Question about PDA's and Ebay

Nursing Students General Students

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Hi, this is the first time I posted here and I've read a few posts from people saying that they bought their PDA's on Ebay. How do you know if the items sold there are what is on the picture; and how do you know if it's for real? I'm curious because I want to get a good one for school, but I don't want to spend a small fortune for it.

Thank you,

Tina.

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A good indicator of the reliability of sellers on ebay is their feedback score. If you click on the number in ( ) next to their name, you can read all the comments other people have left for them. If they dont have any, you should probably be wary of them. They are probably for real and trustworthy, but they haven't done a sale or bought anything on ebay before. Usually you'll have better luck with the experienced sellers.

Also, you can often spot a stock photo because it looks perfect and like it belongs in a magazine. Theres usually lots of these. If an item is stated "NEW", then a stock photo is usually what they use because they dont open the box to photograph it.

Just make sure you read through the auction throughouly to see whether it comes with the box, manuals, cords, etc and whether it is NEW or used or what condition it is in. Reading the auction is probably the most important advice I can offer. If you use paypal, you are usually protected if something goes wrong in shipping or if it isn't what you expected or what was described.

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I've read a few posts from people saying that they bought their PDA's on Ebay. How do you know if the items sold there are what is on the picture; and how do you know if it's for real?

Mostly it's a matter of general faith in mankind.

You can check the seller's ratings to see if previous buyers were satisified that the item was portrayed truthfully. Check the listing carefully to make sure it says item is as pictured. Generally they will clearly state if the picture does not depict the item but is some sort of substitute instead. Most buyers will have some sort of return policy if the item is not as depicted. And you have some recourse if you use PayPal.

Other than that, it's just like buying at any auction...do your homework, inspect the goods carefully on arrival.

If you are too uncomfortable with it, you might consider keeping your business at a retail store like Office Max and using their discount coupons instead.

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Thank you so much for the advice Amyk and JOV. That is great advice. I never bought anything from an auction before and I always think everything is a scam. So thanks again.

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Specializes in none.

I got a really good deal on an IPAQ on ebay. the seller was great and shipped it promotly. I got the pocket pc, cradle, usb cord, and power cord. I found the manual online and a free drug software for it.

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I got a really good deal on an IPAQ on ebay. the seller was great and shipped it promotly. I got the pocket pc, cradle, usb cord, and power cord. I found the manual online and a free drug software for it.

I just bought one on ebay too (the OP can message me if they want a link to the same product/seller). What free software did you use? Was it epocrates? I tried to load that onto my Dell Aximx50 and it isn't functioning properly :(. I have the file on the PDA but when I click on it nothing happens. Now I can't even uninstall it! Ughh. I am pretty sure my new/used PDA works fine, I just don't know how to use it yet :imbar!

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just to say that I've had very good experiences purchasing items on eBay; just keep communicating with the sellers; ask as many questions as you need; read the entire description about what they are selling; check their reputation by reading what others have had to say; read any negative feedback too; and consider purchasing insurance for the shipping (because once the item leaves the seller - they are not going to be responsible for what happens to the package).

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One thing to remember when purchasing on eBay, especially electronics: ALWAYS pay with a credit card. That way, even if PayPal doesn't stand behind you, you can use the threat of a chargeback to get satisfaction. Obviously, you don't want to run around threatening chargebacks all the time, but in the (unusual) event that your PDA is defective and the seller won't replace it, eBay, the seller and PayPal are well aware that you are within your consumer rights to do a chargeback. In my experience, that helps get better attention when there is a problem. If you do a bank transfer or a money order or an echeck, it's tougher to get satisfaction in the event of a problem.

I started selling (and buying of course) on eBay in 1998, so I know a lot about how eBay works. :)

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consider purchasing insurance for the shipping (because once the item leaves the seller - they are not going to be responsible for what happens to the package).

Sellers want you to believe that. :) But if an item is damaged in transit and you paid for it with a credit card, you have certain consumer rights that a seller can't get rid of by saying "I'm not responsible". Insurance is a good idea on high-dollar items because it makes the process smoother in the event of damage in transit, but when you pay by credit card, you really do hold all the cards. Believe me, most sellers on eBay would love everyone to believe that you are out of luck if you didn't purchase insurance and the item is damaged in transit. When I used to sell lots of stuff on eBay, I would insure more expensive items myself if the buyer didn't, because I knew I could end up with no item and no $$$ if it were damaged in transit and the buyer did a chargeback.

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I just had a similar situation as yours. Our program started sending us letters a few weeks ago, you need this, then buy this for classes, $ everywhere. They told us we needed pda's with several programs on it in addition to 8 textbooks and on the site this was about $430. I can't afford this so turned to ebay (I have bought many things and they have been mostly good experiences). I bought a used Palm TX for about 1/2 of what they are listed new and then had to buy the software...so I saved about 1/2. If you buy used from ebay, it is good to have someone to troubleshoot for you if you are not tech savvy because occasionally there are some software issues or things that might be easier with new purchases. Hope the best for you!!!

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I bought a Zire 31 PDA pre-loaded w/software from ebay. Some of the programs are Taber's, Mosby's, etc. The seller was great, I accidently messed it up badly & contacted him about it, I sent it back to him & he reloaded it for me & sent it right back out & only charged me for shipping.

It also came w/usb cord, indoor charger, set up/install disc, original box & manual.

ETA: Skyscape is what came loaded on it. I paid $119.00 for the PDA, memory card that's loaded, everything else listed above & S&H. Not a bad deal IMO.

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Specializes in none.

I paid $90 (auction, insurance and s/h) for a 2100 IPAQ Pocket PC.

Epocrates: yes that is what I have and having trouble with it as well. I can open all programs except that one. I am going to contact them to see what is up. I redownloaded it last night with same problem.

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