There are many benefits to buying a second-hand laptop. The most common is saving money.
But there are some risks involved. If you do not know about these risks, you might end up purchasing something which is almost worthless or poorly made.
We recommend that you take time to read this article before deciding on your next second hand laptop purchase.
8 Factors to Consider while buying a Second hand or Used Laptop for Daily Uses
1. RAM
The RAM or the Random Access Memory is like your laptop’s hard disk. It stores temporary data and keeps it ready for use as soon as you need them. The more RAM you have in your laptop, the more applications can run at once and hence, making it faster.
What this means is that when you buy a second-hand laptop with low RAM, most likely, it won’t be able to run new programs smoothly and will not perform well even if there are only a few applications open at any given time.
2. Processor
The processor is your laptop’s brain, affecting how fast your laptop performs. A good processor will help you multitask efficiently, while a lousy processor may slow down your laptop and make it run slower.
If you’re going for an entry-level model or have a limited budget, expect to get something other than a super-fast processor in this category, as they are usually packed with low-end processors. An Intel Celeron N2840 dual-core processor is perfect for basic web browsing, watching videos, and working on word documents.
However, an Intel Core i7 or an AMD A6 APU would be ideal choices if you want something more powerful.
3. Storage
Most laptops have 500GB of storage, which is enough for your daily work needs. You can upgrade the storage by adding a hard disk or pen drive. It’s better to go for the hard disk because it will cost less than pen drives, and it has its own benefits, such as long-lasting life, faster data transfer speed, and more security options.
4. Laptop Screen Size
When it comes to laptop screen size, bigger is better, but not always. The larger the screen size, the more room you have for your work and entertainment. Since there are no physical limitations on the size of laptops nowadays, it’s easy to get carried away and buy a 17-inch monitor for your next laptop. However, consider going smaller if portability or battery life are essential factors in your decision.
A 15-inch laptop is an ideal compromise between portability and productivity. It’s big enough that you’ll have plenty of space for all your tasks but small enough so as not to feel like lugging around an elephant with each movement (unless you’re looking at a 17-inch model).
While some 14-inch models do exist without compromising too much while maintaining high-performance parts, they usually come with lower-resolution displays, which can lead to eye strain over time when working continuously on them.
Also Read: How to Fix Laptop Fan Noise Issue
5. Laptop Screen Condition
The screen is one of the most important parts of a laptop. If the screen is damaged, it may not function properly or at all, which could be very inconvenient for you. Therefore, before buying a used laptop, check if the laptop’s screen is in good condition.
Things to check:
Check that there are no cracks on the LCD (liquid crystal display) panel or glass.
Check that there are no scratches on the LCD panel or glass, as this can affect how images appear on your screen – including their color appearance and contrast levels.
Ensure that there aren’t any discolorations on your display; this could indicate an issue with light leakage due to dust accumulation behind it which will distort colors when viewed from different angles
6. Battery Life
A laptop’s battery life depends on several factors, including the processor, screen size, RAM, and storage. The more powerful your processor is, the shorter your battery’s life will be. Similarly, if you have a big screen or use one dimly lit for extended periods (like watching movies), it will consume more energy than a smaller one with brighter lights. And if you want to check your laptop battery with a multimeter read our detail guide to get it know.
7. Check the USB Ports
In addition to the power adapter, your laptop will have at least one USB port. These ports are used to connect a mouse, keyboard, printer, external hard drive, and other devices. The USB ports should be in good condition and not damaged in any way, as they can cause problems while connecting a device.
8. Check The Casing of the Laptop
Check the casing of the laptop. For example, check for scratches and dents. Look closely at the edges of your laptop too. See if there are any signs of water damage or wear and tear on any parts of its surface. Also, check for any marks from dropping it on a hard surface (like concrete). If you find these things—or even just one—you may want to pass up on this deal!
Conclusion
We hope you now have a good idea about what to look for when buying a second-hand laptop. Our tips will help you make an informed decision and buy the best product for your needs. Remember that if you don’t like the laptop after checking out these factors, it’s better to avoid making any purchases!