Equipment

Refurbished vs Pre-Owned: The Biggest Benefits of Buying Used Telecommunications Equipment

Worldwide, the information technology (IT) industry is estimated to reach $5 trillion in 2019.

IT is a vast and complex industry. It’s composed of equipment, software, personnel, and other components that constantly need upgrading. When it’s time to upgrade your IT, choosing refurbished vs pre-owned is important.

Used or refurbished network equipment is good for a new business or one that’s well-established. Some businesses equate refurbished and used with unreliable or faulty. We’re going to explain why that line of thinking is incorrect.

Keep reading to learn more about the benefits of buying refurbished.

Access to Better Tech

Some business owners assume that refurbished and used network equipment is faulty. In fact, many businesses offload IT that’s reliable and even new. Businesses sell perfectly fine IT equipment for a  number of reasons, including:

• making a small profit from surplus
• service level agreements with suppliers that require new equipment according to a contract
• the nature of some businesses requires them to have the latest equipment
• some businesses just have larger budgets that need to be exhausted

Often times, this used equipment will come with warranty coverage. In the case it doesn’t, used equipment gives you access to great tech at more cost-effective prices.

Access to Hard-to-Find Tech

Older equipment still has its uses. Especially when you have a tried-and-true piece of technology that you can’t part with.

In those cases, having a replacement and spare parts can come in handy. The majority of the parts in used and refurbished equipment is 100% salvageable.

Having older equipment on hand saves you precious downtime. You won’t have to go searching for a part that’s hard to find.

You’ll also save money on parts. This is because harder-to-find parts tend to be more expensive.

You pay premium prices for old parts because the supply doesn’t meet the demand. By having those on hand, you’ll save yourself from having to pay premium prices when something stops working.

Save Money

Used vs refurbished equipment is beneficial for established businesses and new businesses. Business both large and small can also benefit from purchasing used.

Of course, used IT equipment is the most cost-effective option and a great way to keep your costs low. Used IT gives you access to great equipment as well as pieces that are hard to find.

This is why refurbished and used network equipment is a smart alternative to buying new. And that’s especially true when you’re trying new technology with no proven track record.

Buying new doesn’t just mean paying premium prices for your equipment. Purchasing new equipment includes all the hidden costs you don’t see. This includes the costs for materials, production, research and development, and the wages that the manufacturer pays its workers.

When you’re looking refurbished and used the equipment, those costs are already covered and there might even be an opportunity to negotiate on price. For some of the best prices on IT equipment, shop our hardware.

Convenience

Large, expensive orders of new equipment can cause a headache. Whether ordering online or directly from a supplier, refurbished and used network equipment is a lot more convenient.

In many cases, suppliers of IT equipment don’t carry or stock the equipment that they sell because of the cost of the overhead. Instead, they order your equipment from another provider, who ships to them before it’s shipped to you. This can cause huge delays in getting your IT infrastructure setup.

But used and refurbished equipment are, by their nature, stocked by their suppliers. That means you don’t have to worry about delays. In many cases, you can have the product shipped right to your door for the ultimate in a convenient option.

Environmental Responsibility

When you throw away your old IT equipment and electronics, you’re contributing to pollution. Electronics contains heavy metals that pollute landfills and contaminate soil and groundwater. They’re also made of plastics that take hundreds of years to breakdown in a landfill.

Not only is the equipment itself a pollutant when it’s sent to the landfill, but the production methods for making that equipment is also harmful to the environment. It takes burning fossil fuels and consuming natural resources to produce these products, and reducing our reliance both is important for the future of the environment.

By purchasing used and refurbished products, you save them from ending up in a landfill. Those efforts can be used in Corporate Social Responsibility reporting, for press releases, and for community outreach – all of which can contribute to a better reputation for your business as well.

Buying Local

The ‘buy local’ movement has been spreading across the US for some time now. The concept behind this movement is that purchasing from local, independently owned business makes a positive impact on the local community and economy. And purchasing used and refurbished equipment can help you be part of this movement.

Purchasing your used and refurbished equipment from a local supplier or from a local company offloading their surplus keeps investments within your community. In addition, it can help you save on expensive shipping charges and make pickup or delivery more convenient. 

Refurbished vs Pre-Owned

Whether you’re buying refurbished vs pre-owned IT equipment, you’re doing the environment and your local community service. But more than that, you’re keeping your costs low while gaining access to reliable equipment. You might also consider buying refurbished or used network equipment to keep on hand for those times that your tried-and-true technology fails and you need a solution that’s both fast and cost-effective.

