Secrets in the Buying of Fairly-Used Laptops
If you are considering buying a laptop then getting a new one may not be a bad idea but the option for the buying of fairly-used laptops may arise due to insufficient money to buy the new one. It is not bad to purchase a fairly-used laptop for your personal use the challenges involve are why it is not usually advisable.
There are many reasons buying a used laptop could be risky especially if you are not knowledgeable in the ICT sector. Here are a few reasons why the idea may not be approved if you are not knowledgeable about computers:
Hidden Problems
The laptop may be having hidden problems which the owner may not like to disclose. This includes:
Motherboard problem causing non-notified offing of the laptop while using it.
Hard Disk problems causing slow and unstable operations.
Processor problem causing slow response time.
Outdated software that needs renewal or upgrade.
Overheating problems due to damaged cooling fan.
Unnoticed damaged components such CD-ROM, wireless connections adapter, and lots more.
Other Problems
The laptop IP address may be on Blacklist for fraud activities.
The laptop may be a stolen property that could put you in trouble.
Why Many Still Prefer the Fairly-Used laptops Despite Mentioned Risks
Despite all the listed challenges of buying used laptops, the advantage of affordability seems highly preferred by many. The high cost of new laptops are very discouraging for those with little financial strength.
What you should look out for when buying used laptop
Having read the associated risks involve with buying a fairly-used laptop, it is necessary for you to be aware and look into those mentioned risks one at a time.
You should not be in a hurry when buying any fairly-used laptop. The need to take critical look into every aspect of the laptop from functionalities of the various units to the software security and integrity of the laptop before buying. This will include making inquiries on the previous uses of the laptop.
The importance of the above checks is what many considered before opting to spend huge money in buying new laptops. So it is a necessity to know the exact worth of the laptop you are buying when it has already been used.
Now you have decided on buying the fairly used laptop let us take you through the technical means of identifying the various areas you need to look into before making payments.
How To Check For Bad Hard Disk in a LapTop
To know if the hard Disk in the laptop is okay, you need to turn the laptop ON and allow it to boot in its normal way. Observe every signal while it is booting. A laptop with bad hard disk usually have problems while booting which includes running into a repair/resetting/recovery mode, extreme slow booting, and lots more.
How To Check For cooling fan/motherboard problems in a LapTop
Due to the risk and cost of repairing motherboard problems you need to be sure the laptop has no such problem. To check for this problem, time the laptop from the time you turned it ON, place your hand at the cooling fan section. If you noticed sudden heat buildup within a short time of switching it on, then know its sign of motherboard problem. If you cannot hear the sound of the cooling fan or any sign of it working it is another sign to note. Another sign of motherboard problem is sudden shutdown of the laptop without notice even when the battery has enough power or the power cord is actually supplying the required power to the laptop.
How To Check For Bad CD-ROM in a Laptop
Detecting bad CD-ROM is very simple. Just press the eject button to see if it can open. If it can open, then insert a CD-ROM in it and see if you can read the content of the CD in the Laptop through the folder CD-ROM.
How To Check For Bad Processor in a LapTop
The evidence of bad processor can be seen from the speed of the software in the laptop. This has to do with how fast each folder opens and how fast each command are executed. By simply operating the software in the laptop you can tell if it has good processor or not.
How To Check For if Software is Expired in a LapTop
Some window versions needs upgrading, some Microsoft software need upgrading, others such as browsers, and lots more. Note, that some of the software will require you to pay for the upgrading. So check each of the important software to ensure they are up to date.
Conclusion
Having known these little secrets before buying any used laptop, try and share with friends and use the comment section to share your opinion.