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