7 Step Guide to Buying a Used Laptop

Hi guys

I have a little set of tips here for buying a used laptop. Please review it and if it is appropriate for this forum, I thought we can post it up in the Notebook Dummy guide section.


7 Step Guide to Buying a Used Laptop

Should you buy a second-hand laptop? Well, I'd say that buying a used laptop will save you a lot of money - if you know how to choose a correct deal. I know many folks would shun second-hand laptops, but the truth is, you can really find some good gems out there.

Read on and find out how to buy a good second-hand laptop.

Step 1: The Decision
The first step is to decide what laptop computer you want. Remember you are looking for a used laptop, so forget about the latest sexy Apple Macbook Air. Go for last year's model instead. These should function perfectly well and to be honest, I think they will be able to handle any computing task equally well.

Step 2: Where to Buy
The next thing to do is to hunt for a place to buy the used laptop. Some suggestions: eBay, Craigslist, local dealers, or even straight from the manufacturer. Now, if you buy refurbished models from the manufacturer or a local dealer, expect to pay a bit more. However, these usually have warranties which make them a bit safer. If you want to use Craigslist or eBay, be sure to find a good seller (on eBay that means no less than 100% feedback rating).

Step 3: Check For Damage
Once you've got a seller, check the laptop to make sure that there is no damage. Cosmetic issues may not be an issue, but usually what is more serious are faulty components. So make sure you switch on the laptop and run some standard application like Microsoft Office to make sure they work.

Step 4: No Defective Display
Check the display extremely carefully. The display screen is easily one of the most expensive things to replace on a laptop. Check for defective pixels, dead pixels and discoloration over every inch of the screen.

Step 5: Test the Ports and Connections
You will also need to plug in and check all the plugs, sockets, USB ports, audio jacks and wireless connections. That includes Bluetooth and Wi-Fi. Many folks don't bother to check these and in the end go home and find they cannot connect to the Internet.

Step 6: Check for a Faulty Hard Drive
Check for funny noises coming from the hard drive. If you hear regular whirring noises, it is an indication of a problem. Hard drive errors are very dangerous and difficult to solve, so check carefully before you buy.

Step 7: Test the Battery Life
Another check I propose you do is to check the battery life. One of the most common problems is a battery that doesn't last beyond say 5 to 10 minutes. Many, many used laptops have faulty batteries so make sure you get the unit at a cheaper price or avoid the purchase altogether if you find a defective, short-life battery.

I hope the above tips have shown you a thing or two about buying a used laptop. A used laptop does not need to be perfect, but it should function properly and not crash. If there are some defective parts that are not show-stopping, then ask the seller for a discount.

 

Seems like you missed the software side completely. I think it's very important that you know if you are getting the OS and driver discs with the machine. Also, you need to know if you are getting the licenses for any additional software that might come with the machine. Finally, does it come with a restore CD and has the machine already been restored or will it need to be restored.

You also forgot about the power supply. Important to know if it comes with a working, functional power supply.

 

I think it can be a good start your guide.

By the way, I already bought a second hand Air

 

I would highly recommend checking out the screen before you buy it and if purchasing online, ask to see many pictures of the screen. I had bought a used laptop back in 2004 from Ebay. The seller took pictures and I saw some cosmetic damage, some scuffs, no big deal. He also had one picture of the screen, but a small one, didn't see any bands or cracks, so it looked fine.

But when I got it, to my shock, there were many stuck pixels on the screen, at least 20 scattered all around the screen.

So next time if I buy a used system and I cannot see it in person (which I probably wouldn't anyways, too risky), I will demand to see large pictures of the screen, wanting to see if there are any imperfections in the screen.

 

very nice, good helpfull tips.

 

Hi cjcerny and Rahul

Thanks - those are great points about the software, power supply and inspecting the screen.

Typically, if you're buying a brand new laptop you have nothing much to worry about coz it'd be under warranty. It's when you purchase second-hand from say eBay or other places that you need to really inspect that laptop.

By the way Rahul, defective screens did happen to me before - luckily in my case I managed to return it for a refund.

 

This may be worth a look as well.

Link

 

very nice guide

 

Very nice guide, I'm gonna recommend it to users who really don't know where to begin THX

 

nice guide I'll use it and tell others about it

Lynn

 

Nice guide, those tips will surely be helpful for those who don't know much about buying second hand. Though personally, I would never buy an used laptop online...your best choice in this case is always to inspect it yourself.