Things to Check When Buying a Used Laptop

Used laptops can be a good alternative to buying a laptop at a more affordable price. However, shopping for a used laptop is not always easy and requires extra caution - especially if you have no experience selecting used laptops. There are several things that need to be thoroughly checked before deciding to buy a used laptop. In this article, we'll cover things to check when buying a used laptop.

The physical condition of a used laptop is the first thing to check. Check if the laptop has any cracks or scratches on the body, screen or keyboard. This may not affect the function of the laptop, but things like this affect aesthetics and often look untidy when used. In addition, also check for damage to other important parts such as USB ports, fans, heatsink channels, ventilation holes, and keyboard keys. If there is damage, be sure to plan the necessary maintenance costs.

Check the laptop operating system, whether it is installed or not. If not, check with the dealer or choose an option that will allow you to install the operating system as needed. Also make sure the operating system installed is the latest version and can be updated regularly.

Make sure that the laptop specifications match your needs. Things like RAM, battery, hard disk capacity, and video card that match your needs. If possible, do some research regarding the specifications of the laptop in question. You can also use spec comparison sites like Cnet, Tech Radar or PC Mag as a consideration before deciding to buy a used laptop.

Batteries are also one of the things to consider when buying a used laptop. Make sure the laptop battery can last a long time and doesn't drop easily. Batteries with a short life span can affect laptop performance and reduce time spent without a power outlet. If possible, check with the seller whether you are still using the original or replaced battery.

Check the temperature of the laptop when carrying out tests with quite heavy work activities. Monitor laptop temperature with applications such as HWMonitor or SpeedFan, this is very important because high laptop temperatures can affect performance and even damage the laptop components as a whole. Make sure the laptop has a good fan and heat sink channels that are effective in regulating the laptop's temperature within safe limits.

Make sure the laptop has a valid warranty. This can provide coverage in the event of damage or manufacturing defects of the laptop that still occur during the warranty period. In some cases, manufacturers even extend the product warranty period at a fee according to the provisions.

Feel free to ask about the history of the laptop and the previous owner. Ask the seller about damage or problems that have happened to the laptop before. This information can help you determine whether the laptop offered is still feasible or not. Requesting a guarantee for purchase documents and laptop health insurance from the seller can be an important matter to pay attention to.

The duration of using a laptop can also affect the quality of the laptop itself. Of course, most laptops that are sold as used usually have a long and intensive use of the laptop. In addition, also check the clock which is located in the windows of the machine to see how long the laptop has been working. Make sure you know the history and length of use before buying.

Check the market price of the used laptop you want to buy. Because shopping for a used laptop requires precise pricing. Bargaining prices between sellers and buyers are very reasonable, but don't buy goods at prices that are too low. This can trigger doubts or suspicions about the laptop and some important things like damage or technical problems that may not have been known in the initial stages of purchase.

Check the condition of the screen, whether the screen is still clear or blurry. Also make sure there are no problems with the pixels on the screen. Try to turn on the laptop in low light conditions to ensure that all the pixels are working properly. Don't forget to check the screen brightness too if you find a screen that is too bright, this indicates a problem with the monitor screen board and needs to be repaired.

The weight of the laptop, especially for those who often carry their laptop everywhere, is something to pay attention to. Make sure that the used laptop you choose has a weight that fits your needs and is comfortable when carried everywhere. Noteworthy is the laptop's size and functionality. Laptops with smaller sizes tend to weigh under 1.6 kg, while laptops with larger screens can weigh up to 2.5 kg.

Check the battery settings, whether the settings are still as needed or not. Also make sure that the condition of the battery (whether it has been upgraded or not) still has a fairly good capacity overall. If the battery is still original, make sure that the battery is not frequently overcharged or undercharged, because this behavior can affect the performance and lifespan of the battery itself.

The keyboard is one of the most important parts when buying a used laptop. Make sure the keyboard is still comfortable enough to type on and no keyboard keys are jammed, and also check if the function keys are still working or not. Ideally, the best keyboards on laptops have keys that are spaced close enough together and don't cause noisy tapping when typed.

Check the Wi-Fi connection or ethernet port. Make sure the laptop's Wi-Fi connection is still stable and there are no problems when used. Also make sure the laptop's ethernet port is still working properly. If the Wi-Fi and ethernet ports have problems, there is a possibility that this is due to driver specifications that don't match, and maybe you need to update the driver so that you don't experience problems with the connection later.

Finally, do a thorough laptop test to ensure that the laptop is still working properly and according to the specifications you need. Test the software and several applications to check whether the laptop is working according to the capacity that the seller has informed you about. In some cases, you can also visit a laptop shop, such as ASUS, HP, Dell, or Lenovo to do further testing and checking of laptop hardware.

In buying a used laptop, paying attention to some of the important things above will ensure that you choose a used laptop that fits your needs but still has good quality. But if you are still unsure, or need additional advice, consult a computer technician or someone who has knowledge in HCI (Human Computer Interaction), so you can get more in-depth information before deciding to buy a used laptop. We hope this article was useful and have fun shopping for the best used laptops!