MANY Hampshire families buying a computer or laptop this Christmas will no doubt be put off by the prices in high street stores.

But one Southampton-based organisation is helping city residents beat the credit crunch by offering refurbished computers at a fraction of the price.

Not only does Jamie’s Computers reuse computers donated by businesses and households but it also hands over its profits to the homeless and vulnerable in Southampton.

Buyers can save hundreds of pounds as refurbished laptops and computers start at £99 for a basic package and £249 for a made-to-measure computer.

Amanda Golding, pictured, refurbishment co-ordinator at Jamie’s Computers, said: “Our busiest time of year is normally the Christmas period and we are expecting to get an increase in orders as we approach December.

“If people buy a computer from us they will get a high-quality machine with a year’s warranty. They are a bargain.

“It also helps homeless people in the city so there’s a feel-good factor all around really.”

As well as saving money those buying from the organisation will also be helping the environment as last year the group collected and refurbished 110 tonnes of computers that would otherwise have been dumped in Hampshire’s landfill sites.

Since its beginning four years ago Jamie’s Computers has helped 468 homeless or vulnerable people and given 15 people work placements with two eventually becoming full time members of staff.

So far more than 2,600 households have donated their old computers as well as 350 from businesses and local schools.

After clearing the hard drive in their data handling area to a level designated safe by the Ministry of Defence, the computers are cleaned up and electronically tested to make sure they are safe.

For more information on how to purchase a cheap laptop or computer contact Jamie’s Computers on 023 8063 2198 or visit www.jamiescomputerclub.org.uk