Open box hard drives on Newegg

[PhoenixOrion]

I'm looking at some nice deals on some hardware on newegg.

what does 'open box' actually mean?

should i be wary with my purchase? I'm looking at getting a hard drive.

 

[MichaelD]

You'll get all kinds of responses on this question. But I'll separate mine into FACT and OPINION. OK?

FACT: "Open box" means the item was returned for whatever reason. Typically, OB items don't come with cables, driver CDs or instruction manuals. For this reason you can buy the item at a lower price than when it was new; sometimes at considerable savings.

OPINION: It's a total crapshoot buying an OB item. They are NOT tested before being resold at a lower price. If it's damaged or DEAD, you either have to suck it up OR pay the shipping to return it AND WAIT for a replacement to be sent. An OB hard drive was obviously returned b/c it didn't work. Is it really dead or was that user just a bonehead? One way to find out...or NOT. Spend the money and get something new. If you don't need the cable or mounting screws and want to save a little money, get an OEM hard drive. It's a NEW drive, but that's it. No cables or screws.

 

[AmberClad]

Well, I think there's also a chance that the user returned it because they found it to be too loud, generated too much vibration, etc. But just for me personally, buying an OEM drive or even a used one from a reputable person on AT FS/FT would be preferable. At least in those two cases, you generally have a high expectation of getting a working drive.

 

[Zap]

Originally posted by: PhoenixOrion
should i be wary with my purchase?

Yes, be wary. Besides the obvious ones about potentially getting a bum item (yes it does happen) and reduced warranty (yes it may be), the other thing to keep in mind is that some of the prices for Open Box items just plain suck. This isn't limited to HDDs either.

Basically, make darn sure that you are saving a huge wad of cash before risking Open Box. There can be some decent deals, but ALWAYS double check pricing for a new, similar item.

Here's some examples:

Open Box: Seagate Barracuda 7200.10 (Perpendicular Recording) ST3160215A 160GB 7200 RPM 2MB Cache IDE Ultra ATA100 Hard Drive $51.45 + $6.14 shipping = $57.59
Seagate Barracuda 7200.10 (Perpendicular Recording) ST3160215A 160GB 7200 RPM 2MB Cache IDE Ultra ATA100 Hard Drive $52.99 + $5.29 shipping = $58.28
I think I'd pay the $0.69 extra for brand new.

Open Box: SAMSUNG SpinPoint T Series HD501LJ 500GB 7200 RPM 16MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive $93.49 + $6.14 shipping = $99.63
SAMSUNG SpinPoint T Series HD501LJ 500GB 7200 RPM 16MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive $104.99 with free shipping
I personally would pay the $5.36 extra for a new drive.

 

[JEDIYoda]

also please be sure if you do go the open box route that you know the return policy of whatever company you purchase that item from!!!

 

[PhoenixOrion]

So basically avoid open box items especially if the cost difference is minimal....

and if the cost difference is substantial then buy it only if there's a good 'way out' for a return.

Hmmm, hopefully there are some very good deals on 500GB - 750GB after the holidays and not be tempted to go into any 'open box' before then.