Buying a Refurbished Laptop Computer

By: David Perlmutter

When considering buying a used or even a new laptop, the first
thing you need to do is to determine your computing needs.

* word processing * e-mail * browsing web pages * moving the
laptop from home to work (weight) * gaming * on-line shopping *
a database application * personal finance * is battery power
important

Check out the Minimum Systems Requirements needed to do all of
the your applications. They will not come with the laptop, as
refurbished laptops often only include the Operating System
(OS). If they don't include an installed OS, then be prepared to
install it yourself. This is not for those that don't know what
they are doing, so research what is involved before buying one
without an OS.

Once you understand what you really need, you need to determine
your budget.

Most old laptops do not have working batteries. If you need a
battery, shop around to figure out how much they cost. You
should know that on older laptops, batteries don't last more
than an hour or two, so purchasing a new battery for the purpose
of longer battery life may not be worth the expense. And by all
means, stick with a name brand... IBM, Dell, Toshiba, Compaq-HP.

If you are new to computers and you want to browse the World
Wide Web, you will need to obtain the services of an ISP
(Internet Service Provider). There are basically two types of
Internet access options: broadband (cable modem, DSL, satellite)
and lowband (dial-up). Broadband is the preferred type since
download speeds can range from 128kbs to 6000kbs. The faster the
better, of course. But, if your budget is tight, dial-up works
just fine for typical browsing and e-mail usage.

Your choice of ISP's will be dependent upon two things: budget
and location. If the budget allows and you don't mind paying
upwards of $35-50+ per month, you can purchase a broadband
connection. However, even if money were no object, your physical
location will determine what types of services are available to
you. Broadband is not available everywhere (with the exception
of satellite). If you have a telephone line, you can always
choose dial-up. AOL's bread and butter is dial-up users. Do your
research to determine what is available in your area and compare
costs.

And for you gamers out there, you definitely need a reliable
broadband connection. Gaming over a lowband connection can be a
frustrating experience and sometimes even impossible. You will
need to check out the minimum systems requirement for the games
you are interested in using to make sure the CPU speed and the
RAM and graphic chip requirements will support the games you
wish to play.

Once you have figured out your budget and your needs and the
requirements of your laptop it is time to search for the laptop
of your desires.

Some people choose to search at www.ebay.com. If you do be sure
to check out the seller to be sure you will have a smooth
transaction.

Many people don't want the hassle of bidding, so use your
favorite search engine: Google or Yahoo or MSN for the terms
"used laptops" or "refurbished laptop".

An important thing to keep in mind is how will the vendor treat
you should there be a problem. If you don't like their attitude
or they don't pick up the phone shop elsewhere. Price is
important, but if you have a problem and spent the least amount
of money possible the vendor may not have any resources
available to help you after you have purchased and spent your
money.

If all the above seems like too much of a hassle, then buy a new
computer. It will cost around $700 + but will come with a new
battery and a one year warranty, although some new ones seem to
have only 90 day warranties. It will also have the latest
Windows XP system and an 800 number to call the vendor, should
their be a problem. I'd call the 800# first before buying to get
an idea what kind of support they will provide.

About the author:
David Perlmutter is the founder and CEO of UsedLaptops.com, Inc.
His first portable was a Compaq Plus 20 years ago.
UsedLaptops.com, Inc. has sold over 20,000 refurbished laptops to
consumers and companies over the last ten years.