| Nowadays desktops and laptops are much more | | | | the processor. If possible start the computer |
| durable and dependable that they were just | | | | and see how long it takes to fully turn on. |
| five years ago. Therefore, buying a used or | | | | If its slow just turning on, imagine the lack |
| refurbished computer is becoming more of a | | | | of speed once you start adding software.. |
| trend. Suppliers replace their computers on | | | | Additional Tips for laptops * Is the battery |
| average every 6 months and companies | | | | life good? (search for the computers with a |
| frequently upgrade their equipment. Buying | | | | very good battery backup). * Check for the |
| one of these used or refurbished computers | | | | screen size of the computer your buying and |
| can save you a lot of money while still using | | | | see to it that it is not exceeding the Normal |
| a quite up to date technology. This is even | | | | (normally the screen size should be between |
| more relevant if you are not a heavy user | | | | 15-17). Less than that generally translates |
| (i.e. most of your time on a computer is | | | | in older computers and increases the chance |
| spent online, you may use a few standard | | | | of age failure. Once the screen breaks, you |
| applications once in a while). Even modestly | | | | are often better of changing the whole |
| priced computers will more than suffice for | | | | computer. * Review the connectivity of the |
| these types of demand. Thinking about buying | | | | computer (Network, USB, Video, Audio...) look |
| a used or refurbished desktop or laptop? | | | | to it that it has a good connectivity |
| Buying a computer is not at all an easy job, | | | | including wireless. * Check out the weight. |
| one has look get detailed information of the | | | | Ensure the computer is light enough for you |
| available computers of good and reputed | | | | to carry. * More details at Where to buy |
| brands. One must take into consideration the | | | | used computers: * Online auctions. Pro: Often |
| size, color, configurations, features etc... | | | | offer the best prices. Cons: Cannot validate |
| While your computer should correspond to your | | | | the accuracy of the described item. No |
| personality and lifestyle, you should always | | | | warranty. Tip 1: Some companies will offer |
| keep in mind the reputation of the brand in | | | | warranty for up to two years, the cost is |
| the market. Brand counts a lot; you can | | | | about 12% to 18% of the purchase price. Tip2: |
| render good service by the manufacturer if | | | | Buy from sellers with great feedback, do not |
| your computer is damaged. Important handy | | | | hesitate to contact the seller with questions |
| Tips before buying a computer... * Verify if | | | | prior to bidding. * Online marketplaces: Pro: |
| the brand is reputed and always buy a good | | | | Set prices and quantities - Sometime warranty |
| reputed brand. Read about customer service | | | | is available. Cons: Prices can vary a lot, do |
| experience for that specific computer issues. | | | | your homework. * Contacting sellers on in |
| * Check the warranty/guarantee of the | | | | your local area gives you a chance to meet |
| computer (seek out computers which still have | | | | with the owner and physically test the |
| warranty/guarantee remaining) * Compare the | | | | computer before the purchase Where to buy |
| price of the new model in the market with | | | | refurbished computers: Refurbished computers |
| what price your buying your used computer, | | | | can be a great way to buy as they have |
| try to get the best bargain. i.e. a two year | | | | warranties and are generally sold by |
| old computer should not be bought for more | | | | manufacturers or companies affiliated with |
| than half of its original price. * Check if | | | | them. * Manufacturers websites will tell you |
| the computer is outdated (if out of | | | | how to buy directly from them or from their |
| production it is difficult to get spare | | | | authorized sellers. Pros: Warranty, |
| parts) * Is the operating system current | | | | established companies. Cons: Prices are |
| (Windows Vista/Windows Xp). Earlier versions | | | | higher than regular auctions (you pay more |
| probably run slower (windows 2000) and would | | | | for peace of mind) Buying a used or |
| not be advisable unless your needs are | | | | refurbished computer can be a great way to |
| limited (i.e. web surfing, Word...). In any | | | | save money. If you use some of the advice |
| event, stay away with computers running on | | | | discussed above you can avoid many pitfalls. |
| Windows 98 (granted you don't find many | | | | One last thing concerning laptops, make sure |
| anymore). Also be aware of Windows Vista. | | | | you have a good bag to protect your computer |
| Many users are reverting back to XP and that | | | | from a fatal accident. Your bag should be big |
| is even more obvious in the corporate world. | | | | enough for a 17 inch screen computer as it is |
| Why? Vista looks nice but doesn't bring many | | | | rapidly becoming the norm, you will probably |
| technical improvements; therefore IT managers | | | | change your computer within a few years, the |
| are not willing to implement something new | | | | bag you may keep a lot longer. Good Buy! |
| when what they have works just fine. Some | | | | |
| domestic users just don't like the new way of | | | | Christophe Catesson - Communication Manager |
| navigation within the Vista Operating System. | | | | for A source of unbiased information on |
| * Check if the configuration of the computer | | | | laptops/notebooks. |
| you are buying is good. * Check the speed of | | | | |