Buying a used laptop can be a great way to save money, but it comes with risks. You need to be careful and thorough in your evaluation; otherwise, you could end up wasting your money.
When evaluating technology, you can’t only look at the outside. This guide will help you understand what to look for when buying a used laptop (or desktop PC), with steps to prevent you from losing money on a bad tech decision.
Determine Your Needs
Identify Your Purpose & Set a Budget
First, identify why you need the laptop – are you buying it for work, gaming, or general use? Your purpose will dictate the specifications you need. For example, gaming laptops need powerful GPUs, while business laptops focus on reliability and battery life.
Setting a budget helps narrow down your choices. Decide how much you are willing to spend, and remember: used laptops vary significantly in price, so knowing your budget beforehand prevents overspending.
Check the Laptop’s Condition
Inspect the Physical Condition
Examine the laptop carefully. Check for any visible damage, such as cracks, dents, or scratches, and inspect the hinges to ensure they are not loose. A well-maintained exterior often indicates the care the laptop received.
Test the Keyboard and Touchpad
The keyboard and touchpad should work flawlessly. Type a few sentences to see if all keys respond and test the touchpad for responsiveness and accuracy. These are crucial components, and any issues can be annoying.
Look at the Screen
Turn on the laptop, check the screen for dead pixels, discolouration, or flickering, and ensure the brightness levels adjust properly. A damaged screen can be costly to replace.
Inspect the Ports
Check and test all the ports on the laptop, including USB ports, headphone jacks, and charging ports. These should all function correctly, but non-working ports can be inconvenient and limit the laptop’s usability.
Check the Battery Life
Ask About the Battery & Check the Battery Health
Ask the seller about the battery life, as an old battery may not hold a charge well. Turn on the laptop and see how long it lasts on battery power. Replacing a battery can be expensive, so ensure the current one meets your needs by using software to check the battery’s health.
Some operating systems have built-in tools for this! A healthy battery should keep most of its original capacity, whereas poor battery health might mean it needs to be replaced soon.
Assess the Internal Components
Processor
The processor determines the laptop’s performance. Check the processor model and speed and compare it with current standards. Older processors might struggle with modern applications.
RAM
RAM affects multitasking capabilities. Ensure the laptop has enough RAM for your needs. 8GB is the minimum for general use, while 16GB or more is ideal for gaming or heavy multitasking.
Storage
Look at the storage type and capacity. SSDs are faster and more reliable than HDDs. Make sure the laptop has enough storage for your files and programs. An SSD with at least 256GB is recommended.
Graphics Card
If you need the laptop for gaming or graphic design, check the GPU and ensure it meets the requirements for your applications. Integrated graphics are fine for general use, but dedicated GPUs are better for demanding tasks.
Verify the Software Operating System
Pre-installed Software & Operating System License
Check what software comes pre-installed and ensure there are no unnecessary or malicious programs. A fresh installation of the operating system is ideal so you can verify that it is genuine and licensed and ensure you receive updates and support. If necessary, ask for proof of sale or license keys.
Research the Seller
Check Seller’s Reputation
Research the seller’s reputation by looking for reviews and ratings from previous customers. A reputable seller is more likely to provide a quality product and good customer service.
Ask Questions
Don’t hesitate to ask the seller questions. Inquire about the laptop’s history, reason for selling, and any past issues. Honest sellers will provide clear and detailed answers.
Test the Laptop
Perform a Thorough Test & Use Diagnostic Tools
Before finalizing the sale, test the laptop thoroughly. Run different applications to check performance, connect to Wi-Fi and test the internet connection, and play a video to ensure the speakers and display work well.
Using diagnostic tools to test hardware components can help identify hidden issues and prevent problems later.
Consider Upgradability
Check Upgrade Options & the Cost of Upgrades
Some laptops allow easy upgrades. Check if you can upgrade the RAM or storage to help extend the laptop’s lifespan and improve performance.
Upgradable laptops offer more flexibility and value, so you should consider the cost of potential upgrades in your laptop’s lifetime. Calculate if upgrading an older laptop is worth it compared to buying a new one. Sometimes, the cost of upgrades can approach the price of a new laptop.
Compare Prices
Research Market Prices
Research the market prices for similar models to ensure you get a fair deal and compare prices from different sellers. A lower price isn’t always better if the laptop has issues.
Factor in Extra Costs
Include extra costs, such as new batteries, chargers, or software, in your budget. Factor these into the total cost to avoid surprises.
Looking for a Good, Affordable Computer? Contact Us
Buying a used laptop can be smart if you do your homework, but buying one from the wrong person can also be a nightmare.
If you’re looking for reliable hardware for business or home, we’re here to help! We have some great options for value and performance. Contact us today to learn more.