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landon5123

Aug 15, 2011, 10:04 AM

Post #1 of 6 (1971 views)

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Bringing in Used Desktops

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I have searched in vain for info regarding bringing in used desktop computers. Our local group, Amigos de La Cruz here in La Cruz de Huanacaxtle, Nayarit is trying to assist the local schools and library in supplying much needed computers (story HERE). We are asking incoming visitors and residents to bring old units down, and there have been several inquiries about what to expect at customs. Some will be driving down, others coming by air.

We'd like to be able to provide a well-informed explanation of what duties and paperwork will be involved. Can anyone help with this info?

Thanks,
Landon

sparks

Aug 15, 2011, 2:32 PM

Post #2 of 6 (1929 views)

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Re: [landon5123] Bringing in Used Desktops

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First I'd try to make sure nothing is over 4-5 years old. Our Seattle campus tried asking for donations and you wouldn't believe the antiques people tried to pawn off on us (and wanted a tax write-off). Insist it is good stuff.

Driving should be easy as visitors are allowed to bring in what they will use on a visit. I'd not try bringing n 3-4 at a time. Flying in sounds like a lot of extra baggage even with a flat screen. Supposedly at the airport it's a Red/Green light situation .... but with two boxes marked "computer" who knows

Sparks Mexico - Sparks Costalegre

(This post was edited by sparks on Aug 15, 2011, 2:33 PM)

salto_jorge

Aug 15, 2011, 10:12 PM

Post #3 of 6 (1860 views)

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Re: [landon5123] Bringing in Used Desktops

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If possible have the organization in Mexico print up the fact that the computers are for them on their letter head.
( I had a church do this for me when I was bringing computer down for them)
The more modern the computer the better, you have to consider memory, the operating system and software that they can use.
Cheap 15-17 inch LCD monitors cost between 25-50 dollars in many areas and easier to transport then crt monitors.
Look for computers that use a minimum of ddr or ddr2 memory, pc133 are very old these days and it is hard to find ones with 2 gigs or more of memory.
DVD's are better then old CD's and can still burn cd's (music)
When it comes to storage look for computers with 40-80 Gigs as a starting point, sata drives in are most of the computers that are newer than 4 years old.
You want to make sure that all of the punch-outs are covered so roaches, large spiders and mice cannot get into the computer (Problem in Chih and Sonora).
The computer should be able to use USB keyboards available in spanish v.s. the ones that we use in the states.

I never declare anything since nothing is for sale that I have, plus I have one computer that I am willing to give up to the folks at the border inspection area if needed.

People often over-value their old and out of date computers, when they cannot sell them for inflated prices they want to donate them and write them off for what their new machines cost.

(This post was edited by salto_jorge on Aug 15, 2011, 10:25 PM)

Sculptari

Aug 17, 2011, 4:59 PM

Post #4 of 6 (1740 views)

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LINUX

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You have to get aboard the the Linux train. This emphasizes the software, not the hardware. It has pretty well taken over campuses all over the world, which cannot afford licensed versions of software the giants wish to sell. Just about every small memory app you can think of is running linux. A 64k flash drive, if you could possibly find one this small, is capable of running internet, word processing, graphics, word processing, etc. Here's a jump off the deep end, did I mention this all free and tremendous fun (and enthusiasm too!). http://distrowatch.com A great recycler of old computers, performance, without the viruses and headaches.

(This post was edited by Rolly on Aug 17, 2011, 6:14 PM)

salto_jorge

Aug 17, 2011, 9:01 PM

Post #5 of 6 (1712 views)

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Re: [Sculptari] LINUX

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As a RedHat user I must agree.
LINUX typically does not require large amount of memory like windows does.
The only problems I have experienced is finding alternate applications for folks that have their mind set on something.
When it comes to surfing the internet the users will not have any issues.

(This post was edited by salto_jorge on Aug 17, 2011, 9:02 PM)

sparks

Aug 17, 2011, 9:13 PM

Post #6 of 6 (1708 views)

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Re: [Sculptari] LINUX

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As a distributor of the early Linux in the early '90's via Fido Net (telephone speed connections 28,8+) ... it was a 10+/- disk installation with minimal graphics. I saw it improve a lot over the years with easy CD installs and AUTO updates via the Internet.

In the late '90's I was dating a woman who worked for the DF government and they were using a pirated version of Novell Netware along with a pirated version of Windows '95/'98.

Who knows what people or intuitions can afford but the idea is to be educated in the current media. Having access to everything however you come by it is real education.

Sparks Mexico - Sparks Costalegre