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Buying a computer online? (lemmy.dbzer0.com)
submitted 9 months ago* (last edited 9 months ago) by HoracyDarcy@lemmy.dbzer0.com to c/privacy@lemmy.dbzer0.com
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Hi there! If I buy a computer on Amazon from a trusted brand like Apple or Lenovo, will they keep my name and address and connect that information to the serial numbers of the computer's parts? I'm especially worried about this when I visit various websites that track serial numbers from my PC while browsing or when using gaming platforms like Steam. Would it be wiser to purchase it from a physical store using cash, or a second-hand computer from ebay instead?

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[-] adarza@lemmy.ca 5 points 9 months ago

on amazon, you aren't buying "from" lenovo or apple. i don't recall ever seeing a major pc builder/oem with their own marketplace account; and rarely even from amazon itself. most of the computers up for sale on amazon are offered and sold by third-party marketplace sellers.

if you're 'concerned' to the point of raising the question to begin with--yes, buy locally with cash.

this post was submitted on 19 Mar 2025
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