When buying a second hand laptop you can get a good deal as you not only save a lot of money, you also sometimes get a better specification at a comparatively lower price. But, you need to consider a few things before the final buyout to prevent the risks of buying a used device that’s not worth it.
The article explains different ways, from inspecting the device to researching the processor cores to identifying storage capacity so that you buy an excellent computer that works flawlessly in the long run.
Inspect the Device Externally
If you purchase the device offline, you get the opportunity to see and inspect it carefully to check for scratches or scuffs on the outer body, and most importantly make sure the laptop turns on.
Check for loose hinges, missing screws, and similar things that can impact your purchase decision. Make sure that the entire frame and rear panel of the laptop are in good condition, as you never want to buy a second-hand laptop that looks like it has been for too long.
Get Sufficient RAM
Purchasing a laptop, even if you are getting a second-hand one, is a significant decision as you cannot buy a new one every week. The device you purchase must meet all basic standards so that you can work uninterruptedly for longer hours.
RAM is one such thing that decides the performance of the computer in the long run. Make sure to purchase at least 4 GB RAM if you are dealing with mid-range tasks. And you should opt for more than 6 GB for demanding processes. However, if you’re going to be playing AAA games consider no less than 8GB RAM, while 16GB would be best.
You may be surprised: how much RAM do I need for Warzone
Check Screen Display
The screen is another major component that you should test carefully before buying the device as you cannot replace it easily. Plug on the laptop or computer to check if the screen features any blemishes, pixelated images, or if it flickers constantly.
You can open a file with a light background as it will help you spot dead pixels, colour variations, or other anomalies. Also, check if the resolution quality is up-to-the-mark.
Check Storage Capacity
You can be flexible with other computer specifications, but not with the laptop’s storage and memory needs. If you are looking for 500 GB of storage space, make sure to navigate to system settings to check for the storage specifications in real-time.
On a Windows computer, click on Start, go to Settings, select System, and tap Storage. To see storage on mac computers, click on the Apple menu, select About This Mac, and tap on the Storage tab to check the drive specifications.
Decide Laptop Size
When buying a gaming laptop, or new everyday laptop you get a variety of options from 13-inches to 17-inches. If you are buying it for office work, screen size matters a lot as a small screen will stress your eyes.
However, if you need a portable laptop that you can carry to school or the office, then 13-inches makes sense. So, before you purchase a laptop, check the actual screen size without bezels for satisfaction.
Research Model & Make
Thorough research on the model and the serial number will help you filter out things in general. Check out four to five laptop models like those from Acer or ASUS or other brands you are looking to purchase. It will give you a clear picture of the specifications and other stuff that you need on your laptop.
When you go to a local retailer, you can ask for the model number and can search online for the same. This will help you save time and energy. You can also visit brands online like Razer, and before you ask. Razer is a good brand for powerful and sleek laptops. But Razer does not do budget laptops all their options are high quality packing in the latest hardware and features.
Check the Battery
Since the latest laptops do not have replaceable batteries, make sure to check the battery health to ensure your gaming laptop lasts longer. When you are buying a second-hand laptop, run it for 10 to 15 minutes as it will give you a good idea of its longevity. Also, inspect the adapter and the cord to check for damage.
Anyways, you can invest a little more in purchasing a new charger. But checking things at your end will help you to set up the right price for the device.
Check Keyboard and Touchpad
When buying a laptop, you must check if the keyboard and touchpad are working appropriately to avoid replacing them later, which will need spending extra bucks.
Open a Word document and start typing to check keyboard performance. You can press all the keys one by one to find out if all of them work properly. Also, check if the touchpad is in good condition and both left, and right-click buttons are working efficiently.
What Else?
Apart from the above-mentioned methods to check for laptop reliability factors makes sure to do some basic tests as below:
- Test all the ports to check if they are working fine.
- Turn on the computer and use it for at least 10 minutes.
- Examine the webcam to check its quality and functionality.
- Connect headphones and play an audio track to listen to a song.
- Play a video to check that screen and internal speakers work properly.
Conclusion
So, there you have it, everything you need to know before buying a second-hand laptop. Whether that be a second laptop for work or a second-hand Razer gaming laptop to play your favourite games on.
Just remember, always do your research, ask the right questions and do the proper checks long before handing over your hard-earned cash. And if you don’t want to go through all of that hassle, just subscribe to my email list, and we’ll do the hard work for you. We’ll find the best deals on pre-owned laptops and notify you as soon as they become available. Stay tuned!
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