How to Find an Inexpensive Wi-Fi Ready Laptop
Wi-Fi ready laptops contain the 802.11 b/g/n technology required to comply with IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers) wireless network standards. Finding a laptop that is equipped with Wi-Fi technology should not be too difficult as the overwhelming majority of laptops manufactured today already have this technology by default. The biggest task you'll have when looking for this type of laptop is establishing a budget so you won't spend more than you can afford.
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Instructions
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Decide whether you need to buy a new Wi-Fi ready laptop or whether you would be satisfied with a used device. Some retailers such as TigerDirect sell used, refurbished laptops that have been tested by the retailer; refurbished laptops are usually set at a lower price than new ones. Also decide whether you want a notebook computer or a netbook. Netbooks generally cost less than full-sized notebook computers and by definition are Wi-Fi ready; netbooks are also much smaller than notebook laptops.
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Search your local classified advertisements in newspapers and trading posts. Also search online classified ad sites such as Craigslist for an inexpensive laptop. You can find great deals on second-hand Wi-Fi ready laptops from private parties using these methods. Before you purchase a second-hand laptop, verify that it's Wi-Fi ready by turning it on and using the Wi-Fi function in front of the seller. This is also a good way to determine if the laptop works as it's supposed to and meets your standards for a good computer.
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Go to a local computer store that specializes in building, repairing and selling laptops and computers in general. This type of small retailer may be able to locate a good deal on a Wi-Fi ready laptop or may be able to build one from scratch with used or inexpensive parts.
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Visit websites of major national retailers such as WalMart, Best Buy and others to find an inexpensive Wi-Fi ready laptop. Use the filtering and searching functions on these websites to place the laptops in ascending/descending order starting with the least expensive unit. Alternatively, call these local retailers to inquire about in-store laptop prices; some retailers may price laptops lower in the store than on the company website.
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Find refurbished laptops and open box deals--working laptops that have been previously opened and may be missing user manuals, cables or other documentation--by searching websites such as TigerDirect.com and Newegg.com. When doing this, keep in mind that open box deals have an inherent risk and may have limited return policies.
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Tips & Warnings
Check with retailers about electronic trade-ins; some places such as Best Buy are known for giving you store credit for your working electronics in good condition.
Be careful about buying used laptops from private parties; you don't receive warranties with these items and must trust the seller that the laptop works correctly.
