]

You don't want clients who are solely focused on price. They seem to be neediest and the first to complain if there are any issues.

This.

These people will come to you for every little thing. How do I install this? How do I do that? etc etc

I love Linux...love reusing old hardware...but if you have old stuff maybe think about donating them to someone in need.

 

[atlasmike]

Thing about your idea is you will attract people who are price shopping imo. You don't want clients who are solely focused on price. They seem to be neediest and the first to complain if there are any issues.

I think you are right. There is no money in the "I am looking for a deal" crowd. And yes needy as hell.

This.

These people will come to you for every little thing. How do I install this? How do I do that? etc etc

I love Linux...love reusing old hardware...but if you have old stuff maybe think about donating them to someone in need.

I agree with this as well. Ubuntu, though user friendly for experienced PC users, not too easy for the layman. I just changed my theme in Ubuntu and it isn't just point click and download. I had to use the terminal. So I guess you are right. Just a shame. I have two Dells I got from a customer today. They asked if the laptop was worth fixing. Dell Latitude D810, old, made for XP. Not really fast enough for modern OS. But it is perfect for Linux. I might throw a couple more Gigs of RAM in it, and it is good for more years to come.

 

[Moltuae]

I've given a few old timers a new lease of life using Linux, and made a few quid out of it too.

In every case though, the computer was already being replaced by a newer machine and I offered to "do something with" the old one for the customer. This tactic works best with customers who have small children and only one computer. Offer to turn their old PC into a relatively child-proof computer that their kids can use to keep them off Mum & Dad's nice new computer. I just charge a small additional fee. The customer's happy 'coz they've got an extra computer to use, the kids are happy 'coz they've got their own computer, and I'm happy coz I make a few extra quid and I have one less thing to take to the rubbish tip. Win win.

I completely agree with the comments here though; I wouldn't even consider offering them for sale separately -- just not worth the hassle. When it's the customer's own old PC, they're happy to accept the dents and scratches and the fact that it may only last a few months.




Oh, and the best bit: The family get used to having a kids' computer. When the old one does eventually conk out, or the kids outgrow it and insist on having one like Mum and Dad's, you get to sell 'em another new one

 

[JustInTech]

I've install Linux Mint for a couple of clients to upgrade their XP machines, they only needed it for Web browsing and email and they were sick of grankids installing games along with their toolbars etc

 

[coffee]

My main clients for linux boxes are older and wanting to get away from the whole "Windows" experience. When I do get an older machine in I load up linux Mint on them and make sure everything works. Then I install the 'short' version of teamviewer so that if they have an issue its just a remote support in to take care of things. Ive never had one come back and I have never had anyone complain and want windows back. I think this comes from sizing up your customer and knowing what their habits are. I do desktops and Laptops. In fact, I have made a decent amount off of it.

From my experience with Linux and Customers I have found out the following:

1. You actually will run less service calls on the box then a windows box.
2. Selling new printers and any upgrades (monitors, memory, video cards) is alot easier as sometimes you have to be careful which hardware you buy. This the customer is made aware of so they come back to you for this work.
3. Most computer stores do not want much to do with linux so you basically have a customer for life if you treat them right.
4. The word of mouth about your business gets a shot in the arm as people are naturally curious when they see your customers laptop running linux mint.

All that being said, When you size up the right customer for linux its actually a great experience for the customer and the more you know about linux the more you can offer your customers.

The main problems that I see involving linux are people that download some obscure flavor and equate it to all linux flavors. Each flavor of linux is intended for a certain audience. It is best to stick with the most popular and polished flavor for your customer. Linux Mint fits that bill. I do not offer ubuntu as they are kinda shady in their practices. IMHO, ubuntu is the AOL of linux.

Also, There are different desktop enviroments offered on many flavors. I recommend Mate over Cinnamon. Cinnamon is nice but its different than the standard desktop we are all used too.

As per the comment by some about price shoppers, I dont have that problem and never have. Most of my linux customers just want to get things done without the hassle of MS and all the trappings.

coffee

 

[joydivision]

I have had big success with this but you need to stress the limitations, one of my client is even using her Linux box for photoshop work under Wine!.

 

[nlinecomputers]

You are better off referbing them for use as cheap UTM devices. Drop a second NIC in them and put Untangle or ipcop on them.

 

[atlasmike]

Oh, and the best bit: The family get used to having a kids' computer. When the old one does eventually conk out, or the kids outgrow it and insist on having one like Mum and Dad's, you get to sell 'em another new one

Yes. This is good.

 

[Altster]

I have a nice little Acer laptop which I am experimenting with at this time. I've had Ubuntu CE edition on it (nice Christian Edition), Linux Mint LXDE (15, maybe?), attempted to install PCLinuxOS but couldn't get past the "gfx???" load screen and finally Linux Lite 2.0. The latter seems to be doing very well and even had no problem finding the networking (Wireless and wired hardware).

Personally I like playing with Linux and even installing and selling boxes which are set up for Linux. It's the customers who shy away from anything "Non-Window$" as most people have been drinking the M$ kool-aid.

I agree with the "you run less service calls" comment above as I have a customer who was forever getting their XP system infected. Since I've put them into a Linux Mint box I've not heard a peep from them regarding that box. OK, now that I've said this in public they will call me and tell me they have a problem.