What to Look for When Buying a Used Laptop Computer
Buying a used laptop can be a risky proposition. Some laptop components are less durable, so you'll need to pay close attention to whether they're in proper working order. These components include the screen, keyboard and battery, as well as wired and Wi-Fi network cards. Having some basic knowledge of these components and doing your homework can help ensure you'll purchase a durable, good quality computer.
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Screen Condition
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A laptop screen is one of the most expensive components to replace. Check the casing surrounding the screen for cracks. Identify any dark or light spots, overall dimness, scratches or dead pixels, which display in black, indicating they're unlit when they should display colors. Small dead pixel areas in one corner may not prove a major problem, but a dim screen when the laptop is plugged in may indicate that its cold cathode fluorescent lamp (CCFL) bulb is on the verge of dying.
Older laptops utilize CCFL bulbs to backlight the screen, while newer machines use strips of Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs). A dim CCFL bulb can also indicate a possible defect with the inverter, the electrical device within the laptop that converts direct current (DC) from the battery into alternating current (AC) used to power the machine. Ensure any identifiable deficiencies don't affect the laptop's overall performance.
Overall Appearance
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Check the hinges and for cracks or missing sections in the casing. Weak hinges may cause the liquid crystal display (LCD) screen to appear erratic. Missing pieces of plastic or cracks may indicate careless use, possibly from a former owner dropping the laptop. This could mean the motherboard, hard drive or optical drive also have issues.
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Keyboard Issues
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While checking for missing keys, make sure the keyboard isn't tacky to the touch and the keys don't stick. Also check to make sure there's no residue of any kind in the spaces between the keys. This could indicate a liquid spill, which means the laptop is not a wise purchase.
Battery Life
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Battery power needs to be checked in used laptops since these batteries can be expected to go bad in approximately two to three years. Businesses selling used computer equipment generally upgrade the laptop battery if an issue is indicated as part of the refurbishment process. Private resellers, however, may not pay attention to this detail. If the battery is on its way out, have the seller replace the battery or discount the price of the laptop to reflect the need for a replacement.
Internet Connectivity
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Make sure the laptop connects to the Internet. Some laptops have small switches on one side to put them in wireless mode. If such a switch is present, make certain it works properly and is in good condition. If it does not, that is an indication that the laptop is not a good candidate for purchase. In addition, laptops require a working Wi-Fi or wired network card that provides the Internet connection. The network card may be internal or external. If the laptop doesn't have a working network card, it's best to look elsewhere.
Power Jack and USB Ports
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Insert the laptop's AC adapter to ascertain that the unit receives sufficient power. Ensure that any Bluetooth and all USB ports are intact and working properly. Many input plugs and sockets directly attach to the motherboard, which can prove very costly to replace.
Booting the Laptop
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Turn on the laptop. Watch and listen to its response. Any loud noises or grinding sounds -- or unusually long waits before reaching the Windows greeting -- could be bad signs. Read any messages on the screen to check for errors, as well as notifications regarding a possible spyware or virus infestation.
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