Laptops can be expensive. They are powerful enough to challenge desktops for computing capability, but are mobile enough to contend with tablets, phones, and netbooks for the portable market. That’s why buying a used laptop can sound like a great idea – and it might really work out for you, if you buy well. But there are five areas that you need to check before you pay out the cash. If you can’t look at the laptop yourself, then get a guarantee from the seller that repairs will be covered if these areas are not up to snuff.
First, make sure that the battery can hold a charge. One of the big reasons to replace an old laptop is a dead battery. After years of discharging and recharging, batteries tend to lose their ability to keep a charge at all. Instead of buying a new battery (which can be difficult to track down), a lot of people will sell their old laptop so they can buy a new one. You need to make sure that the battery in the laptop you’re buying can still hold a charge before you make a deal.
Second, check the screen for dings, dents, or scratches that won’t come off. If you want to use the laptop for anything visual, such as photo editing or watching videos or movies, then you don’t want damage on the screen. Some scratches can be deceptively bad, too, making the screen impossible to use. Screens can also be very expensive to replace, and you don’t want that cost falling on you.
Third, test all of the keys. Because they need to be light, thin, and portable, laptop keyboards may be easily damaged. Keys can break, come off, or begin to stick with extended use. Make sure that this has not occurred on the laptop you’re looking to buy.
Fourth, test the mouse. Usually, this means the touch-pad below the keyboard, but on some models, there is a “track-point” mouse in the middle of the keyboard. Make sure at least one of these works. This isn’t a deal-breaker necessarily, though, because you can get a USB or wireless mouse for relatively low prices… but even so, you won’t always have access to that mouse, and you’ll need the one on the laptop to work properly.
Finally, if the laptop came with a built-in wireless card, make sure it is still present in the computer. If it did not come with a built-in wireless card, make sure that is clear before you buy, because that means you’ll have to buy your own wireless card if you want to connect to wireless networks.
Don’t waste money on bad laptops. Make sure these five areas are solid and safe, whether by checking the computer yourself, or by seller guarantee. Be careful, and don’t get burned.
