Purchasing a Second-Hand Laptop: What You Need to Know
Second hand laptops are excellent ways to enjoy superior computing power without having to spend a great deal of money on a new unit. These items are often encountered within online auction sites and of course, the prices and types will vary. We should nonetheless remember that there is much more than necessarily meets the eye with these laptops. So, let us take a quick look at some of the main factors that you should take into account and why a closer examination is so very critical.
Potential Problems with a Second Hand Laptop
The main issue with second hand laptops is what may appear wonderful on the outside could be anything but functional on the inside. To put it another way, never judge a book by its cover. Never forget that by its very definition, a second hand laptop has been previously used. How are you to know what is remaining on the hard drive? What programs are still installed and do they take up a large amount of memory? While the seller will normally wipe the entire drive before placing the unit up for sale, there are inevitably instances when you could very well purchase a laptop only to later find that it hardly functions properly.
Physical Condition
The physical condition of second hand laptops can speak volumes about how they will be expected to function. Avoid units that appear damaged, dirty or otherwise abused. In the same respect, make sure that the screen is not cracked and the touch-activated mouse functions as it should.
The Power of Reputation
As we have seen in the last paragraph, a good amount of research is necessary before committing to any purchase. Always choose a reputable third-party provider. It is also a great idea to utilise websites that offer seller reviews. This will help to eliminate the chances of encountering a “fly-by-night” vendor who is looking to make a bit of quick cash and nothing more.
This same concept holds true if you are planning on purchasing second hand laptops from a physical location such as a retailer. How long have they been in business and what are their accreditations? Although a face-to-face meeting can always be beneficial, do a bit of independent research and see if you can discover anything in regards to their reputation.
A Warranty?
It is a myth that second hand laptops represent a “buyer-beware” item. On the contrary, most respectable sellers will offer some form of money-back guarantee. Keep in mind that such a warranty is valid for only a fraction of the time that is associated with a new laptop. Still, this contract will provide you with the time needed to make certain that the laptop is functioning properly and that it is free from defects.
Second hand laptops are great options if you do not have the funds to afford a new unit and still require an effective means to access the Internet. These are some of the top tips to make sure that you are purchasing the most appropriate product without any unfortunate surprises.