Learn How To Buy A Good, Cheap Laptop
If you're in the market for a cheap laptop, there are few things you should keep in mind so that you don't walk away with an outdated or faulty machine that won't meet your requirement. Careful thought and the willingness to shop around and ask questions are necessary to ensure that you get what you paid for.
Know what you want ahead of time.
Don't get roped into buying a laptop that is beyond your budget and comes with extras that you just don't need. Write out a list of things you must have, and things you can get away without. One example of this is buying a laptop that doesn't have wireless internet built into it, then buying a cheap USB connector for as little as $10.
A cheap laptop usually isn't going to be amazing. If you are going to be using high-tech software with a lot of system demands, you will probably need to look at getting a more expensive laptop with better specifications. If you're mostly going to be doing word processing and sending emails, you can get away with less than a gigabyte of RAM and a standard Intel core processor. See if you can save money by purchasing a laptop with less RAM and upgrading it. The hard drive shouldn't need more than 40 GB of space.
Out of Windows XP and Vista, XP will probably suit your needs better. It works with current programs and uses less RAM to run.
The cost of your laptop will go up substantially with battery capacity. However, if you mostly work indoors you probably won't even need much battery as you can run your laptop off the charger. Outside you'll have problems with glare, anyway, so working inside is the better option.
Cheaper laptops tend to come with bigger screens, which is great for watching movies and the like, but may not be so good for text display. It can also make the laptop bulkier and harder to carry around or fit into standard laptop cases. On the other hand, mini laptop screens may prove too small for your needs, so it is important to shop around and find something that fits both your budget and your requirements.
Buying a second hand laptop.
The general advice with regards to purchasing used laptops is: don't. It's to end up with a bad deal. However, a bit of patience and know-how can land you a fantastic bargain. In the end, it really comes down to finding a trusted buyer and asking the right questions.
1. The best people to buy computers from are people you know, or reputable resalers.
2. Why is the seller getting rid of their computer? Is it faulty? If so, steer clear of it. Do they just not need it any longer? You may have found yourself a bargain.
3. Don't get anything older than three or four years, or you'll find that it just doesn't run the way you need it to with the programs you want. Then again, if it's really new, you should be asking why it's back on the market.
4. Compare the sale price of the laptop with its original price. If the seller doesn't give you this information, you can look up the laptop model on the internet to find out how much it was originally worth. If a used computer is close to its original price, you may as well just pay the little bit extra to get a new one. If it's dirt cheap, find out why. It's probably too old to be very useful any more, or there's something wrong with it. Your best bet is to find a laptop that is a couple of years old and selling at around half its original price.
5. If something goes wrong with your machine, you're going to want to have a warranty. Ask about this before committing to a purchase.
6. Try and secure the original proof of purchase. You may need to provide this should you require repairs or maintenance. It also safeguards you against accidentally purchasing a stolen machine.
7. Make sure that if you find that the item doesn't meet the description you were given, the seller is prepared to give you a complete refund. If they refuse, don't go ahead with the sale.
Andrew Johnson is an expert in computer consumables. If you would like more information about varieties of cheap laptop or are looking for a reputable computer retailer please visit http://www.ebuyer.com
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