| Nowadays desktops and laptops are much more | | | | - Check if the configuration of the computer you are |
| durable and dependable that they were just five years | | | | buying is good. |
| ago. Therefore, buying a used or refurbished computer | | | | - Check the speed of the processor. If possible start |
| is becoming more of a trend. | | | | the computer and see how long it takes to fully turn |
| Suppliers replace their computers on average every 6 | | | | on. If its slow just turning on, imagine the lack of speed |
| months and companies frequently upgrade their | | | | once you start adding software.. |
| equipment. Buying one of these used or refurbished | | | | Additional Tips for laptops |
| computers can save you a lot of money while still | | | | - Is the battery life good? (search for the computers |
| using a quite up to date technology. This is even more | | | | with a very good battery backup (2 hours minimum). |
| relevant if you are not a heavy user (i.e. most of your | | | | - Check for the screen size of the computer your |
| time on a computer is spent online, you may use a | | | | buying and see to it that it is not exceeding the Normal |
| few standard applications once in a while). Even | | | | (normally the screen size should be between 15-17). |
| modestly priced computers will more than suffice for | | | | Less than that generally translates in older computers |
| these types of demand. | | | | and increases the chance of age failure. Once the |
| Thinking about buying a used or refurbished desktop or | | | | screen breaks, you are often better of changing the |
| laptop? | | | | whole computer. |
| Buying a computer is not at all an easy job, one has | | | | - Review the connectivity of the computer (Network, |
| look get detailed information of the available computers | | | | USB, Video, Audio...) look to it that it has a good |
| of good and reputed brands. One must take into | | | | connectivity including wireless |
| consideration the size, color, configurations, features | | | | - Check out the weight. Ensure the computer is light |
| etc... While your computer should correspond to your | | | | enough for you to carry (light 7pounds) |
| personality and lifestyle, you should always keep in | | | | Where to buy used computers: |
| mind the reputation of the brand in the market. Brand | | | | - Online auctions. Pro: Often offer the best prices. |
| counts a lot; you can render good service by the | | | | Cons: Cannot validate the accuracy of the described |
| manufacturer if your computer is damaged. | | | | item. No warranty. Tip 1: Some companies will offer |
| Important handy Tips before buying a computer... | | | | warranty for up to two years, the cost is about 12% to |
| - Verify if the brand is reputed and always buy a good | | | | 18% of the purchase price. Tip2: Buy from sellers with |
| reputed brand. Read about customer service | | | | great feedback, do not hesitate to contact the seller |
| experience for that specific computer issues | | | | with questions prior to bidding |
| - Check the warranty/guarantee of the computer | | | | - Online marketplaces: Pro: Set prices and quantities - |
| (seek out computers which still have warranty | | | | Sometime warranty is available. Cons: Prices can vary |
| guarantee remaining) | | | | a lot, do your homework |
| - Compare the price of the new model in the market | | | | - Contacting sellers on in your local area gives you a |
| with what price your buying your used computer, try to | | | | chance to meet with the owner and physically test the |
| get the best bargain. i.e. a two year old computer | | | | computer before the purchase |
| should not be bought for more than half of its original | | | | Where to buy refurbished computers: |
| price. | | | | Refurbished computers can be a great way to buy as |
| - Check if the computer is outdated (if out of | | | | they have warranties and are generally sold by |
| production it is difficult to get spare parts) | | | | manufacturers or companies affiliated with them. |
| - Is the operating system current (Windows Vista | | | | Manufacturers websites will tell you how to buy |
| Windows XP). Earlier versions probably run slower | | | | directly from them or from their authorized sellers. |
| (windows 2000) and would not be advisable unless | | | | Pros: Warranty, established companies. Cons: Prices |
| your needs are limited (i.e. web surfing, Word...). In any | | | | are higher than regular auctions (you pay more for |
| event, stay away with computers running on Windows | | | | peace of mind) |
| 98 (granted you don't find many anymore). Also be | | | | Buying a used or refurbished computer can be a great |
| aware of Windows Vista. Many users are reverting | | | | way to save money. If you use some of the advice |
| back to XP and that is even more obvious in the | | | | discussed above you can avoid many pitfalls. One last |
| corporate world. Why? Vista looks nice but doesn't | | | | thing concerning laptops, make sure you have a good |
| bring many technical improvements; therefore IT | | | | bag to protect your computer from a fatal accident. |
| managers are not willing to implement something new | | | | Your bag should be big enough for a 17 inch screen |
| when what they have works just fine. Some domestic | | | | computer as it is rapidly becoming the norm, you will |
| users just don't like the new way of navigation within | | | | probably change your computer within a few years, |
| the Vista Operating System. | | | | the bag you may keep a lot longer. |