Cheap Used Laptops

Learn Where to Shop for a Bargain

Lea Barton
While the price of laptops has dropped over the years, buying a laptop can still put a dent in your wallet. Looking for cheap used laptops? Price is an issue, but so is quality, performance, endurance, and warranty. Knowing where to shop, which sellers to trust, and how to get a durable computer is key to success.

Start by shopping locally. Check your Yellow Pages for local computer dealers who sell cheap used laptops. Many of these resellers buy laptops from individuals, reformat and refurbish, and sell good as new products to the public. You can also put in specific requests, if you're willing to wait. For instance, if you want a specific used laptop, such as a Mac, HP, or Dell, and a specific model, the local reseller can call you when they get that particular computer in stock.

Move on to online options. There's always CraigsList, which is awash with cheap used laptops, but the risk is high. Most individual sellers are trustworthy, but might not understand issues with their used laptop.

eBay offers an array of choices for buying cheap used laptops. Stick to power sellers, and only those power sellers who offer warranties. Many power sellers buy used laptops in bulk from corporations or government agencies and refurbish the laptops, using dead laptops for spare parts for the functional computers. These resellers know their product, and offer solid 90-day warranties for parts and service.

Most eBay sellers also sell directly to the public via their own websites. Adelia Computers, Laptop Closeouts, and Electro Computer Warehouse are three examples of such resellers of cheap used laptops. These resellers sell hundreds, if not thousands, of used laptops each week, and are very skilled in meeting customer needs.

Buying directly from a large reseller is generally the best choice for value, reliability, and service. When searching for cheap used laptops, always use a credit card that has buyer protection or even an extended warranty option (such as American Express). Refurbished laptops are usually as dependable as new, but the added warranty is peace of mind for bargain shoppers.

Cheap used laptops are a great choice for a variety of computer users, from kids to students to seniors getting their feet wet in the computing world. With discounts of forty to seventy percent off retail prices, buying used makes financial sense. Shopping for used computers is also eco-friendly; while the computer itself isn't green, your purchase of cheap used laptops is environmentally friendly and helps reduce toxic waste from computer recycling.

Published by Lea Barton

Published in newspapers, magazines, newsletters, on websites, and in academic reference guides since 1986, I have more than 2,000 articles, reviews, and columns as part of my portfolio.  View profile

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