| Buying a used or refurbished laptop is much the same | | | | Internet access options: broadband (cable modem, |
| as buying a new one - except you are going to get a | | | | DSL, satellite) and dial up. Broadband is the preferred |
| much better buy! When considering buying a used | | | | type since download speeds can range from 128kbs |
| laptop, the first thing to do is to determine what your | | | | to 6000kbs (faster is better). But, if your budget is tight, |
| needs are. | | | | dial-up access will work fine for typical browsing and |
| What do you want to use the laptop for? | | | | e-mail usage. |
| *Word Processing | | | | If you bought your used laptop for gaming, you |
| *E-mail | | | | definitely need a reliable broadband connection. Gaming |
| *Internet Browsing | | | | over a dial up connection will be frustrating and on |
| *Use at Work and at Home | | | | some cases even impossible. That is why it's critical |
| *Gaming | | | | that you check out the minimum systems requirement |
| *On-line Shopping | | | | for the games you like before buying the laptop. You |
| *Database Applications | | | | want to make sure the CPU speed and the RAM and |
| *Personal Finance and Online Banking | | | | graphic chip requirements will support your needs. |
| *Coding | | | | Finally, where do you buy your used or refurbished |
| *Schoolwork | | | | laptops? |
| The reason for assessing what you applications you | | | | * Some people choose to search at . If you be sure to |
| need are that most refurbished laptops often only | | | | check out the seller to be sure you will have a smooth |
| include the Operating System (OS). Some don't even | | | | transaction. |
| have an OS installed so make sure you know what | | | | * Many don't want the hassle of bidding, so will use |
| you're buying before you spend your money. | | | | their favorite search engine: or or for the terms used |
| Once you establish your computing needs, you need | | | | laptops or refurbished laptop. |
| to determine your budget. | | | | How do you choose once you have a list? |
| Refurbished laptops don't always come with an | | | | 1. Look for online reviews |
| operational battery. If you need a battery, shop around | | | | 2. Make sure they have a BBB Online Insignia |
| to figure the cost to replace one. You should know | | | | 3. Make sure their service is up to you standard. Most |
| that older laptop batteries don't last more than an hour | | | | of the vendors have 800 numbers, so it won't cost |
| or two, and even purchasing a new battery for the | | | | anything to call. |
| purpose of longer battery life may not be worth the | | | | 4. What do their prices look like? |
| expense. You should also stick with name brand | | | | If all the above seems like too much of a hassle, then |
| battery manufacturers like IBM, Dell, Toshiba and | | | | buy a new computer. It will cost around $800 + but will |
| Compaq-HP. | | | | come with a new battery and a one year warranty |
| Once you have your refurbished laptop, you may not | | | | (although some new ones seem to have only 90 day |
| know what to do next. If you are new to computers | | | | warranties). It will also have the latest Windows XP |
| and you want to browse the World Wide Web, you | | | | system and an 800 number to call the vendor, should |
| will need to obtain the services of an ISP (Internet | | | | there be a problem. |
| Service Provider). There are basically two types of | | | | |