6 things to consider before buying a second-hand laptop

Before you purchase that dream laptop, you need to understand all that is required so that you do not fall into the hands of fraudsters. You must acquaint yourself with certain parameters to get it right.  For a brand-new laptop, realistically, you don’t have to worry about its entirety; you just have to ensure the manual and everything expected, like the charger, are intact. In the case of second-hand, it is different, though not entirely. This article discusses things you need to consider before buying a second-hand laptop.

1. The model of the laptop

The first thing you would want to know is the laptop’s model. You should do a thorough check and ensure you’re not opting for a model with features that won’t perform efficiently for the current mode of laptop utilisation.

2. The booting process

You must turn the laptop on and off as much as possible to know its responsiveness and if the screen is still functioning well. In other words, ensure the laptop doesn’t have booting issues — like how many seconds it takes to display. 

3. Check the battery

You need to inspect the battery to determine whether it is still effective. This step is crucial; you must not skip it because the battery is like an engine—if its performance is low, you cannot enjoy the system. Run a test for the battery and request the charger to determine its longevity. The time factor? You don’t have to use it for a while before you understand that. The frequency at which its energy decreases in the space of 15 minutes checks should communicate something. 

4. The software

Some people opt for a used laptop because of the software that the previous user might already installed. Whichever the case, ensure the software available on the system is working and up to date. Look out for unnecessary software and take the necessary steps to remove them.

5. Check the body

You must look out for the laptop’s body before buying a laptop. Ensure there is no damage to the disc drive area and other important aspects of the body. Don’t be convinced of any crack you find on the laptop; the problem surrounding it might be more than what you see.

6. Consider the price and receipt

Many people consider this first before even attempting to check the laptop. Either way, it’s still fine. My take? Your aim shouldn’t be how high or low the price is. Quality should be your priority. Before going to purchase the laptop, have an idea of the price range from a credible source. The price of the computer should be worth it. You must also ensure you’re buying from a store that would issue a receipt for the laptop you’re buying. This would serve as evidence of true ownership.