Should I buy this 21in CRT off Ebay?

[sje2081]

Thinking about getting the monitor below off Ebay.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=2303120396&category=3696

Stats seem okay on it? It's trinitron and the refresh rates seem
good, though I cannot find much info on the model number. Figure for
$250 w/shipping, I could get 2 of these for what it would cost me to
get a decent 21 inch new through Newegg. Any thoughts, warnings, etc?
I mostly will be using it for basic internet use and gaming. Use XP and a GF4 4200.


Currently using a dying 19 inch CTX pos so I figure most anything will
be an upgrade.

I appreciate any input or advice.

--
SJE

 

[heliomphalodon]

Well, it's "refurbished" -- whatever that means with respect to a monitor.
The seller's feedback looks a little "iffy" to me...
Make sure you know what it's gonna cost to get it to your door -- and what if it's damaged in shipment, or just plain bad?

I'd say you can do better, if you're patient.
I'd also recommend that you consider a Hitachi 21" -- I use one at work, and it's the best CRT I've ever seen.

Good luck!

 

[UncleWai]

not worth it.
Stay away if you see "refurbished" or DOA in Ebay.

 

[Viper96720]

Your basically getting a used monitor that must've been broken. It'll probably have some type of defect. I would rather get a good 19" for around $300. No shops in your area that sells monitors. That's where I would look for one.

 

[Kingofcomputer]

don't buy any refurb. computer stuff from ebay unless the seller is the manuafacturer.

 

[Wolfsraider]

on't i bought one off ebay shipped broken then had a heck of a fight to get my money back

oh wait its your money but my lesson made me rethink ebay

 

[TourGuide]

Thinking about getting the monitor below

Don't do it. Reasons:
1. It's a refurb.
2. If you have trouble with it you're SOL.
3. It's not THAT great a deal.
4. It's a refurb.

get a decent 21 inch new through Newegg.

Do NOT order monitors though Newegg. If you have a problem they are a PITA to deal with on monitors. Order through Dell you'll be much happier and get free shipping too. Plus if you have a problem they will send you a return shipping label which will save you $80 on a big daddy monitor.

If price is your bottom line, then look for the best combination of price/customer service options. If you want a decent monitor it is going to cost you some money. I know that is not what you wanted to hear, but it is true.

 

[sje2081]

I appreciate the advice, I will hold out for a new one
Wish I didn't have to buy it online at all, but seems like local stores cost so much more compared to the online retailers...even more so than usual with other computer equip.

 

[CallTheFBI]

I hate CRTs so I say don't get it. Save the money for a nice TFT flat panel display.

 

[tenoc]

Why take a chance on Ebay when you can get a guaranteed one for the same price from Dell?

These are off-lease ones reconditioned by DFS, ones that have been working fine for some one for a couple of years.

 

[Metalloid]

I just bought an HP P1110 21" Refurbished from a place near me (save on shipping) and I absolutely love it. This place does sell stuff on ebay but I bought directly from them. Just be careful who you deal with. If you want to check them out its www.secondwindpcs.com.

 

[sje2081]

Thanks for the tips.

I wish I had one of those second hand places near me, but I cannot find one in Houston. Shipping aside, I'd love to go to a location and check it out before I buy.

Looking into those Dell refurbished...I need to find out their return policy if I get a poor quality one. Are the Dell 21 in. 1600HT good monitors? If I have ship it back on my own $ if its DOA or damaged I may as well buy off Ebay. Other minus with Dell is I'd probably have to pay sales tax.