While some people wrongly assume that used and refurbished purchases are second-grade, that’s simply untrue. Your business stands to benefit from this option as long as you’re buying from a trustworthy and reputable supplier.

Essential Oxygen Equipment You’ll Need for Supplemental Oxygen

It’s scary enough having to use supplemental oxygen but, on top of your condition, you’ll also need to learn about oxygen equipment.

Fortunately, it’s much easier than you think.

When it comes down to it, there are only a few key things that you need to remember. Keep reading and learn exactly what you need to know to get the oxygen your body needs.

Oxygen Equipment and You

There are only a few main components that you need to make sure you have:

• The oxygen system itself
• An oxygen mask
• Tubing

There are other accessories available as well. These accessories can be quite handy or might be of no use to you depending on what your own medical needs are.

Finding the right oxygen equipment can be a trying process, however. Your own physical capabilities and your budget are going to be the biggest factor in making sure that you get the right system setup.

You don’t want to have trouble lugging around the smaller oxygen tank you can bring with you outside of the house, for instance, and if your manual dexterity is compromised then you’ll have to find a simple system.

Every part of the system should adhere to your physical abilities in mind before you begin to take budgeting into account. If you’re having trouble getting a system approved then you may need to appeal your denial.

Types of Oxygen Systems

There are three types of systems which make up modern medicine’s supplement oxygen therapy.

First up, compressed oxygen cylinders. This is what most of us think of when we’re talking about oxygen. They’re the cheapest of the three, and the most likely to not cause issues with your insurance.

They’re also a bit dangerous due to the pressures they’re under, and proper precautions should always come into play. The other problem with them is that they’re quite heavy. While you can fill smaller bottles you still need to get the tank in your home and positioned.

The second type are oxygen concentrators, which aren’t suitable for everyone. They’re a stationary device which concentrates the oxygen in the air so that you’ll be able to get continuous oxygen without the need for refills.

They’re also inexpensive. The problem is that they aren’t portable so if you leave the house you’ll still need a cylinder of one of the other types. 

Lastly, is liquid oxygen, which is great for those who can afford it. They work essentially the same but tend to be much smaller and lighter. They come with a high price tag and still must be refilled on a frequent basis.

Some types of oxygen systems, are even compatible with their own software. The Inogen Connect app, for instance, connects with the Inogen One G4 to allow you to monitor your oxygen levels.

It’s the biggest decision you make concerning your new equipment but it doesn’t end there.

Taking Portability Into Account

While some patients may end up tied permanently to a bottle, many people still enjoy life quite a bit while being on supplemental oxygen.

Small tanks can be had for most systems. These are generally considered ambulatory if they weigh under 10 pounds and are able to come with the patient easily.

Meanwhile, a system which is large enough to require a cart or other carrying device but can still be moved easily is considered portable.

If you’re still looking to enjoy life, or even just finish daily tasks, then you’ll want to look into the portable tanks and carrying cases which are available for them.

Types of Oxygen Delivery

While the tubing is going to be pretty much the same across the board, except for when it comes to length, your mask or other flow devices can make a big difference.

There are three main types of mask. Low-flow, reservoir, and high flow.

Low flow delivery is more of an oxygen delivery system than an actual mask. They allow the person quite a bit of freedom since they are usually just a tube inserted into the nostril or directly down the throat.

They’re usually inexpensive and quite simple.

Reservoir systems consist of both masks and cannula. Cannula are tubes which usually go into the nose. They allow for greater oxygenation per volume than low flow tubes.

Meanwhile, masks are bulkier and store oxygen for use when needed.

Finally, high flow systems generally use a Venturi mask to mix together oxygen and air at the desired rate.

Which mask you’ll end up with depends largely on your condition and whether or not continuous oxygen addition is required.

Accessories for Oxygen Equipment

While the mask and the actual oxygen system are among the first thoughts in your mind, there are a lot of small things that will make your life much easier in the long run.

Humidifier bottles, for instance, can keep the oxygen from drying out your air passages too much.

Careful consideration on the cart or carrying bag you use for your oxygen system should also be taken into account.

Keep Up Your Oxygen and Keep Up Your Life

Oxygen equipment doesn’t have to be overly complicated. While it’s likely that your doctor knows exactly what you need it definitely never hurts to learn just a little bit more.

In the long run, your familiarity with a system will teach you more and more about what’s best. That’s not medical advice, of course, and any desired changes to your system should be taken up with a medical professional.

