Pittsburgh's Dems, here's my tip to get a GREAT recycled Macintosh

[MrMickeysMom]

I have the good fortune enjoy my Mac computer. I have learned how people in Pittsburgh are making Mac ready for the internet for incredibly low prices. BTW, you don't necessarily need to be a Mac addict obtain computers through this resource.

We have some very forward thinking people from our user groups who are very, very resourceful at refurbishing computers while maintaining green methods of recycling every component (metal, toxic monitors, you name it) while building old into newer more usable Macs. They operate in a local warehouse in Lawrenceville by volunteering their time with Goodwill Industries. I've been listening to them talk at our local user group meetings, and I've even helped by volunteering my time with them in this warehouse. This is a community based "re-cycle" center. Basically, they replace worn or missing parts on Macs (let's say that a a spiffy iMac, G-3 tower, or some previous notebook had a missing component, and is donated through Goodwill, They completely turn around these to a working computer, load software ready for pre-schoolers, or higher models for the internet, and place them back on the Goodwill shelves for pennies on the dollar. So, you could walk into any Goodwill Store and get an iMac with running system 10.4 for $150.00, or a refurbished G-3 tower made compatible with a monitor for $99.00. Lots of schools, or preschools have purchased from them with the early childhood software in a smaller computer for 5 bucks a computer! I really can't say enough for what has been going on with this computer recycling program, so I wanted to at least mention it here. I hope I'm being appropriate by putting it in the PA discussion thread.

Tonight, our monthly group decided to visit the CRC (Computer Recycling Center) in Lawrenceville located at 55 55th St. to see first hand how it happens. Pretty hot warehouse... But it was worthwhile because they put a great deal of volunteering into this work, depending on geeky volunteers or it wouldn't work for Goodwill Industries and help the community. Result = community wins and Goodwill will eventually make some profit from this within a year.

Why am I mentioning it here? Well, surely someone out there in DU land knows someone who can be involved in the Democratic community and would love to join the internet community, all but for affording a computer. Believe me, you can find what you're looking for at Goodwill, and if you are interested, each month the CRC has a warehouse sale. If you're interested, check out the links from our local user group's page.
http://web.mac.com/cowmug/iWeb/COWMUG/Welcome%20to%20COWMUG.html

Help a smart Dem to the internet with a great Macintosh, certifiably refurbished and recycled. :-)