Interested in getting into a Digital-SLR camera or a faster computer but the price kind of slowing you down? Have I got some deals for you!

The price of a new DSLR can be intimidating, especially if you’re buying your first one and not sure if you want to make a “pro-level” comitment.

How would you like to get a Canon DSLR for under $500? Or a Nikon D-200 for slightly more than $1,200?

Then check out Adorama’s refurbished department (click here). You can buy factory-refurbished cameras which are like new and carry the same accessories as a new version. They’re also warrantied by the original-manufacturer, giving you one less thing to worry about.

Refurbs are usually even better deals than used equipment, especially when it’s a factory-refurb (the only kind I’d buy). The warranties are usually better than the 30-day warranties on used equipment. Many refurbs are former display-models, or products returned by customers who simply couldn’t figure them out and decided to get their money back. In these cases, these cameras are new, but are still gone through by the factories (or their authorized refurbishers) to make sure they work as-new.

Adorama isn’t the only place selling these factory-refurbs, so if you have a favorite vendor (like B&H, Abe’s of Maine, Calumet, or Samy’s), be sure to look and see if they carry the factory refurbished cameras.

Another way to save on cameras and lenses is to check out the used departments at your favorite camera store, or at sites like KEH (click here) who’s been in the used equipment arena for quite a while and have a good reputation.

Used equipment can be more of a hassle as it’s hard to check it out on-line (although most reputable dealers will “rate” the equipment with a scale of 0-thru-9, or “Like new”, “some-wear” etc. but this can be very subjective). Also the warranties are usually shorter and only offered by the store, not the manufacturer.

2 great places to get Apple computers on-the-cheap, are the Apple web-site (click here, then go to the “Red Tag” sale link), or at Tech-Restore (click here), who not only will fix your broken laptop, but also sell you one of their refurbished computers.

I bought my Powerbook here and it was just as advertised (works great) and about 30% the price of a new one, and I’ve also bought Apple’s refurbs and close-outs and have never been dissapointed.
So, if you want to move up in your equipment and just don’t have the where-with-all to buy at new list prices (or are just “cheap”… John), check out the deals out there at great prices from reputable vendors!