Computer Pawn

Compared to privately sold systems, Computer Pawn seemed reasonable, so since I did not want to drive too far after having knee surgery about two weeks prior, I went to this business. A pleasant young man came out to assist and showed me various towers that seemed to work. His uncle, the owner, came out and also assisted. (This is a very small shop and I was the only customer.) The less expensive computers (around $65) did not have an operating system and the owner advised against it as he said it would take extra hours to install. The towers with operating systems were priced around $125, but the owner said I could have a tower, a keyboard, a mouse, and a power supply for $100, including tax. The towers were somewhat comparable with the ones on Craigslist. The processor was a bit faster, but the hard drive was smaller (40 gig as opposed to 80 gig, though). The RAM was 512 instead of a gigabyte. And the system did not have virus software installed as did both towers on Craigslist. The Craiglist computers were priced at $70 and $80 (two different sellers). While I was waiting for the tower to be tweaked, Vadim brought out a chair for me to sit in (the brace a tell tale sign that at least something was wrong with my leg). We had a pleasant chat, and I went into a bit more detail about my mother and the fact that this computer was one that I was replacing because hers had been infected with viruses and had essentially become non-operable. I mentioned that, because she lived in a teeny town in Montana, if something happened to the computer, we could not bring it in for servicing (he had offered a month or so warranty) - and it would probably cost as much or more to ship it back to the Seattle area as it had for me to purchase it. I also mentioned that she lived on a very fixed income as she was disabled. After the purchase, the two carried it out to my vehicle. Vadim also asked if I needed any assistance getting into it. When I got the computer home, I plugged it into the monitor. I plugged the mouse in. Noticed that there was no power supply. And tried for at least an hour to find an adapter for the keyboard as the computer only accepted a USB keyboard! Luckily, I had a Dell USB keyboard - and my husband dug up a power supply. I then hooked up the computer to the internet. I installed a free virus program. Two viruses were discovered and quarantined. I installed a firewall program. Then, I installed a malware program - which found seven threats - including a trojan. Whew! I was happy I had done that! Then, I downloaded a free office suite, but did not include the database or math calculation programs. I downloaded a free PDF reader and some other necessary programs. Approximately three hours after setting up the machine, I was done installing everything. However, although I heard the CD running, I did not actually insert a CD to ensure it could read it, so I just hope that it works! Basically, then, I had to cleanse the system (taking at least an hour all told) and install a virus program, something I would not have had to do had I bought the cheaper private computers advertised on Craigslist. The other programs (and additional time) would have been necessary even on these cheaper computers. Basically, if individuals do not have the time or inclination to drive too far from their Renton homebase and if they are willing to devote extra time in the comfort of their home to ensuring the computer works - especially if the computer will be staying in the area and it can then be taken in if something happens, then Computer Pawn works. Computer Pawn does have some newer systems, but the bulk are older Pentium 4 machines - so that is a consideration as well. I do not know about their ability to fix computers as I have not had an opportunity to bring them a computer that is malfunctioning. I really do wish I was able to rate this business higher than I did as they were both seemingly eager to please and personable. With the cost of renting a space and purchasing inventory, too, I am sure that the business could not afford to offer the prices that the private sellers on Craigslist are able to do. However, when the primary objective is value for the money and I cannot take the computer I'm purchasing back for service if I need it (one of the reasons one goes to a business rather than a private individual), then the value is unfortunately not there.