Or maybe you were just curious about what things you’ll need. If so, you now know.

If you’re looking to learn more, then check out the rest of our blog for all sorts of interesting tidbits.

5 Pieces of Equipment You Need for Your Home Gym

Whether it’s to save money on a pricey gym membership or to avoid being around other sweaty people, lots of people choose to exercise at home. If you’re thinking about putting together a home gym, there’s never been a better time than now.

Building up your home gym is a better investment than a monthly gym membership. You can get equipment that works better for you than what might be at a gym. Best of all, you won’t have to wipe someone’s sweat off of it before you use it.

Once you decide that a home gym is your ideal way to work out, it’s time to start putting together the must-have gear for your workout. We’ve put together a list of the top 5 pieces of equipment that everyone needs to have for their routine.

1. Dumbbells

Dumbbells offer a lot of versatility for bodybuilding and just staying in shape. If you only have space for one piece of equipment, having some weights should be the one piece of equipment that you keep around. Whether you use them during your dedicated workout hour of the day or just while you watch TV, they’ve got serious versatility.

You can work out every part of your body with just one pair of dumbbells. If you’ve got premade dumbbells, with set weights, you’ll have to set aside some space or get a rack for them. The hexagon shaped rubber dumbbells are some of the most comfortable and longest lasting.

If you’re just starting out, get 3-5 sets in a range of weights. Find light ones that you can jog in place with, then get some that are fairly easy to lift over your head. Next get some that you can’t lift over your head just yet.

If you don’t have space for a big rack of dumbbells but still want some versatility, look for adjustable dumbbells. This way, you’ll be able to get every kind of weight you need for a variety of workouts without having to compromise your tight space.

You’ll also be able to save money by getting variety with just one set of adjustable dumbells.

2. Stationary Bike

One of the best workouts you can get is riding a bike. If you don’t live in a place where you can commute to work on a bike or if you work from home, a stationary bike is your next best option.

There are a wide variety of bikes to choose from, including the straightforward mechanical bike to bikes with digital displays and networked technology. You can hop up on the bike and get in shape during those periods when you otherwise might just be sitting on your couch watching TV.

An airbike is a great option for people who are looking to get in great shape. With an air bike, the harder you pedal, the more the fan will resist. You can change resistance at your own pace and do some high-intensity interval training.
Rather than the average stationary bike, you can push and pull with your arms while you ride, giving you an additional upper body workout.

Once you decide to get a bike, put it someplace where you’ll see it every day. Putting it in your garage or in the corner of your spare bedroom will mean that it might just end up collecting dust after a few months.

Check out BodyGearGuide.com to see what’s offered in the world of bikes.

3. Pull Up Bar

This is one of the cheapest and easy to use pieces of equipment you could get for your home gym. What’s great about pull up bars is that they’re not just for pull-ups.

Once installed, you can do all sorts of gymnastic exercises. If you’re in especially good shape, you could hang from it and do sit-ups. Getting to that level, you’ll be in fantastic shape in no time.

Like the stationary bike, it should be put in a higher traffic area of your home. Putting it someplace out of sight will lead to it being out of mind, which won’t help you get into the shape you want.

If you take some natural supplements and use your pull-up bar every day, you’ll build up strength in no time.

4. Rings

Rings are an inexpensive and versatile addition to your home gym. They offer you a wide variety of options for exercising.

If you have experience doing gymnastics, you’ll find some familiarity and find comfortable ways to work out with them. You can add a lot of variety in your upper body exercises with some simple, lightweight rings.

Take a break between reps to just hang or hold yourself up. The feeling will leave you strong but relaxed.

5. Jump Rope

If you travel a lot or are short on space, a jump rope is a great addition to your home gym. It’s a great way to get a full body cardio workout in just 15 minutes.

If you’ve got experience, you might like to get a lightweight speed rope to work on timing. Or if you want a full-body workout, a weighted rope will help you work on your strength.

Whatever your skill level, a jump rope is an easy way to get into working out. If you’re a dancer or a runner, this will get your whole body in shape for that. Jumping rope is easy to fit into a day and has a higher yield of results than most workouts that are as simple.

Build Your Home Gym Today

Even if you’re on a budget, it’s easy to start building your home gym up. Don’t forget to pick up a comfortable pair of running shoes for working out in. They should offer heel and toe support and be good for making a light jog in, even if you won’t be running.

Pair this all with a good set of workout clothes that you feel comfortable in and you’ll be able to start working out every day of the week.

If you’re looking for more fitness tips, check out our list of fitness books.