Still looking for that super cheap laptop? A computer liquidation sale might just fulfill that dream on a budget. Computer liquidation companies typically pick up laptops as they come off lease or are cast off by corporations or schools during systematic upgrades. The leasing companies use the computer liquidators to make the most of their assets with a minimum of hassles. Less hassle for them perhaps, but a big caveat emptor for the consumer.

Dedicated shoppers can turn up some real gems, but you have to know what you’re buying and where to look. Although run-of-the mill computers are most common, you can even find rugged notebooks from time-to-time. But there’s often no safety net … you buy a dud, you get a dud, you deal with the aftermath. Used, refurbs, returns, you’ll see it all.

It’s not just the quality that varies, it’s the quantity, too. While a number of computer liquidators are content to sell units one at a time, other firms specialize in bulk lots. This can be convenient if you want to outfit your company as cheaply as possible … or if you have a bunch of friends with similar tastes and budgets. It’s all a roll of the dice, so its wise to choose your equipment and sellers carefully.

Retailers may liquidate directly through auction sites like liquidation.com, dovebid.com, and of course, eBay. A recent visit to liquidation.com turned up a slew of Sony VIAOs, HP Pavilions, Dell Inspirons, Panasonic Toughbooks, Apple Powerbooks, and IBM Thinkpads, along with a bunch of Compaqs, Gateways and Toshibas.

[tags]Computer Liquidation[/tags]