Anyone ever bought a refurb?

I was just curious if anyone has had any experience with refurbished comps?
There is a company that has a few computers up for auction that they say they used as demo models.
Keep in mind these are AMD 64-FX based computers, with all the trimmings.
I personally can't afford one at this time, but if anyone is looking for an insanely fast computer system, this outfit has a few. I don't know them from Adam, so keep that in mind as well.
I was just wondering for future knowledge, when I do have some $$ if anyone has ever bought a high-end refurb.

Here is a link, in case anyone has interest.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...4142 188&rd=1

There are a couple more listed as well.

Thanks in advance,
Mind

I've bought refurb and have had pleasant surprises, and horrible nightmare. It's a mixed bag... so I will NEVER buy a refurb anything unless it comes with a warranty. If it's technology a 1 year would do (30 days might also if its comparatively cheap). The warranty also needs to come FROM the manufacturer. Companies are sleazy. Hope this helps... basically, be wary of buying refurb anything. They can be a great deal, if you know what to look for.

Lansing Kai Don

I appreciate the input Lansing.

Mind

The thing about Refurbs you have to understand is that they were referbished for a reason. Sometimes they tell you they were "floor models", but that is probably not the case since every time I go to CompUSA there is an Ex-Floor model sitting on a cart marked Clearance. Chances are that they Used to have a warrenty... that was used because it broke.

*edit- The specs on that box look good... Even though the 5950 still gets beat by the 9800Pro on some benchmarks. Good brand names in the parts though.

Refurbs mean too that usually they can't get it to meet the asthetic or mechanical specs to call it "new" at the factory--thus be able to give full factory warranty. An open computer box means that computer can't be sold new (obviously depending on the integrity of the outfit you are dealing with). Usually they will send it back for a credit, but if the manufacturer can't make it like new they adjust the credit and sell it as a refurb (at least that is what I remember about it).

It has been my experience floor demos NEVER go back to the factory for refurb. They are "AS-IS" machines that I will not pay more than 20 cents on the dollar for and usually buy for 10 cents on the dollar or less. If they don't work at least I can cannibalize them and do well for myself in what I build from it. If they have more than 1 i'll buy 2 as incentive to sell to me cheap and so I have spare parts right away!

I'd never buy a refurbished or demo machine over the internet though. Only in person at a local store so if nothing works I can make my voice heard personally and get some sort of adjustment 90% of the time.