Sunday, December 20, 2009

Looking At Used Computers - Tips When Buying One

By Adriana Noton

If you are thinking about getting a computer you might be considering used computers - tips when buying one. There are many reasons you might want to buy a used computer but money is probably at the top of the list.

Perhaps you are starting a business and your budget is not set for brand new computer equipment. Or you might be going to school and need a computer but do not have the money for a new one.

Let us face it, computers brand new out of the box are expensive. If you can save a thousand bucks on a used one then why not? You are not alone in this thinking. The used computer business is booming now that people are losing their jobs and have less money to spend. You do not want to make a financial mistake however. It would cost you more to have to replace a used computer with another one if you get a defective one when trying to save money.

So here are some tips. You want to stay with the major brand of computers when looking at the used ones out there. The better known the brand the easier you will be able to get replacement parts. And the computer might still have a warranty on it. You might be able to replace broken parts at no cost or a small cost if the warranty is still in effect. But you may have also heard about refurbished computers.

This is a computer that has been refurbished, usually by the manufacturer, with new components. These computers also come with a warranty of some sort although not as long or extensive as it did when it was brand new. Refurbished computers might be more expensive than used computers but are less expensive than a brand new computer.

When checking a used computer make sure it boot up properly along with all the programs and software. Most computers will have a problem with booting up and you will be able to see this quickly. You want to make sure the mouse is working, the monitor and the keyboard, especially on a laptop.

Make sure the video and sound devices and graphics work correctly. You also do not want to buy a stolen computer so ask for the software documents and proper licenses of the computer. The reputable computer dealer will give you a few days to take the computer and examine it to see if it is working in good condition.

Take the computer home and use it. Examine it for any problems. You can even take it to a friend who knows about computers and let him look at it for you. Remember used computers are good buys only if it does for you what you bought it for. If you have to replace it because it does not function correctly you can be out money and time. - 22787

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