New business recycling old computers

Thursday, April 7, 2005 8:27 AM MDT

Wyoma Groenenberg

Wanted: old computers and parts that are just sitting unused and "collecting dust" to sell to low-income families. David Naber and Rick Riddle are just starting up their business -- likely to be named Naber's Custom Computers -- to rebuild old computers to give to people who can't afford one. "The idea came to me," Naber said, "because it seems to me there's a lot of people out there with computers laying in their closets. It was a good idea to see if we can collect them and some we can rebuild and get running again." He said donations don't have to be "anything fancy at all." After they rebuild them, he and Riddle plan to sell them at low cost -- from $100-$200 and not over $250 -- all depending on what is needed. They also will offer a layaway plan for those wanting to buy a computer. Riddle said when someone calls them with a donation, he will pick up the computer or parts, which can include the monitor, tower, keyboard and mouse. Naber, who attended computer classes for two years in Washington, will put the equipment through several days of testing to make sure it won't crash. If the machine doesn't work, they will save the working parts to fix other computers. Both men stressed that if donors still have things on the hard drive of the computers that they're donating, they can get the items off and put them on a disk and return them to the donor. If the hard drive can't be brought up, then Naber has a friend who recovers data, but there will be a fee. The right stuff If a computer comes in with an operating program on it, they can leave it on the computer, but the person who buys that computer wouldn't own the program rights. "In the long run, it would probably be best to start over with a fresh drive, a fresh install, that way they have their name on it and they have the disk and the rights," Naber said. He explained that older programs are for sale on the Internet and he would buy any that a customer would request. And as for the Internet, Naber said, "You don't need fancy computers to go on the Internet. The biggest thing is your connection. If you have DSL or cable modem, you'll do just fine with a basic computer." Riddle explained that standard, dial-up monthly fees run from $15-$22 for unlimited time, depending on what plan is used. They will guarantee the computers are working when they sell them, but in the case of an "operator error," Naber said he will fix the problems for a fee. He also will work on people's computers, saying he charges $15 an hour to repair them at his home shop, or $25 per hour for house calls. "I'm perfectly willing to teach people who want to learn too," Naber pointed out. And after more training, Riddle also could work on the computers in their business. Both men have other jobs, but they hope the business will take off. They have plans to make this a statewide endeavor, as well as putting out a $5 or $10 bounty for monitors and machines. They presently are working out of Naber's home, but if the business takes off like they hope it will, they would move into a larger location. For more information or to donate a computer, call David Naber at 265-3972, or Rick Riddle at 377-8253.

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