You can save a good amount of money when buying a used laptop in comparison to buying a new laptop. You can use the extra savings on anything that you would like. However, if you area considering such purchase, there are a few points that you definitely should consider. They will make your choice and purchase a lot more pleasing.
First, you should check the condition of the battery. Over time, batteries become weak through use and adverse conditions. You should ask the buyer if the battery has any 'memory effect'. If possible, you should check it out yourself. Memory effect is when a buyer uses the laptop for a short duration of time and then recharges it. If this cycle is done repeatedly, then the battery learns such cycle and will only stay charged for this cycling amount of time. If the battery is in poor condition, then you should use such fact to bargain a better price as you will need to purchase a new battery.
Also, you should discover the actual type of battery. Is it a Lithium battery or a Nickel Cadmium, (Ni-Cad), battery? Lithium batteries have a longer life span than Ni-Cad batteries.
Second, you should learn what operating system that the laptop can accommodate. Is it a Mac or Windows based system? You should use the type of operating system that you currently use unless this is your first laptop purchase. In that case, please know that Mac systems are easier to use once you get used to them and Windows systems are a bit harder to use but easier to get used to.
At times, used laptops cannot handle newer operating systems because of old hardware. This is something to be cognizant of because the newer operating systems such as the Mac OS X 10. 6. 2 or Windows 7 systems may be the only systems that work the new, popular devices and software. Review your needs first to see if you need a new operating system.
Third, discover the RAM, ROM, hard drive and processor speed of the laptop. You will need to review your computing needs first and then compare them to what the used laptop has. If you are simply word processing, then you do not need a huge upgraded system. However, if you are running spreadsheets or programming languages then, you will need high end components. This all depends on your needs.
Even if your potential laptop is not in newest shape, you may be able to upgrade some components. You should seek help in discovering if these upgrades can be made, and if so, at what cost. These upgrades may also be a bargaining chip for you in the purchase. Things like memory are usually easily upgraded inexpensively. The same is not true with processors. In fact, some laptops cannot be upgraded. Again, you should seek help.
Fourth, check to see what expansion and USB ports are available. Even if you cannot upgrade a laptop internally, some components such as external hard drives can be used by these ports to upgrade a laptop. Additionally, compare the number of ports to your needs. Will you need ports for a scanner, printer, camera, external hard drive? These are points to consider as well as your future needs.
Fifth, check to make sure that all ports and buttons are properly working. Check out all keyboard keys, mouse and screen. Check for dents, discolorations and other signs of potential damage. These all may point to a defective condition.
Sixth, plain and simple, what warranty, if any will you receive? On some sites, such as Ebay, you can purchase a used laptop with a warranty. However, at other times you may be able to purchase a warranty by a third party. But, I have found that it is not easy to procure a warranty for used laptops. At times, you are simply assuming all the risk. If this is the case, make sure you bargain with that point in mind.
Jack Bennington is a computer engineer who specializes in bi-ped locomotion mathematical analysis. He also enjoys reviewing new and used laptops. used laptops.
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