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Home » Computers And Internet Articles » Used Computers Desktopslaptops What To Look For

Used Computers (Desktops/Laptops)– What To Look For?

Nowadays desktops and laptops are much more durable and dependable that they were just five years ago. Therefore, buying a used or refurbished computer is becoming more of a trend.

Suppliers replace their computers on average every 6 months and companies frequently upgrade their equipment. Buying one of these used or refurbished computers can save you a lot of money while still using a quite up to date technology. This is even more relevant if you are not a heavy user (i.e. most of your time on a computer is spent online, you may use a few standard applications once in a while). Even modestly priced computers will more than suffice for these types of demand.

Thinking about buying a used or refurbished desktop or laptop?

Buying a computer is not at all an easy job, one has look get detailed information of the available computers of good and reputed brands. One must take into consideration the size, color, configurations, features etc... While your computer should correspond to your personality and lifestyle, you should always keep in mind the reputation of the brand in the market. Brand counts a lot; you can render good service by the manufacturer if your computer is damaged.

Important handy Tips before buying a computer...

* Verify if the brand is reputed and always buy a good reputed brand. Read about customer service experience for that specific computer issues
* Check the warranty/guarantee of the computer (seek out computers which still have warranty/guarantee remaining)
* Compare the price of the new model in the market with what price your buying your used computer, try to get the best bargain. i.e. a two year old computer should not be bought for more than half of its original price.
* Check if the computer is outdated (if out of production it is difficult to get spare parts)
* Is the operating system current (Windows Vista/Windows Xp). Earlier versions probably run slower (windows 2000) and would not be advisable unless your needs are limited (i.e. web surfing, Word...). In any event, stay away with computers running on Windows 98 (granted you don't find many anymore). Also be aware of Windows Vista. Many users are reverting back to XP and that is even more obvious in the corporate world. Why? Vista looks nice but doesn't bring many technical improvements; therefore IT managers are not willing to implement something new when what they have works just fine. Some domestic users just don't like the new way of navigation within the Vista Operating System.
* Check if the configuration of the computer you are buying is good.
* Check the speed of the processor. If possible start the computer and see how long it takes to fully turn on. If its slow just turning on, imagine the lack of speed once you start adding software..

Additional Tips for laptops

* Is the battery life good? (search for the computers with a very good battery backup (2 hours minimum).
* Check for the screen size of the computer your buying and see to it that it is not exceeding the Normal (normally the screen size should be between 15-17). Less than that generally translates in older computers and increases the chance of age failure. Once the screen breaks, you are often better of changing the whole computer.
* Review the connectivity of the computer (Network, USB, Video, Audio...) look to it that it has a good connectivity including wireless
* Check out the weight. Ensure the computer is light enough for you to carry (light 7pounds)

Where to buy used computers:

* Online auctions. Pro: Often offer the best prices. Cons: Cannot validate the accuracy of the described item. No warranty. Tip 1: Some companies will offer warranty for up to two years, the cost is about 12 of the purchase price. Tip2: Buy from sellers with great feedback, do not hesitate to contact the seller with questions prior to bidding
* Online marketplaces: Pro: Set prices and quantities - Sometime warranty is available. Cons: Prices can vary a lot, do your homework
* Craiglist.com Contacting sellers on Craiglist.com in your local area gives you a chance to meet with the owner and physically test the computer before the purchase

Where to buy refurbished computers:

Refurbished computers can be a great way to buy as they have warranties and are generally sold by manufacturers or companies affiliated with them.

* Manufacturers websites will tell you how to buy directly from them or from their authorized sellers. Pros: Warranty, established companies. Cons: Prices are higher than regular auctions (you pay more for peace of mind)

Buying a used or refurbished computer can be a great way to save money. If you use some of the advice discussed above you can avoid many pitfalls. One last thing concerning laptops, make sure you have a good bag to protect your computer from a fatal accident. Your bag should be big enough for a 17 inch screen computer as it is rapidly becoming the norm, you will probably change your computer within a few years, the bag you may keep a lot longer.

Good Buy!

And here is another random article you might be interested in...

Keeping Your Payday Loans Secure

A person who obtains a payday loan for the first time need not have butterflies in his stomach. Getting a payday loan is relatively simple and fast, especially if a person submits an application online. Completing an online application takes between two to six minutes, depending on how fast a person reads and types... Online payday loan companies require loan applicants to complete an online application form. Based on the information disclosed in the application form, the lender will determine whether the applicant is qualified for a payday loan or not. Most lenders collect information about potential clients from four sources:

1. The information provided by the application on the online form, such as years or months of employment and the monthly wage.

2. The data regarding the client's transactions with the lender such as the amounts previously loaned and payments made.

3. The record of the client's transactions with other companies or lenders, such as whether the client has applied for other payday loans or not.

4. The report from a consumer agency, but this report is not about the client's credit history.

Some people, however, are dubious about the privacy and confidentiality of submitting their information online. This is because there are unscrupulous hackers who steal information for their own selfish purposes.

To prevent any violation of privacy, online lenders have installed comprehensive and tight security measures. Such measures are meant to keep the confidentiality and integrity of the information provided by an applicant. One of these security measures is called the 128-bit SSL encryption technology. SSL stands for Secure Socket Layer. The SSL ensures that any data transmitted from one computer to another cannot be viewed publicly by anyone.

Another security measure is, of course, the client's username and password. With such, no other person will have access to the client's personal account. This means that no one else can use and exploit the personal account. But with this security measure, the client must also do his part. That is, he must not divulge such information to anyone or make a public computer remember his username and password.

For the part of the lenders, they usually do not pass on information about you to other entities or people, except when the law requires them to do so. This is when lenders report their financial status to authorized government agencies. The lenders will certainly not show that Mr. X borrowed more money than Mr. Y.

Lenders also install electronic safeguards to prevent other online companies from obtaining the client's contact information, and to hinder such companies from sending you proposals and advertisements about their products and services.

And lastly, when a person no longer utilizes the loan services of the lender, the information about this former customer will remain confidential, unless again, when the lender is required by law to disclose such information.

A person who wants to take a payday loan for the first time need not worry about his credit history because the payday loan lender will no longer conduct any credit investigation. This means that if the applicant has issued bouncing checks or declared bankruptcy in the past, he will still be eligible for a payday loan. The few requirements are these:

1. Must be 18 years old and above
2. Must have a current job or receive a regular income
3. Must have a minimum wage of $1,000
4. Must maintain a checking account

Once a person meets the requirements listed above, the next he will need to find out is the amount that he is qualified to borrow. Such amount will depend on his income. This implies that a person usually cannot borrow more than his income. This is the lender's way of ensuring that the borrower is able to pay the loan.

Once the loan application is approved, a representative of the lending company will contact the borrower either by phone or by email. The representative or customer service personnel will confirm several loan details and will answer any other questions that the borrower may have. The borrower is now considered a client. And this usually happens within a day.

A few lenders will require the client to submit via fax or email attachment some documents (such as driver's license) so that the client may show proof of his employment. But most lenders have other more convenient ways. That is, they do not ask the client to fax anything.

The client usually receives the amount he loaned during the next business day. That is, if the application was submitted Wednesday, the client's bank account usually gets a deposit overnight or early Thursday. If the application was submitted on Friday, the deposit is received on Monday.

The payment for the loan is often deducted from the client's bank account on the day of his payday. This payment will consist of the loan and of the interest. The amount charged for the interest will vary from one lender to another. As a first time borrower, one of the best courses to take is to research which lender will offer the least interest and the best deal.

For more information or more questions, the first time borrower may contact the lender's toll-free customer service hotlines.