When considering purchasing a used or new laptop, the first thing you have to do is determine your computing needs.
* Word processing
* E-mail
* Browse web pages
* Move the laptop from home to work (by weight)
* Game
* On-line Shopping
* A database application
* Personal finance
* It is important battery
Check out the minimum system requirements necessary for all applications. They do not come with the laptop, as refurbished laptops often only include the operating system (OS). Failure to include an operating system installed, then be prepared to install it yourself. This is not for those who know what they are doing, so research what is before you buy one without an operating system.
Once you understand what you really need, determine your budget.
Most older laptops do not have working batteries. If you need a battery, shop around to find out how much they cost. You should know that on older laptops, batteries do not last more than an hour or two, so you buy a new battery to a longer life battery can not be worth the expense. And of course, stick with a brand name ... IBM, Dell, Toshiba, Compaq-HP.
If you do not know computers and want to surf the World Wide Web, you must obtain the services of an ISP (Internet Service Provider). There are basically two types of Internet access options: broadband (cable modem, DSL, satellite) and low band (dial-up). Broadband is the preferred type since download speeds can vary from 128kbs to 6000kbs. The faster the better, of course. However, if your budget is tight, dial-up works fine for typical browsing and using e-mail.
Your choice of ISP will depend on two things: the budget and location. If the budget allows and do not mind paying more than $ 35 to 50 + per month, you can buy a broadband connection. However, even if money were no object, its physical location will determine what types of services are available to you. Broadband is not available everywhere (except satellite). If you have a phone line, you can always choose dial-up. AOL bread and butter is dial-up users. Do your research to determine what is available in your area and compare costs.
And for players who are, you will definitely need a reliable broadband connection. Gambling using a low bandwidth connection can be a frustrating and sometimes impossible. You will need to check the minimum system requirements for games that are interested in using to ensure that the speed of the CPU and RAM and graphic chip requirements to support the games you want to play.
Once you've figured out your budget and your needs and requirements of your laptop is the time to search the laptop of your desires.
Some people choose to look at
www.ebay.com. If you do, be sure to get the seller to ensure you have a smooth transaction.
Many people do not want the hassle of making an offer, so use your favorite search engine: Google or Yahoo or MSN for the terms "used laptops" or "refurbished laptop".
One important thing to consider is how to deal with the supplier should not be a problem. If you do not like his attitude or not pick up the phone shop elsewhere. Price is important, but if you have a problem and spent as little money as possible, the seller may not have the resources available to help you after you have bought and spent the money.
If all this seems too much of a hassle, then buy a new computer. It will cost about $ 700 + but will come with a new battery and a one year warranty, although some new ones seem to have only 90 days warranty. You will also have the latest Windows XP and an 800 number to call the supplier, in case of his being a problem. I called the 800 # first before buying to get an idea of ??what kind of support they will provide.
Topic: Buying a Refurbished Laptop Computer (Read 1668 times)
