Is buying a used laptop a good move?

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firebirdude

Member
Sep 9, 2004
192
5
81
I'm a total noob when it comes to laptops. I do know jack about the processor lines or anything. Anyway, thinking of picking up a CHEAP laptop. It will mainly be used for internet surfing and basic Office apps. I may play a cheesy game once in awhile. (Ski resort tycoon, Diner Dash, Insanaquirum, etc) I have a desktop that I love. So this will truely be for on-the-go use. Battery life is important. I'd like 3 hours minimum.

Anyway, between browsing online and my local circuit city... looks like I'd HAVE to spend $600 at the very least for a new one. And its probably nothing special, slow as hell. (Celeron M 410 and 440 I think) So I was wondering if I found someone on here or another forum selling a decent laptop for maybe $500... if this would be a good idea to snatch up? Thinking I may run the risk of the laptop being over-run with viruses and spyware. I've been through this with desktops and for some reason it always seemed once a PC was highly infected, even with a reformat wouldn't make it like new again. Makes no sense I know, be seriously. lol

And lastly, the display type. I don't know what its called.... some laptop screens have a matte finish on them like a desktop LCD. But some have an almost glass panel and seem to give a much brighter crisper picture. I've seen them on a lot of the Sony VIAOs for some reason. Anyone have any remote idea as to what I'm talking about? Because I sure don't.... lol
 
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Hemsky

Member
Feb 8, 2007
59
0
0
Make sure you get a warranty.

Also, the gloss finish is for looks only. I prefer the anti-glare screens because of, well, glare.
 
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justlnluck

Senior member
Jul 13, 2004
261
0
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I would recommend you check out the new Lenovo laptops at OfficeDepot. I'm looking for a laptop as well. They really surprised me with their build quality since I haven't heard much about them until now. I also haven't found another brand that matches the quality of their keyboard. Their keys are very deep and responsive compared to Gateway, Toshiba, Compaq, and HP. Some of Sony's feel good, but not this good.

Anyway, also check out OfficeMax. They are having a St Patrick's sale on a Toshiba laptop for $599.
 
S

soccerballtux

Lifer
Dec 30, 2004
12,553
2
76
You watch out and you can nab a Compaq with a Sempron for $300 base w/ rebates. Just make sure to fill out those rebates, I sat on mine for...ever...

Pay $100 to upgrade to 1GB of ram yourself, pay a little extra for the shiny screen upgrade and the battery upgrade to 12 cell if you want it, wireless etc, and the final deal is $450 + $100 for the newegg Ram. Good deal, and it's brand new. People may fuss about the 4200RPM 40GB HDD but it's fine. Just reformat all the Compaq crap off (make sure you have all the drivers you want first) and don't install anything that wants to be in your startup (or remove it when the program puts it there). Mine boots to a usable desktop far faster than my desktop with a 7200RPM drive.

If you're not in a huge hurry to buy one then you should be able to catch this deal again.
 
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MercenaryForHire

Lifer
Jan 31, 2002
40,819
2
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The local Future Shop and Staples (Canadian stores) have clearance models for under $600 Canadian, and they're generally Core Solo or Pentium M models. Example - Core Solo 1.86GHz, 512MB, 60GB, DVDRW, 13.3" WXGA. CDN$600, two year warranty.

I've been looking at used laptops, trying to justify saving a few bucks. But when I can pick up something like that, and get a four-year in-store warranty at no cost thanks to Mr. Visa Platinum, it's hard to do.

But thanks to the pace of technology, I always have an excuse to keep waiting. Just tell yourself to hold off for Santa Rosa/Centrino Pro. :p

- M4H
 
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thegorx

Senior member
Dec 10, 2003
451
0
0
Good used laptop at a reasonable price are hard to come by
A few years ago I got a refurbished sony laptop it's work great and I'd never sell it. I wouldn't get a Celeron mostly because they suck and usually the video sucks too. With a AMD CPU system you're more likely not to get video that doesn't suck really bad, meaning that it can do more than just barely being able to draw shadows on the start menu.
 
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firebirdude

Member
Sep 9, 2004
192
5
81
I will have to visit my local Staples and Office Depot. The sales are not really on their websites.

I think I found a decent deal from a friend.... asking $600, but I'm sure I could talk him a little lower.

Toshiba A105-S4004 Specs:

* Processor Type : Core Duo
* Processor Number : T2300
* Processor Speed : 1.66GHz
* Operating System : Windows XP Media Center Edition 2005
* Memory Size : 1024MB
* Display Size : 15.4"
* Display Type : Widescreen XGA with TruBrite Technology
* Graphics Chipset : Graphics Media Accelerator 950
* Graphics Memory : 8MB-128MB dynamically allocated shared graphics memory
* Hard Drive Size : 100GB
* Hard Drive Speed : 5400rpm
* Optical Drive : DVD-SuperMulti drive (+/-R double layer)
* Wireless LAN : Intel® PRO/Wireless 3945ABG (802.11a/b/g)
* Bluetooth : No Bluetooth (No Antenna)
* Input Devices : 85 key US keyboard, Hot Key Functions, Windows Key Function, Internet Launch button, Express Media Player CD/DVD launch button, Dual Mode Pad, CD/DVD Buttons
* Security : Password Security, Security Cable Lock Slot, Hot Key Security
* Modem : V.92 Modem
* LAN : 10/100
* Audio : SRS TruSurround XT virtual surround sound, SRS WOW stereo sound, Realtek ALC861

What do you guys think?
 
M

MercenaryForHire

Lifer
Jan 31, 2002
40,819
2
0
Originally posted by: firebirdude
I will have to visit my local Staples and Office Depot. The sales are not really on their websites.
Click to expand...

Look for "manager's special" or "closeout" deals. Don't forget to haggle too. ;)

I think I found a decent deal from a friend.... asking $600, but I'm sure I could talk him a little lower.

...

What do you guys think?
Click to expand...

The only problem with buying "through a friend" is that you need to be 100% positive that they're not going to screw you. And vice versa that you're not going to screw him. If you buy it "as is" from him, you can't go back and demand that he fix it if it's broken. :p

Edit - Spec wise, that'll do more than enough for you. That's an entry-level dual core machine, 1GB of RAM will make your general usage nice and buttery smooth, and while the GMA950 graphics aren't going to play anything heavy-duty, they'll be more than enough for "casual games."

Regarding the screen, glossy (TruBrite, XBrite, BrightView, etc) screens tend to have (surprise) brighter, more vivid colours, at the cost of being more reflective. If you have a lot of overhead lights in your work area or plan on using your laptop outdoors, a matte-finish (non-glossy) would be a better choice.

- M4H
 
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