Second Thoughts - The Scientist - Magazine of the Life Sciences
Abstract
Selected Companies Providing Used or Refurbished Lab Equipment Selected Companies Providing Used or Refurbished Lab Equipment (Continued) For scientists who are unfamiliar with the secondary market for lab equipment, the prospect of buying a used centrifuge or thermal cycler conjures up images of fast-talking salesmen and broken-down instrumentation strung together with duct tape and paper clips. Fearful of high-pressure tactics disguised in polyester and snake skin boots, many scientists instead rely on brand new products from brand name companies. The sense of security people get from Styrofoam popcorn and plastic bubbles is a phenomenon that is particularly widespread in the United States, where the disposable culture has forged mountains of refuse and valleys of garbage. Many Americans feel it their patriotic duty to impale themselves on the sword of "new and improved." Indeed, the thrill of breaking-in virgin equipment, however, can quickly turn to disappointment. Frequently, new products that are fresh out of the box haven't been calibrated properly or require extensive programming or assembly. Used lab equipment, on the other hand, has been tested and proven in the field. The glitches have been worked out and sometimes performance-enhancing modifications have been made. More importantly, the price has