Day in and day out people ask me if I can get them a “cheap” computer. It’s taken a while, but I’ve figured out what they actually want is a FREE computer. I came to this conclusion because anytime you mentioned a really good deal on a computer that you have seen they start twitching and convulsing when you get the part about “and it only costs…” At that point I started finding free and very low cost computers for people and believe it or not it is easier than you might realize.

It should also be pointed out that this is about obtaining computer hardware. Computer software, including the Operating System is another matter altogether. It’s certainly available for free, but I’m not going to tell you that you can download almost every possible kind of software via bit torrent… Thanks for not asking!

Free or just really cheap

The first thing to determine is your budget. Free is a great goal, but sometimes it’s just not a realistic goal. For instance if you need something within a few hours you’ll be lucky to find a sale. On the other hand if you can wait for a few weeks or even a couple of months your chances of getting something free improve dramatically. Either way set a budget of the maximum amount you can/will spend on your new computer. Generally I set my budget to $25.00 and while not “free” compared to the cost of most computers $25.00 can’t often be beat.

Just to touch on a quick point. Most people would think something along the lines of a $25 computer being complete crap. More often than not that is not the case.

Sources

Once you’ve set a budget it’s time to find some sources.

Recycling Center

Get out your yellow pages and look for a community recycling center. In most towns it is illegal to just dump a computer in the trash. Which means most of them go to a recycling center. Call them up and ask if you can get some “spare parts” for your computer. Most of them will say yes come take whatever you want. I’ve walked off with 5 perfectly working computers and several computers good for spare parts in one trip. Usually when they say “take whatever you want” they mean it. They need to get rid of it to make room for more.

A few words of caution about community recycling centers. Sometimes they’ll charge you $5 or $10 to cover administrative costs. You should also be sure to take whatever you can. As I said before I walked off with 5 perfectly good computers, but I’ve also walked off with absolute junk. Obviously this method of securing a computer requires you to have some technical ability in the event you have to swap out parts and load software.

Craig’s List

If you’re not familiar with Craig’s List you’re missing out. One thing I’ve found effective is putting an ad in the “barter” section that looks something like this: Wanted free (or very cheap) later model computer. Willing to trade setup and 2 hours of instruction on your new computer if you’d like. As strange as it sounds it works and more often than not people just want you to get the computer off their hands and spend 5 minutes explaining to them how to something with their new computer.

If you also look in the “free” stuff section you’ll often find computers in there. One other good place I’ve found to look is in the community section (search for computers) and see what you come up with.

Friends, neighbors, and family

This is pretty much self explanatory. People are always getting rid of their computers. Simply letting people know you are looking for one can reap a windfall in short order. Don’t be afraid to ask or make known what you’re looking for. At worst they say no, at best…?

Lessons I’ve learned

We live in a disposable society. Sucks for the environment, but is pretty damn sweet for us poor chumps who want computers (and lots of other free things). You simply need to know where to look and the questions to ask. Not to mention who to ask those questions of. But it has to start somewhere. The following are some of the lessons I can share with you.

• Be realistic in what you want for free. It’s not going to be top of the line unless you absolutely fall into a great deal
• Be patient. Like I mentioned before think in terms of weeks and months
• Be willing to travel. Sometimes you have to go out of your way
• Have some technical skills or have a friend who does. Free things don’t always work
• At some point you will need computer help. Make friends with someone who does that kind of work
• Check early, check often for deals on Craig’s List
• Be flexible. It’s better to get something that works than nothing at all because you refused to budge on what you believed to be good
• If possible get more than one. You can then turn around and freely give to another person and bless them with a new (to them at least) computer.

Good luck in locating a new computer!