How to Shop for a Used Computer or Peripherals

If you've got your computer and are looking for a usable one for your kids--or if the kids want a computer for you so they can keep the good one to themselves--save big and buy a used machine. Hundreds of computers go on sale daily on Internet auction sites.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Ask your most tech-savvy friend to shop with you.

2. Follow a half-dozen online auctions of used systems and note what people were willing to pay. Unfortunately, there's no unbiased, reputable source for used computer prices.

3. Give the computer a thorough physical inspection to ensure it's not damaged. Then turn it on and run it; be alert for obvious glitches. Insist on doing this yourself, rather than watching the seller do it.

4. Make sure that the sale includes the original operating system software discs and manuals. Get the manuals, discs and licenses for any software applications and fonts on the computer.

5. Be careful not to overpay, since older computers depreciate fast as lightning. It doesn't matter how much the seller paid for it; the important thing is how much it's worth now. Be brutal.

6. Don't buy used printers, scanners or disk drives unless you know exactly what you're doing. These peripherals have moving parts that inevitably wear out or break down.

Tips & Warnings

• Refurbished computers from major manufacturers can be a good alternative. They're cheaper than new but generally carry a full warranty.
• Hundreds of thousands of laptops are stolen every year. Use common sense to avoid buying a hot machine.