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Great savings can be achieved by buying used laptops, however buyer beware – it can be difficult to judge if a part is about to fail, and hardware failures in laptops can be expensive, and sometimes uneconomic to repair.
So how can you tell if a laptop has a problem?
The easiest way, of course, is to switch it on. Listen for any odd noises during startup. If the disc drive has a problem, you may hear a harsh or grinding sound. This may indicate excessive wear.
Next, check the screen. The screen should be uniform. There should not be dark or light areas, or black pixels. Problems with the screen can be costly to repair.
Next, check the physical condition. Cracks and chips may indicate the laptop has been dropped.
Ideally, it is best if the laptop is still under a manufacturers warranty. Check that the warranty is transferable to you, and doesn’t just cover the original purchaser.
Where can you buy a used laptop online?
Here are a few reputable places to get you started:
- UsedLaptops.com
- Laptop Outlet.com – Includes refurbished laptops
- Ebay - some very cheap deals here.