Most don’t flinch at the idea of buying a used car, but the thought of a used computer sends them squirming. The tech industry tries their hardest to keep it that way: they advertise new products in such a way to render the previous models perceptually obsolete; they block even the simplest hardware upgrades; and they sell bottom-of-the-line models that simply break too easily.
However, don’t let all the bad rap on used computers deter you from buying one. Always keep in mind that technology changes everyday, and technology as a whole carries a lot of imperfections. Instead with some research, determination, and basic knowledge you can buy a dream machine at a fraction of the price.
So, in order to ease your fears of buying a second-hand computer, here are a few tips on finding a used computer which will save you quite a few bucks, and that isn’t a high-tech lemon.
DECIDE ON WHAT YOU WANT
I’ve been using laptops for years. Because I don’t mind cracking it open and upgrading the hard drive or memory, I’ve usually just bought them from used computer stores. In those places, the laptop is usually sitting there where you can physically touch it and test it that way you want to.
Buying reconditioned from the manufacturer outlet online stores such as Dell is a pretty good place to find great deals. These laptops or desktops typically need less tweaking other than installing your own antivirus and software that you use.
Have you ever purchased a second-hand computer before? What was your experience like?
Eddie
My first laptop I bought new and it lasted me for 4 years. After it died, I didn’t see the point in fixing it so I moved on to my boyfriends laptop. he doesn’t ever use his laptop, so I’ve been using it for almsot a year now. I have a hunch it will last for a couple more, but when it goes I’ll probably by a used Mac.
I think you got pretty good use out of your laptop if it lasted you 4 years.
I find that most of today’s laptops are nearly not as durable as the ones made 5-6 years ago. Buying a used Mac, make sure you do your research. They’re a bitch to repair and can be pricey as well. The other thing I find about Mac’s is that who ever is selling them, they’re overpricing them. For example, if they’re selling the Mac Book for $800, and you can buy one for $1,000 brand new w/warranty? It’s obvious which one makes more sense.
I used to recommend mac to people, but not anymore. Apple has basically ignored their laptop and desktop line in favor of their mobile devices. And you’re right about what it’s like to work on them. I have a pc repair business that I run from my home, http://www.onsitemobile.net and I dread the ‘mac calls’. I always charge more because of the extra time required to fix ‘em. Generally a 3 year old business machine with good reviews online is the best way to go. You can always throw the latest version of Windows on it and it’ll be essentially a new machine.
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I’ve never purchased a 2nd-hand computer and I’m not sure if I would. I’m all for people buying used and saving money, my my little heard would worry too much and I’m not savvy enough to make sure I give it a thorough inspection.
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That’s a honest assessment Jason. Buying a used laptop is not for everyone, just like buying a used car is not either.
I’m a little apprehensive about buying a second hand computer, but one of my friend’s bought a used IBM laptop a couple years ago. It’s worked well for him. If the one I’m using now goes, I think I’ll look into buying a used computer. You’re right. We probably do buy more computer than we really need.
Look into a used computer or ask the store (Business Depot) for example to view and try their open box/returned laptops. They are virtually new, come with the same warranty as a new computer, reconditioned to factory state, but they’re at least 30% less than the same laptop selling new.
With the way computer prices have dropped in the last several years, I’d personally just buy new and avoid any potential problems. Computer technology is changing so quickly that those older laptops can be significantly slower than newer models. I bought my last laptop new because I knew that I needed it to handle certain things that older models couldn’t.
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I agree with the computer prices part, but you don’t always need to buy new to get a good computer.
For example, I purchased my laptop used (open box return) at Staples for 30% less than the same computer that was selling new.
All the big tech stores have open boxes and returns, and all the computers that are returned are reconditioned to factory state. Plus, all the latest updates were done as well, saving me 2hrs of time.
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Thanks for the compliment.
I’ll look into the RSS issue.
Hey Eddie! I actually am looking to buy a new laptop for law school. I have a Macbook right now but a lot of the programs are only compatible for PC. I know I can get the parallels to make PC programs run on my Mac but I want a larger screen and a numerical pad on the keyboard, so I think I will go the refurbished route.
I’m looking at Tiger Direct, and a refurb 15.6″ from HP or Asus will cost less than $550. Do you have any experience with these brands? I was hoping you could help me! What do I need to look at specifically…space/speed/size? Will refurbished laptops be clean and ready to use?!
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Hi!
Tiger Direct is a great place to start. Another placed I’d recommend is Business Depot. Ask to see their open box/returns. I purchased mine for 30% less than what the same computer in unopened box was selling for.
Things to I look for:
Ram – Very important, it’s what gives you the speed and the ability to run multiple programs at once at a very fast rate.
Hard Drive – Ideally 500GB is great, anything over 350GB is good. You can get a 1TB for example, but I doubt you’ll ever even come close to using that much.
Screen Size – The larger the screen, the heavier the laptop. Keep that in mind. My laptop is 14″, fits in most cases, is 1.5″ thick and 3.5lb in weight.
Video Card – I’d recommend going with a separate video card vs. on-board video card, but since you’re not going to be playing any video games, the shared memory on the laptop will cover you, therefore you really don’t need a separate a video card.
Chip Set – Ideally I’d recommend Intel i3 or i5. If you go with an i7, you’re more than likely buying too much computer. You’ll never use the speed that it’s capable, unless you’re running an Adobe Illustrator or some other graphic design program.
Finally, I’d highly recommend you go with Intel vs. AMD. They are better know, more durable and better technology. Keep in mind that HP & Compaq are the same company, Asus is very good (that’s my laptop’s brand), but all these laptop manufacturers are just name brands that carry different components.
Let me know if you need anymore input, don’t hesitate to email me.
After I originally commented I seem to have
clicked the -Notify me when new comments are added- checkbox and now each
time a comment is added I get four emails with the exact same comment.
There has to be an easy method you can remove me from that service?
Appreciate it!
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I wouldn’t be a buyer of used IT equipment, prices have dropped so much I prefer to build my own machines with pieces of my choice. However, i’d be a seller of used PCs.
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Thanks for all the great info! I’ve thought about buying a used laptop before…you can get them so cheap. I’m good for now, but when I’m back in the market again…
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Given how much I use my laptops and how short of a shelf life they have (3yrs) I just buy new. Tech is changing way too fast, and the price point is so cheap that I’m happy to buy new.
You’re absolutely right Sam. In your scenario this is true, but there are those who simply don’t use their laptop for more than chatting and FB. Instead they can save a few bucks, buy used and it will equally give them what they need in a laptop to chat and FB with friends.
There’s certainly a great deal to know about this subject. I really like all the points you have made.
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Good points made and i have to say i do agree with you for the most part…
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I bought a computer 5 years ago I paid good money for it and I wasn’t surprised when it died it had a good life and I did buy it new. Then I m going to school in sept next year so I didn’t see a point of buying new so i had a coworker that fixed ones for a hobby I didn’t think anything of it and bought it then 3 days later I’ve been fighting with him cause he clanked I had all new internals but he said it was something I did but I wrote and essay and watch you tube so is their anything I can do?
Of course buying a used laptop can be a great idea! A higher spec’d Tier 1 manufactured (HP, Dell etc) say 2 year old laptop can often be a much more able and robust machine than many of the brand new entry level models which are often shoddily put together and use cheap components which fail frequently! Chances are also that you can sell it on when you are ready to upgrade something that’s much harder to do with 2nd rate entry level stuff. Re use rather than recycle!