| Nowadays desktops and laptops are much more | | | | are buying is good. |
| durable and dependable that they were just five | | | | * Check the speed of the processor. If possible |
| years ago. Therefore, buying a used or | | | | start the computer and see how long it takes to |
| refurbished computer is becoming more of a | | | | fully turn on. If its slow just turning on, imagine |
| trend. | | | | the lack of speed once you start adding |
| Suppliers replace their computers on average | | | | software.. |
| every 6 months and companies frequently | | | | Additional Tips for laptops |
| upgrade their equipment. Buying one of these | | | | * Is the battery life good? (search for the |
| used or refurbished computers can save you a lot | | | | computers with a very good battery backup). |
| of money while still using a quite up to date | | | | * Check for the screen size of the computer |
| technology. This is even more relevant if you are | | | | your buying and see to it that it is not exceeding |
| not a heavy user (i.e. most of your time on a | | | | the Normal (normally the screen size should be |
| computer is spent online, you may use a few | | | | between 15-17). Less than that generally |
| standard applications once in a while). Even | | | | translates in older computers and increases the |
| modestly priced computers will more than suffice | | | | chance of age failure. Once the screen breaks, |
| for these types of demand. | | | | you are often better of changing the whole |
| Thinking about buying a used or refurbished | | | | computer. |
| desktop or laptop? | | | | * Review the connectivity of the computer |
| Buying a computer is not at all an easy job, one | | | | (Network, USB, Video, Audio...) look to it that it |
| has look get detailed information of the available | | | | has a good connectivity including wireless. |
| computers of good and reputed brands. One | | | | * Check out the weight. Ensure the computer is |
| must take into consideration the size, color, | | | | light enough for you to carry. |
| configurations, features etc... While your computer | | | | * More details at |
| should correspond to your personality and | | | | Where to buy used computers: |
| lifestyle, you should always keep in mind the | | | | * Online auctions. Pro: Often offer the best prices. |
| reputation of the brand in the market. Brand | | | | Cons: Cannot validate the accuracy of the |
| counts a lot; you can render good service by the | | | | described item. No warranty. Tip 1: Some |
| manufacturer if your computer is damaged. | | | | companies will offer warranty for up to two |
| Important handy Tips before buying a computer... | | | | years, the cost is about 12% to 18% of the |
| * Verify if the brand is reputed and always buy a | | | | purchase price. Tip2: Buy from sellers with great |
| good reputed brand. Read about customer service | | | | feedback, do not hesitate to contact the seller |
| experience for that specific computer issues. | | | | with questions prior to bidding. |
| * Check the warranty/guarantee of the | | | | * Online marketplaces: Pro: Set prices and |
| computer (seek out computers which still have | | | | quantities - Sometime warranty is available. Cons: |
| warranty/guarantee remaining) | | | | Prices can vary a lot, do your homework. |
| * Compare the price of the new model in the | | | | * Contacting sellers on in your local area gives |
| market with what price your buying your used | | | | you a chance to meet with the owner and |
| computer, try to get the best bargain. i.e. a two | | | | physically test the computer before the purchase |
| year old computer should not be bought for more | | | | Where to buy refurbished computers: |
| than half of its original price. | | | | Refurbished computers can be a great way to |
| * Check if the computer is outdated (if out of | | | | buy as they have warranties and are generally |
| production it is difficult to get spare parts) | | | | sold by manufacturers or companies affiliated with |
| * Is the operating system current (Windows | | | | them. |
| Vista/Windows Xp). Earlier versions probably run | | | | * Manufacturers websites will tell you how to buy |
| slower (windows 2000) and would not be | | | | directly from them or from their authorized |
| advisable unless your needs are limited (i.e. web | | | | sellers. Pros: Warranty, established companies. |
| surfing, Word...). In any event, stay away with | | | | Cons: Prices are higher than regular auctions (you |
| computers running on Windows 98 (granted you | | | | pay more for peace of mind) |
| don't find many anymore). Also be aware of | | | | Buying a used or refurbished computer can be a |
| Windows Vista. Many users are reverting back to | | | | great way to save money. If you use some of |
| XP and that is even more obvious in the | | | | the advice discussed above you can avoid many |
| corporate world. Why? Vista looks nice but | | | | pitfalls. One last thing concerning laptops, make |
| doesn't bring many technical improvements; | | | | sure you have a good bag to protect your |
| therefore IT managers are not willing to | | | | computer from a fatal accident. Your bag should |
| implement something new when what they have | | | | be big enough for a 17 inch screen computer as it |
| works just fine. Some domestic users just don't | | | | is rapidly becoming the norm, you will probably |
| like the new way of navigation within the Vista | | | | change your computer within a few years, the |
| Operating System. | | | | bag you may keep a lot longer. |
| * Check if the configuration of the computer you | | | | |