How to Buy Laptop Computers at Discount Prices

Laptops are expensive but in many cases they are a necessity. A laptop gives you the freedom to move around and work anywhere you choose. You can take your work or pleasure to a hotel, a coffee shop, in your own back yard or even camping. In a few simple steps, you will learn how to shop for the best discount laptops for half the price of retail stores.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Check local newspapers or penny saver ads. These tools are designed to bring people together to purchase and trade various items. You can even find newer laptops in the newspaper for $200 to $300 dollars. Sometimes, when people sell their stuff in the newspaper, they need to make money quickly. This can save you money on your new laptop.

2. Check online peer to peer locations. Craigslist or eBay are fantastic resources to find discount prices on a laptop. Craigslist offers you people around your own community to bargain with and find something locally. This is a great way to be able to test the product out before you buy your new laptop. eBay, on-the-other-hand offers a bidding system. There are millions of older and newer laptops for sale. If you do not mind waiting for an auction to end, mostly between three to five days, then this may be the perfect opportunity for you.

3. Locate computer stores and dealers in your local area. Sometimes computer stores have returns that they cannot sell as new. This would be perfect for you to find discount prices on a brand new laptop. Other stores may offer mail-in rebates or refurbished products. A refurbished laptop usually means that it was broken and fixed by the manufacturer or the company in which you are buying the product from.

4. Find discount laptop stores on the Internet. There are several places that you can explore to find the best deals possible. Computer Geeks offers discount laptops that have been refurbished. The starting prices on their laptops are only $300. Overstock offers discount laptops. Some are refurbished while others are not. Their starting price is only $400. Laptop Outlet may be your one-stop solution. They have all sorts of different computers for you to choose from. Their starting price is around $400 as well and they offer warranties on most of their products.

Tips & Warnings

• Check the laptop thoroughly when you buy a laptop from a peer to peer location. Since these are usually “as is” sales, before you put your money down, check the laptop for bumps, scrapes or cracks. Sometimes these can lead to major problems. Also, ask to turn on the laptop and check it before you give the person your money. Even if you are unfamiliar with computers, you can still get some type of idea if the computer suits your needs.
• If at all possible, you may wish to take a friend who knows computers well to inspect it before you purchase the laptop.
• If you purchase your laptop on eBay or another auction site, check the ad for a return policy. Most people on eBay are reputable and will hold up their end of the bargain. However, make sure you understand their return policy before placing a bid. Ask any questions you may have before bidding as well. Buying from eBay you have protection rights and if something is wrong with the laptop, you can fight to receive your money back.
• When buying a refurbished laptop, see if there is some type of warranty. If you are able to purchase an extended warranty, you may wish to do this as well. Most refurbished items last for a very long time, but it is always better to be safe than sorry.

Resources

• Craigslist
• eBay
• Computer Geeks
• Overstock
• Laptop Outlet