| You can save a good amount of money when buying | | | | Third, discover the RAM, ROM, hard drive and |
| a used laptop in comparison to buying a new laptop. | | | | processor speed of the laptop. You will need to |
| You can use the extra savings on anything that you | | | | review your computing needs first and then compare |
| would like. However, if you area considering such | | | | them to what the used laptop has. If you are simply |
| purchase, there are a few points that you definitely | | | | word processing, then you do not need a huge |
| should consider. They will make your choice and | | | | upgraded system. However, if you are running |
| purchase a lot more pleasing. | | | | spreadsheets or programming languages then, you |
| First, you should check the condition of the battery. | | | | will need high end components. This all depends on |
| Over time, batteries become weak through use and | | | | your needs. |
| adverse conditions. You should ask the buyer if the | | | | Even if your potential laptop is not in newest shape, |
| battery has any 'memory effect'. If possible, you | | | | you may be able to upgrade some components. You |
| should check it out yourself. Memory effect is when | | | | should seek help in discovering if these upgrades can |
| a buyer uses the laptop for a short duration of time | | | | be made, and if so, at what cost. These upgrades |
| and then recharges it. If this cycle is done repeatedly, | | | | may also be a bargaining chip for you in the purchase. |
| then the battery learns such cycle and will only stay | | | | Things like memory are usually easily upgraded |
| charged for this cycling amount of time. If the | | | | inexpensively. The same is not true with processors. |
| battery is in poor condition, then you should use such | | | | In fact, some laptops cannot be upgraded. Again, you |
| fact to bargain a better price as you will need to | | | | should seek help. |
| purchase a new battery. | | | | Fourth, check to see what expansion and USB ports |
| Also, you should discover the actual type of battery. | | | | are available. Even if you cannot upgrade a laptop |
| Is it a Lithium battery or a Nickel Cadmium, (Ni-Cad), | | | | internally, some components such as external hard |
| battery? Lithium batteries have a longer life span than | | | | drives can be used by these ports to upgrade a |
| Ni-Cad batteries. | | | | laptop. Additionally, compare the number of ports to |
| Second, you should learn what operating system that | | | | your needs. Will you need ports for a scanner, |
| the laptop can accommodate. Is it a Mac or Windows | | | | printer, camera, external hard drive? These are points |
| based system? You should use the type of operating | | | | to consider as well as your future needs. |
| system that you currently use unless this is your first | | | | Fifth, check to make sure that all ports and buttons |
| laptop purchase. In that case, please know that Mac | | | | are properly working. Check out all keyboard keys, |
| systems are easier to use once you get used to | | | | mouse and screen. Check for dents, discolorations |
| them and Windows systems are a bit harder to use | | | | and other signs of potential damage. These all may |
| but easier to get used to. | | | | point to a defective condition. |
| At times, used laptops cannot handle newer | | | | Sixth, plain and simple, what warranty, if any will you |
| operating systems because of old hardware. This is | | | | receive? On some sites, such as Ebay, you can |
| something to be cognizant of because the newer | | | | purchase a used laptop with a warranty. However, at |
| operating systems such as the Mac OS X 10. 6. 2 or | | | | other times you may be able to purchase a warranty |
| Windows 7 systems may be the only systems that | | | | by a third party. But, I have found that it is not easy |
| work the new, popular devices and software. Review | | | | to procure a warranty for used laptops. At times, |
| your needs first to see if you need a new operating | | | | you are simply assuming all the risk. If this is the |
| system. | | | | case, make sure you bargain with that point in mind. |