When it comes to buying computers I've always found an incredible bargain! Usually out of necessity, I've trawled second hand computer shops to find a suitable low budget laptop and searched the Internet for obscure freeware software (like paint.net , a free photoshop-ish program I use to do my gig posters - see example left). After my last laptop was stolen in 2009, I bought a second hand Mac from a friend for $50. It was so cheap because it was almost ancient (2005) in computer standards. However in the interim between then and now, when it was still compatible with standard programs, it was a good sturdy machine. I would have kept going with it had I been able to download programs like the latest version of Itunes for my Iphone or use USB Internet at high speed. There came a time where I had to say goodbye to the old Mac and buy something new.It was a tricky time to buy a new computer I didn't really have a budget for it. How do you get a computer without any money I asked myself? I looked into leasing a new Mac but I didn't have the salary to get the finance approved. Second hand computers were still $600 (which I didn't have) and with the pace of technological change I wondered how quickly the second hand machine would become obsolete too. Then a friend told me about Green PC. A not for profit organisation that recycles and refurbishes computers for low income earners. They're part of a mother organisation called InfoXchange whose purpose is to improve access to new information technologies among low-income and disadvantaged groups.
I purchased a premium refurbished PC for $175!!! AMAZING! I had my doubts to begin with as it seemed too good to be true. The computer package boasted the latest version of Microsoft Office, virus protection and a 1 year warranty all included in the price, no hidden costs! I asked suspiciously if it would be very fast and the customer service person assured me that it would be fast enough for my requirements. When I set up my PC I was pleasantly surprised that it worked really well!!!What I love most about this computer is that it's built by a workshop of technicians who are based in Melbourne, earning proper wages, unlike the factory workers overseas where new computers are built. The team of trained technicians at Green PC completely rebuild and test each computer system. It's a guilt free eco machine!
Coincidentally, around the time I bought this computer I came across this article "Apple's Chinese workers treated inhumanely, like machines" about the atrocious working conditions at Apple Mac factories. I also saw this article "Workers in Chinese Apple factories forced to sign pledges not to commit suicide" about the absurd measures these factories are going to in order to prevent and respond to a suicide epidemic. (Could they possibly just improve the working conditions rather than hangs nets up!!) After reading these shocking stories I was even happier with my Green PC choice. I'm sure the parts that made up my computer were originally built in similarly oppressive environments, however at least Green PC allows the materials to be reused, increasing the life span of components that would otherwise end up as landfill.
All in all I'm delighted with my Green PC and you can find out more about the organisation here
0 comments:
Post a Comment