Not
always are we able to spare the kind of money required to buy a new
laptop. This is when the used laptops come in handy. However, one must
know what to look for when buying a used laptop, so that one does not
get conned in the deal.
Although most people choose to buy a new
laptop or a refurbished laptops, there are some who would rather want to
go in for a used laptop. This is especially true, if one is planning to
buy a laptop for kids. The kids may not use the laptop as carefully and
in the process may spoil it. Hence used laptops is a great option, when
you want to buy a laptop for kids. However, that does not mean that one
does not check the used laptop at all and opt to buy a piece that first
comes our way. One should be aware of what to look for when buying a
used laptop, so that one is able to at least get a reasonably good
laptop and not end up with a laptop, which is as good as trash.
Things to Look Out for When Buying a Laptop
When
we want to buy a new laptop, we ask what to look for in a laptop. Same
should be the question one asks, when one wants to buy a used laptop as
well. The features to look for when buying used laptop are as mentioned
below.
Processor: Although you are planning to opt for a used
laptop, it is important that you consider a laptop, which at least has a
decent good processor. It is very difficult and tricky to upgrade the
processor. If the processor is of a very old version, then there are
chances that the latest software may not work, as expected.
RAM:
The RAM size should at least be 1 GB, however, be sure that you may not
be able to install certain software on the laptop due to want of RAM
space. Hence, many experts are of the opinion that the RAM size should
at least be 2 GB. If there are a number of software installed on the
laptop and the RAM size is rather small, then the chances of the laptop
working at a decent speed are minimized.
Hard Drive: Gone are the
days when the computers would have a hard drive of 1 GB. These are the
days of computers with Terabytes memory. Although that is not possible
in case of laptops, it is necessary that you have decently good memory.
This will ensure you do not have to be bothered about the laptop running
out of space. At the same time, you are able to install software which
do require a large amount of memory.
Software: Often times,
people do check the physical appearance of the laptop, but forget or
ignore the software aspect. It is important to make sure that the laptop
does indeed boot into the operating system. A test should be conducted
to ensure that the hard disk is working fine. If the laptop does have a
CD ROM player, then you will want to play a CD in it.
Screen:
After reading about the basic features that one has to be on the look
for, we will find out what to look for when buying a used laptop in
terms of physical features. Since it is a used laptop, you will have to
make sure that there are no dead pixels on the screen. The simple method
to check the same is to turn the desktop background to blue and closely
examine the screen for dead pixels. If there are just a couple of
pixels, then you may want to let it pass, but in case you observe some
clusters, then it is best not to buy the said laptop.
Keyboard:
This is not something that you check, when you buy a new laptop.
However, it is an important point to consider, when one buys a used
laptop. Many a times it is seen that the keys of used laptops do not
function or they do not return back to their normal position after they
are pressed, etc. In such cases, there are chances that the keyboard is
ruined. Similarly it is important to check the Caps Lock key, Num Lock
key, space bar, tab key, shift key, Ctrl key, etc. as well. The best
method to check is to open a document and try typing.
Battery: It
is the battery with which the laptop becomes a portable device. The
most common complaints, when it comes to used laptops are that of
battery. Conducting a battery test is therefore essential. Switch the
laptop on and plug it into the charger. When the battery is charged to
100% unplug the power cable. Continue to use the laptop and check the
battery at regular interval. If you see that the battery drains very
fast in a matter of few minutes, then you will want to consider your
decision about the laptop.
Wireless Connectivity: When one is
using a laptop, it is but natural that one will use wireless Internet
connectivity. Therefore, this is an aspect, which one needs to checks,
when one buys a laptop. Conduct a connectivity test on the laptop to
ensure that the laptop is able to successfully detect networks and does
not need any kind of special configuration. After the laptop has
connected surf the net for some time.
I hope with this write up,
you have found an answer to the question, what to look for when buying a
used laptop. Along with the above mentioned parameters, there are some
other things, which you will need to look for as well. The first among
them is whether the hinges of the laptop are fine and that the laptop
does not come off into two pieces. The next thing to assess is the
physical damage to the laptop. Very often the power cable may have
electrical tape wrapped around it or may not be in the best shape. In
either case if the laptop is charging with the power cable, then you may
consider the said laptop.
