A weird thing has been taking place over the last few weeks.  After having my netbook for almost a year my friends and family are starting to ask me more questions because they’re considering buying them for themselves and their children.  I don’t mind doing the research and answering the questions but while looking around online I notice something which made me laugh.

Online retailers are charging more for refurbished eMachines netbooks than they would cost if you were to buy them brand new.  For example, you can buy the EM250-1162 from Walmart for $228 but that doesn’t stop online stores from charging as much as $269 for the same computer.

There is obviously a cost of doing business but I wonder how many people would pay $40 extra for a computer someone has already put through the paces and decided to turn back over to Walmart.  The craziest conclusion I can imagine would be that Walmart is charging a premium for these netbooks to liquidators who add to the price so when it ends up as a refurb at some online store the price has increased dramatically.

It should be said that this isn’t something new.  The same happens with older netbooks and HDTVs.  Retailers almost prevent them from being sold to any customers because they are priced higher than a newer model.  I’ve heard of sentimental feels for pictures, but never for electronics.  Just consider this post as a reminder that comparing prices is a great way to make sure you get the best value from your netbook purchases.

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2. Why Black Friday Forgot About Netbooks

3. Walmart Proves Netbook Ignorance

4. Asus 1201N: Discountinued Or Out Of Stock??

5. 3 Reasons Acer Will Stay Netbook Sales Leader In 2010