Modern day fax machines are known to use a phone line or email server to transmit messages from one machine to the other.  Would you believe that the first fax machine was invented in 1843--- 33 years before the telephone was even patented and over a century before the personal computer?

Alexander Bain, a Scottish inventor, patented the first fax machine, known then as a facsimile machine, in 1843.  The first machines used electric wires, similar to those used to send telegraphs, and clock mechanisms to transmit data from the sender to the receiver. Although revolutionary at the time, the first fax machines were bulky, inefficient, and not user friendly. They also produced poor quality images. After Bain’s initial model, several other inventors are credited for improving the fax machine and making it as innovative as it is today.

It wasn’t until the late 1960s- when faxes were sent over phone lines- that the concept really took off.  By the early 1970s, the number of fax machines in the United States had reached 30,000.  Between 1973 and 1983, that number jumped to 300,000.  By 1989, there were 4,000,000 fax machines being used regularly across the US.

Fax machines are still used in the everyday business environment.  Although they are being replaced by internet-based options, they still hold many advantages.  For example, they are strongly favored for legal documents due to their ability to transmit sensitive material that is not necessarily as secure when using the internet. The modern day fax machine is multi-functional- its capabilities include faxing, scanning, copying, and printing.

So you recently purchased a new computer for your home office. What are you going to do with your old computer? As we all know, computers should not be discarded into the trash. And most people don’t want an old computer sitting around collecting dust. So what are your options?

Sell Old Computer

Right off the bat, it might seem most appealing to sell your old equipment; however this is often more hassle then its worth. Equipment rapidly decreases in value, especially computers, so evaluate whether it will be worth your time to manage a proper sell before you begin. If you do decide to sell, research similar equipment on eBay and Amazon to find fair market value pricing for your used equipment. The longer you wait, the more the price will decrease.

Donate Old Computer

Donating old equipment to charitable organizations and schools can provide tax benefits that may exceed the expected value. Proper appraisal must be performed to meet the needs of IRS documentation and tax authorization.

Computers can be donated to one of the non-profit organizations listed below: 

Computers for Schools

Goodwill Industries

Salvation Army

World Computer Exchange

The following organizations accept various types of office equipment and other technology related items, including but not limited to computers: 

Gifts in Kind America

National Christina Foundation

Recycle Old Computer

Recycling old equipment can be difficult due to several states now requiring documentation from reputable recycling companies showing that the equipment was appropriately recycled. This is especially important when recycling computers because a color monitor contains four to five pounds of lead, which is very hazardous to the environment.

The following are two helpful organizations for recycling old equipment: 

Electronic Industries Alliance lists recycling centers by state so the closest location can be found easily. This organization also provides a list of questions to ask the recycler to be sure a reputable one is being reached.

Earth's 911 includes forums to inquire about your recycling questions and needs. This site provides the locations of both donation and recycling centers. Center searches are based on the type of equipment to be disposed AND the location.

Trade In Old Computer

When planning an upgrade on old equipment take advantage of the trade in programs that most major manufacturers offer. Trading equipment can reduce the combined cost of acquiring new equipment and the responsibly of disposing old equipment.

The Final Goodbye

Have the recipient of your computer sign an agreement accepting responsibility of the equipment. In the case of the computer being retrieved at a later date from improper disposal, you have documentation of the exchange to avoid inaccurate blame.

It is very important that you perform the following steps before you relinquish your computer:

1.) Retrieve your personal data by using a USB key, CD/DVD, or external hard-drive. 

2.) Remove the hard drive or reformat your computer to make sure your private data has been erased. 

3.) Review software license agreements to determine transferability to new equipment.

4.) Remove all company logos.

5.) Record the computer as “expired” on your asset list and cancel any service agreements that you may have on that piece of equipment. If you track information on an equipment disposal list, include the following information: serial number, description, method of disposal, and date of disposal.

Tell us what you’ve done to properly dispose of your computer. Share what has worked for you and what has been difficult.

The dilemma of purchasing refurbished equipment has Shakespearian importance. The initial cost savings is an appropriate reason for considering the purchase of used equipment that has been modernized and updated. The greatest concern in procuring refurbished equipment is rightfully the potential long-term expense of maintaining this piece of equipment as it ages. As technological innovations constantly increase, the need for up-to-date equipment becomes more of a necessity, so where does one find the balance between technological trend and cost?

Has your company had positive results with the purchase of newly refurbished equipment, or has the item become a money pit and exhausted funds?  Share your experiences…