JACKSON, Mich. — Does your child need a computer? Perhaps it is a Blackberry that you would like to have – or, a fax machine is one of your desires. If one of the above is something on your wish list, have you considered attending an auction to acquire one at a reasonable price?

When Consumers Energy in Jackson decided it needed to replace equipment, the firm held an auction to dispose of the older items. To accomplish this, they have entered into a contract with the Brodie Corporation from Farmington Hills, Mich., for the next two years to hold quarterly auctions to dispose of the items they will no longer be using. In addition to the electronic items offered in these auctions there will also be office equipment, industrial equipment items and even fleet cars.

At the Sept. 15 auction there were 54 Panasonic Toughbook computers that crossed the auction block. The first dozen or so were sold individually, after which they were offered in multiples of 10. These computers saw a selling range of $120 to $150 each.

Following the Panasonic computers several Dell tower system computers, complete with flat screen monitors crossed the block. The Dell GX620 tower system computers sold for $120 to $150 each. These were followed by Dell GX280 tower system computers that sold for $85 and $90 each.

The Dell Latitude notebooks also proved to be popular, many of which were complete with docking stations and all with carrying cases. The Dell Latitude D600 notebook systems sold for $140 to $160 each. These were followed on the block by the Dell Latitude D610 notebook systems which earned $160 to $170 each. All programs had been cleared from the computers but Consumers Energy made available contacts who, for a nominal fee, would restore programs.

While there was a lot of individual interest in the computers and laptops, buyers who owned their own computer service or repair businesses were also good buyers. The auction contained groupings of about 18 towers each. All were sorted as to what types of features the computers offered. These sold for $110 for the towers with very few features to $500 for the more desirable ones.

A Snap-on SYA-5550 Model 118-014-901 portable plasma cutter sold for $225, followed by a Miller 330 A/BP AC/DC tungsten arc welder power source that earned $225.

There were three Hobart PC 300 welders, each of which saw $150 and a Lincoln RS3-250 mig welder that crossed the block for $175.

Winter weather in Michigan can be challenging and heavy snow and/or ice storms can take out the electricity so it is sometimes handy to have a generator. This auction provided an opportunity to do just that. DeVilbiss 4000W gasoline-powered generators sold for $115 and $125 and five Honda EB-2500, 2500-watts, gasoline-powered portable generators earned $115 each.

An A M-B-W GP 3000-15 gasoline-powered ground pounder leveler sold for $200.

A Lincoln 300psi Model 325 air compressor, a Western Model 240 200psi air compressor and an Ingersoll-Rand Model 242-T305TM, 5hp, 300psi air compressor each crossed the block for $225. A Metrotech 990SFL line locater with a case saw $550.

There were two cars from the fleet of Consumers Energy cars. One was a 1998 Chevrolet Lumina four-door sedan and the other a 2000 Chevrolet Malibu four-door sedan. Both had just over 120,000 miles but both had been maintained through the fleet maintenance program. They earned $2,100 and $1,000 respectively.

So, if you need a computer, a laptop, a compressor, or perhaps a line finder or any other item that might be found in a commercial setting, consider attending one of these auctions. The next auction is scheduled for Dec. 3.

Prices quoted do not include the 10 percent buyer’s premium.

Contact: (249) 473-4010,

www.brodieauctions.com