Buying Cheap Used Laptops

Frankly it is not advisable to buy cheap used laptops but who's to say one can't?

If you find yourself needing to have a portable data processor with limited budget, it would help to know that with just around $500, you can get a brand new unit with installed windows 7, large hard drive, DVD player/recorder, built in USB, etc.

What are the chances of getting a good, low-priced deal?

Here's a basic pricing scheme:

For $500, you can get a brand new unit with factory and retailer rebates with the latest CPU, a 250 GB to 500 GB hard drive, USB 2.0, built in wireless 802.11G or N, a DVD/CD player/burner and a new warranty. A good place to comparison shop major brands is Amazon.

For $399-$499, you can get cheap second-hand laptops not less than a year old with featured specifications even better than newer models like a light business model with licensed Microsoft Office version. This isn't such a bad deal.

For $299-$399, you can shop for NetBooks instead of getting the lowest priced new Compaq. With this price range, don't settle for slow CPUs or RAM below 1 GB with a 100 GB+ hard drive and XP professional. You can opt for a model with installed Microsoft Office manufactured not more than 2 years ago so that the battery life is still strong.

$199-$299 can get you a reconditioned, older unit that is as good as the ones listed above and includes all the software.

For $99-$199, ask to test some cheap used laptops for a half hour and see if you find one you can use for the purpose you are buying it without any problems. If the store won't allow you, save your money another week and just buy a brand new unit.