Buying a laptop can be stressful and confusing. There are so many options to choose from, many of which could be better. You might think you’re saving money by buying an old refurbished unit, but that’s only sometimes the case. You need to know what to look for when choosing your next PC to find the right laptop.
Here we simply explain to you the right process to test your old and refurbished laptop to make sure that it works properly before making a purchase.
How to test a laptop before buying?
Before you buy a laptop, take the time to test out some of the models that interest you. This will help ensure that you get the right model for your needs.
Here are some ways to test laptops before buying:
- Test out the keyboard and trackpad: A good keyboard should feel solid and responsive when typing on it. The trackpad should respond quickly when clicking or dragging and should not require too much pressure to click down on.
- Check out how fast apps open up: This will give you an idea of how fast the laptop performs overall. Also, check how quickly websites load in different browsers.
- See how long the battery lasts: Check the battery life while watching videos at full brightness, with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth enabled and several background apps running. This will give you an idea of whether the laptop’s battery is good or needs replacement.
What to check when buying a refurbished laptop
Now that you know how to test a laptop, let’s look at how to test an old and refurbished laptop before buying it.
- Check the hard drive: This is the most important thing to check in any computer because it contains your data. If you buy a refurbished computer with a bad hard drive, all your data will be lost when you turn on your new machine for the first time.
- Check RAM: The other main component of every PC is RAM (Random Access Memory), which holds temporary files such as browser caches and downloaded files. This allows you to access them quickly when needed.
- Check the processor: The processor is another important component to check. It’s what makes your computer run, so if it’s faulty or damaged, you won’t be able to use your PC.
- Check the motherboard: A motherboard is like a motherboard of any other computer—it sits inside the case and connects everything together.
- Check if there is any dead pixel on the screen: Dead pixels are tiny dots on the screen that do not light up. If there are dead pixels on your laptop, then it means that this may be a sign of poor quality control and can lead to other problems in future.
- Check if there are any heating issues: Laptops tend to get very hot after prolonged use. This could lead to damage of hardware components such as hard disk drive or processor etc.
Is it safe to buy a used laptop?
If you are looking for a used laptop, the best way is to buy it from an individual. I know this sounds counterintuitive but hear me out. You want a person that has owned and taken care of their computer because they will be more likely to have it in good condition. Also, personal information is less at risk if something happens because it’s not as easy for someone who doesn’t know you or your habits to steal personal data from your computer.
However, there are some risks when buying from a stranger, so make sure these things don’t happen:
● They won’t let you test the laptop before buying (you can always do this after)
● The price seems too low or too high compared with other listings on Craigslist or eBay (this could mean they either aren’t selling it themselves and are just trying to scam you, or they are trying their luck on getting rid of an old machine)
● They won’t give any warranty information (if they do provide one, then ask about how long it covers)
Best place to buy a second-hand laptop
● The best place to buy a used laptop is on eBay. You can usually find a wide selection at reasonable prices, and many sellers will offer you additional benefits such as free shipping, a return policy, and warranties.
● Amazon is also great for getting your hands on a second-hand laptop. The marketplace offers plenty of options for you to choose from, and many sellers will give you their own warranty, too, so it is worth shopping around before buying anything online here!
● Craigslist is another one of my favorite places where I’ve been able to find some great deals on old laptops before upgrading them with new parts or just doing basic maintenance work like cleaning up the fan inside or replacing damaged keys in order for them to function better than ever before! This site offers local listings based on where you live, so be sure not to miss out by checking it out today!
What to do after buying a second-hand laptop?
Once you have decided to buy a second-hand laptop, make sure that it is properly tested and checked.
After buying a second-hand laptop, check if the warranty is intact. If not, ask for a discount on your purchase so you can get one from the manufacturer.
Check for physical damage such as broken screens or ports, software issues like malware infections, or operating system issues like viruses, slow internet speed, etc.
Also, look for hardware issues such as hard drive failure or memory problems. You can also check your laptop’s battery and other ports to see if they are working properly.
Pros and Cons of Buying a Used Laptop
Like any other thing, buying a used laptop has pros and cons. Let’s look at them.
Pros:
● Money saving: A new laptop can cost anywhere from $600 to $1,000, depending on its features. If you’re looking for something cheaper, you’ll find plenty of second-hand options for less than $300.
● Better specs than new models: Because newer laptops come out with better features, like 4K displays and USB Type-C ports, older laptops are usually still pretty competitive with new ones in terms of performance and storage space — even if they’re not quite as fast or as nice to look at.
● Accessories. If you buy new, you’ll need to spend money on software and accessories like antivirus software, etc. When buying used, you might be able to get these things included with your purchase or at least at a lower cost than if you purchased them separately from scratch.
Cons:
● The batteries in older laptops don’t hold as much charge as they did when new, so you may have to replace them with a new battery or purchase an external charger for the device.
● If you’re buying a used laptop that’s not been refurbished, it may have problems with viruses or malware that were on the original owner’s computer. You should run an antivirus scan on your new machine before using it.
● You don’t know what kind of wear and tear your model has endured through its previous owners’ hands. It may seem like an easy fix at first glance, but there could be hidden damages that make your model useless after just a few months on the market.
Final Thoughts
Buying an old and refurbished laptop is not a bad idea. However, you need to be sure and check the laptop thoroughly before purchasing it. Therefore, test the software and the hardware as well. Happy purchasing!