Sometimes, the only option you have is to buy a used laptop, especially if you're operating on a limited budget. Usually, you'll get a good machine at half the original price. It's a practical option if you badly need a laptop but do not have the budget to get a new one.
However, you might need to thoroughly check the machine before deciding to purchase it, as there might be some hidden problems that would persist in the future. Beware of very cheap units as they might have broken hardware.
When buying a used laptop, it is wise to have someone who is knowledgeable about devices. But in case you have to make the purchase by yourself, here's an outline of some of the things that you have to keep in mind when buying a used laptop.
1. You Should Inspect the Laptop's Body
It is better to buy a used laptop in person than online. One benefit of having this transaction is you will be able to check the machine before your purchase. Check the laptop thoroughly before deciding to buy it. Check for cracks in the laptop's frame as well for signs of impact. Cracks could mean the laptop probably hit some hard surfaces, which means possible damage to the internal parts, as per Make Tech Easier. You should also check for missing screws, and loose hinges.
2. You Should Check the Screen Condition of the Laptop
Aside from the body, the screen is another important part of a laptop. Make sure that there are no cracks and scratches on the laptop's screen. Make sure to turn on the laptop to check the screen's condition. Check for flickering, discoloration, brightness, flash spots, and bad pixels. You might encounter instances when there are red, blue, or greenish lines across the screen. You might not want to proceed with the purchase in this case, as it means there are broken cables on the monitor.
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3. You Should Test the Keyboards and Trackpad of the Laptop
Other key parts of the laptop are the keyboards and the trackpad. You use it for typing and for navigating, that's why it is important that they are functioning well without a broken key. Check all the keys and make sure none of them are broken. Try to type a few sentences and try to feel if you are comfortable with the keyboards. Check the gestures supported by the trackpad as well; make sure the trackpad responds to the motion of your fingers.
4. You Should Check the Battery Health of the Laptop
One of the key considerations in buying a used laptop is its battery life. Since the battery's health declines over time, it will be wise to run a battery health check before buying a used laptop, as per MUO. To run a battery health check, simply do the following steps if you're buying a Windows laptop:
- In the Windows 10 search bar, just type "cmd"
- Right-click on the Command Prompt app, and click Run as administrator.
- Just type "powercfg/batteryreport" and press enter.
5. You Should Check the Health of the Laptop's Hard Drive
The hard drive is one of the essential hardware of a laptop. It is where you save all your files and applications. A faulty hard drive can cause problems in the future, such as computer crashes. Therefore, it is important that the hard drive of the laptop that you're planning to purchase is in good condition. Consider using third-party software like CrystalDiskInfo to check the health of the laptop's hard drive.
Related Article: How to Buy a Second-Hand Laptop: A Few Things to Watch Out to Avoid Getting Scammed
