How to Apply for Computers

All our computers are donated in the UK from many sources and so we cannot guarantee any brand or particular type of computer. Wherever possible we keep machines of a particular brand and model together and ship them together but we can never tell you what specific makes, models or brands will be in a particular consignment. To ensure fairness of distribution no one is allowed to reserve “only Dell” or “only major global brands” etc. We do not provide unbranded clones. You will receive a mixture of the most popular brands used by UK companies.

We datawipe, test and clean each machine and label it with its technical specifications on the base unit and on a label on the outside of each box for your convenience.

Once the container has been loaded we will have the information necessary to make up the Bill of Lading, Shipping Invoice and Gift Certificate. The shipping line provides us with the Bill of Lading only once your consignment is at sea. Once we receive these documents we will send them to you, via DHL, at the earliest opportunity in order to assist you in negotiating the smooth passage of your equipment through customs.

Prior to shipment we can also provide some example shipping documents and sample details of equipment to illustrate your discussions with customs officials. Please ask for these if they would be helpful.

We have a lot of experience of dealing with pre-shipment inspections if this is necessary in your country.

You will need to be proactive in liaison with customs at your end to effect clearance efficiently and to avoid unnecessary charges. It is your responsibility to make sure that you provide customs and (where necessary) the pre-shipment inspection agency with all relevant documentation in good time.

We can also buy and install the following new components for you:

• Internal Wireless cards    + £ 20 per PC
• Laptop Wireless PCMCIA cards    + £ 15 each
• CD / DVD writer    + £ 25 per PC
• Soundcard and speakers    + £ 15 per PC
• Internal 56k modem    + £ 15 per PC
• Upgrade to 512mb RAM    + £ 15 per PC
• Upgrade to 1Gb RAM    + £ 45 per PC
• New Equipment: We can buy this equipment to include in your shipment:
• Inkjet Printer (HP)    + £ 30 per printer
• Laserjet Printer (HP)    + £ 70 per printer
• 2Gb USB flash memory stick    + £ 10 each
• Webcam    + £ 10 each
• Digital Camera    + £ 50 each
• Surge Protector 4 UK plug sockets (230V)    + £ 10 each
• Uninterruptible Power Supply (230V):    + £ 45 each (can support two computers)

Please note when ordering UPSs that the weight and therefore shipping cost of your order will increase. This does not apply to container orders. The above costs include installation by Computer Aid technicians in London . In many cases you may be able to buy these new items and install them more cheaply in your country so please check whether this is the case before ordering from

Please note that battery life on refurbished laptops is often very poor. The laptops have been professionally refurbished and fully tested using mains electrical supply. We do not guarantee the functionality of the batteries on laptop PCs.

We do not currently have laptops available from our own stock.

We can buy a refurbished Pentium 4 laptop for you for £199.