What to look for in a good used laptop?

[StephMK]

I really want a laptop and only have about $200 I could spend on one. I have looked around at CL but not sure about going that route. Can anyone recommend a good source for a used laptop? What are the most important features to look for? I would like a good battery life, I write papers on it and surf the web. No gaming but it might be nice to watch a show online sometime.

 

[gacompguy]

First off, be very careful with any laptop you get from Craigslist. If they seller can't provide some type of legit proof (a sales receipt, the original box, the original paperwork/software that came with it) that they are the owner, you're probably looking at something that is stolen.

If I were looking at a used laptop, here's what I would look for:

• A battery that isn't bulging and can hold a minimum 1-2 hour charge
• A power cord/charger that is in good condition
• The power connector on the laptop is in good condition; some older model laptops have problems with the pin coming out
• No strange noises: fans making loud sounds, clicking from the hard drive
• A working optical drive
• A working card reader (if it has one)
• A working LCD with no cracks
• No major imperfections on the outer shell: namely cracks or major damage on the corners implying that the laptop has been dropped
• all keys on the keyboard working
• Touchpad/touchstick working
• Windows license affixed to the bottom of the laptop
• Proof of licenses for any software like Microsoft Office or Adobe Photoshop (it is very common for CL and eBay used laptops to have pirated software installed as a sales incentive). There are open source and/or free alternatives for just about everything you could need.
• As for hardware specs: Anything from a Pentium M up should be fine, minimum 1GB RAM and 40-80GB+ hard drive, and built-in wifi (if possible).

I know that Geeks.com periodically has refurbished/off-lease Dell Latitudes. They usually go quick; but, if you subscribe to their newsletter, you'll know when they have some. You can also try looking at each major vendors' web sites for their "outlet" areas. However, I don't know that they'll have anything that isn't a netbook for that price.

 

[luvdisney00]

I bought my daughter a Dell notebook for $269 refurbished on ebay. I looked for a long time but we found this one and it came with a 1 yr. warranty direct from Dell (it was refurbished by Dell). It works great and she loves it. Do be careful on ebay, but I think there are some good buys there if you look.

 

[twinklebug]

For your purposes and budget $200 I'd go with a netbook. They're not built for performance, but you'll be able to get a new brand name one around $200-250 and can usually upgrade the memory in them up when you have time. ... or you wait, pass it off to the kiddos and buy yourself a full blown laptop when you're ready. You can also hook in a proper optical drive, mouse and monitor. You'll want all three. If you don't have them skip the netbook idea and wait for a good laptop to show up in the manufacturer online outlets, TigerDirect or Newegg. Occasionally, Amazon will have a good deal too.

Watch the slickdeals and fatwallet forums to get a jump on the best deals (they sell out fast)

 

[Indianadisneyfan]

If you buy a netbook you might want to watch out if you want to install a printer. My niece bought one and hers didn't come with a c/d drive. Of course you could always save your papers to a thumb drive and print it off on another computer.

 

[gacompguy]

Dell has an official presence on eBay here: http://stores.ebay.com/Dell-Financial_Laptops_W0QQ_fsubZ3QQ_sidZ30734292QQ_trksidZp4634Q2ec0Q2em322

 

[twinklebug]

Dell has an official presence on eBay here: http://stores.ebay.com/Dell-Financial_Laptops_W0QQ_fsubZ3QQ_sidZ30734292QQ_trksidZp4634Q2ec0Q2em322

Coming from one who supported a team of 80 Dell 620 users... watch out for those machines. There was always someone in the group having their's off being repaired. Typical issue involved overheating graphics card which is built into the motherboard. Dell is aware of the problem.

Another popular maker to beware of: HP. They have quality control problems in their plant. Point to ponder here: I worked for HP... we leased Dell 620s and when the time came we could switch off of the Dells and move to our own product they signed new leases for Dell 620s & 630s. Hehe. Take it to mean what you want.

 

[StephMK]

Thanks so much! I had not thought about the stolen possibility and I am leary of CL & quality issues w/a used laptop. The netbook might be a good idea. In a year I will hopefully be getting a job that will supply me w/a laptop and the kids would love another computer around. I'll check some manu. sites & have to think it over some more.

 

[LovesHerTaurus]

I'm an uber geek and IT tech for the Ontario government.

If you have the chance, but used from a person you know and trust. That is the best guarantee you can get.

Tigerdirect online has some lovely refurbished laptops for around $300 that are off lease returns usually from companies that do come with a warranty, although a total restricted one. But they have a guarantee on them. And come with XP (no Vista!) We deal with Tiger Direct often at work and I'm pleased with them.

Run away from Netbooks. They are tiny, hard to type on, and are only good as a second machine on the road for people who can't use a Blackberry

Whatever you end up with, buy a brand that you KNOW (none of this Soni or EEBM hehehehe) and buy from someone or a store you trust.

If you have the potential at all, buy new and use the money as a downpayment with a payment plan. And always buy the extended warranty!!

 

[bridget]

I got a toshiba on sale for $309 and I LOVE it! I would save up a little more and get a new one, rather than a used one. It is super fast. I did have to pay extra, and went through my college and got Microsoft office after the trial version ran out (about 4 months after my initial purchase).

 

[sameyeyam]

Watch ads for Best Buy and others, they are always putting brand new ones on sale. About 2 years ago I bought an Acer laptop for $249 right after Christmas. It works great, we surf the net, kids do school work, etc. No problems at all. I would rather pay $250 for something brand new then $200 for a used computer.

Just watch the ads.

 

[CleoPahd]

Just my opinion, but I'm with those who say save up a little more and get a new one. Let me start by saying I'm a real budget shopper. However, some things are worth spending the little bit extra for. You take so many chances when you buy a computer 2nd hand and it could end up costing you a lot more in the long run. My husband recently bought an Acer for $279 (Walmart) and it works great. I bought a HP laptop (Best Buy) for work for $329 and it's fantastic...lots of features, lost of hard drive & a fast processor.

 

[a1tinkfans]

I really want a laptop and only have about $200 I could spend on one. I have looked around at CL but not sure about going that route. Can anyone recommend a good source for a used laptop? What are the most important features to look for? I would like a good battery life, I write papers on it and surf the web. No gaming but it might be nice to watch a show online sometime.

I did not read thru the thread, BUT just wanted to say, perhaps you can get a New laptop at a store that will have free financing, or split payments, like QVC where you are not charged interest, but can pay monthly instead.
Getting a used laptop is worse than getting a used boat or car, it may be WAY more than you want to deal with,....way too many variables. Not too many sell off Good stuff or They'd be keeping it You can get a new one at Walmart even............
Just wanted to mention that if you are Charging your laptop, you likely will Not need an extended warranty, as on most cards, it is automatically doubled! Warranty is where most companies Make their money....let them make it on something else, not You!

 

[mdelliott76]

Something else you can consider are Dell Outlet Computers. I just picked up a Netbook in early April myself and have been very pleased. You have to watch their pricing - sometimes you can get a new one for $20 more but still a good way to find a deal.

 

[librarygal]

If you buy a refurbished or new laptop you can get a SquareTrade warranty cheap. I bought a three year warranty for $39 using a 35% off discount code. One thing to consider is that older laptops do not have HDMI connections. My laptop was new and cost $329 after rebates at Staples.