As we move increasingly towards a digital world, laptops have become an essential tool for many of us. They allow us to remain connected and productive whether we are at home, at work or on the go.
However, buying a brand-new laptop can be a costly investment, particularly if you are looking for a high-end model. If you are working with a tight budget, buying a pre-owned laptop or refurbished laptop may be a more viable option.
There are certainly some great deals to be had on pre-owned laptops. But it is important to remember that you are buying a used product, so there are some things you need to look out for to ensure you are getting a good quality device.
In this buyer’s guide, we will share with you some of the key things to look for when buying a pre-owned laptop. Read on to find out more.
10 Things to Look for When Buying a Pre-Owned Laptop
1. Check the Condition of the Device
The first thing you need to do before buying a pre-owned laptop is take a close look at the condition of the device. If possible, try to inspect the laptop in person before buying it. If that’s not possible, make sure you request lots of photos from the seller.
Pay close attention to the condition of the screen. It should be free from any cracks, scratches or dead pixels. The keyboard and touchpad should also be in good condition, with no missing keys or other signs of wear and tear.
In terms of the laptop’s body, look for any scratches, dents or other damage. Again, this is something that should be clearly visible in photos, so make sure you ask for plenty of pictures before making a decision.
2. Make Sure the Device Comes with a Charger
One of the most important things to check is whether or not the pre-owned laptop comes with a charger. Many people forget to include this when selling their used laptops, so it’s something you definitely need to confirm before buying a pre-owned laptop.
If a charger is not included, you will obviously need to factor in the cost of buying one. Chargers can be quite pricey, particularly for high-end laptops, so this is something you need to take into account.
3. Ask About the Battery Life
Another vital factor to consider is the battery life of the laptop. This is something that can vary significantly from one device to another, even if they are the same make and model.
When buying a used laptop, it can be difficult to know how well the battery has been cared for by the previous owner. As such, you should always ask the seller about the average battery life you can expect.
At BackClick, we test the battery life of all the pre-owned laptops we sell to give you a clear idea of what to expect. This information is available upon request, so you can make an informed decision before buying a pre-owned laptop.
4. Choose the Right Operating System for You
Another thing to think about when buying a pre-owned laptop is the operating system. The most popular options are Microsoft Windows and Apple macOS.
There are pros and cons to both operating systems, so it’s important to choose the one that is right for your needs. If you are not sure which to choose, our team at BackClick can offer guidance and advice.
While older versions of Windows and macOS can be found pre-installed on some used laptops, we recommend opting for the latest version if possible. This will ensure you have access to the latest features and security updates. The minimum specifications you should look for when buying a pre-owned laptop are Windows 8 and macOS Catalina.
5. Consider the Laptop’s Specifications
Needless to say, the specifications of the device is the most important factor to consider when buying a pre-owned laptop. After all, it is the specifications that will determine what you can actually do with the laptop.
In general, you should look for a device with at least 4GB of RAM and a processor that is no more than a few years old. When it comes to storage, most used laptops will have between 128GB and 512GB of space. If you need more than this, you may need to buy a new laptop instead.
It’s also worth mentioning that some used laptops may not come with an operating system installed. If this is the case, you will obviously need to factor in the cost of buying and installing one.
6. Compare Prices Before Buying
Your budget will ultimately dictate which used laptop you can buy. With that said, it’s important to compare prices before making a decision.
The price of used laptops can vary significantly from one seller to another. As such, it’s always worth shopping around to find the best deal. At BackClick, we offer competitive prices on all of our laptops, both used and refurbished.
7. Check the Warranty and Returns Policy
Another thing to consider when buying a pre-owned laptop is the warranty and returns policy. Ideally, you should look for a seller that offers at least a 30-day money-back guarantee. This will give you peace of mind in case there are any problems with the device.
Having a warranty is also important as it will cover you in the event of any manufacturer defects. Most used laptops will not come with a warranty, but at BackClick, we offer varying levels of protection on all of our devices.
8. Inspect the Laptop Thoroughly
When buying a pre-owned laptop, it’s important to inspect the device thoroughly before making a purchase. More specifically, the functionality of the keyboard, trackpad, and screen should be tested.
It’s also a good idea to check for any physical damage, such as cracks in the case or screen. If possible, you should also boot up the laptop to check that everything is working as it should be.
9. Ask Questions and Get Clarification
Many buyers hesitate to ask questions when buying a pre-owned laptop, but this is actually a very important step. After all, you need to be sure that you are buying a device that meets your needs and expectations.
Some of the things you may want to ask about include the condition of the device, its specifications, what’s included in the sale, and the seller’s return policy. Our team at BackClick is always happy to answer any questions you may have.
10. Purchase from a Reputable Seller
Last but not least, it’s important to purchase your used laptop from a reputable seller. This is the best way to ensure that you are getting a high-quality device that is fairly priced.
At BackClick, we are proud to offer a wide range of used and refurbished laptops from some of the biggest brands in the world. We also have a team of experts who grade all of our devices to ensure they meet our high standards.
Wrapping Up
Now that you know what to look for when buying a pre-owned laptop, it’s time to start shopping around. Remember to compare prices, check the warranty and returns policy, and purchase from a reputable seller.
If you need any help finding the perfect used laptop for your needs, our team at BackClick is always here to assist. Contact us today to learn more about our selection of laptops or to ask any questions you may have.
