Many people who can’t simply write off their tech purchases dread the time when they have to shell out the big bucks for a new laptop. But many of these folks simply don’t realize how economical, efficient, and safe it is to shop for gently used computers online. Heading to a popular online directory of used tech products will put you in touch with thousands of honest and fair-minded sellers who simply want to move an older, but no less powerful and attractive, computer or computer accessory. It’s the not-so-secret way to stay online and powered, but without breaking the bank.
Once you start navigating the second hand economy and you find a great directory of used tech products, know what to watch out for. While most exchanges on the alternative marketplace will leave you completely satisfied, the absence of regular retail policies means you’re wise to exercise some extra diligence. No matter how you buy a new laptop, it’s a significant purchase that requires some research, care, and questions.
First, know that as a consumer you have a right to some important and very basic information about what you’re buying. For starters, get as much core information about the computer as possible. Once you’ve got the exact model number and the age of the computer, you can do some comparative shopping. Obviously, find out how much the particular model goes for new, and find out how much other people are selling it for. Look to see if the seller still has any active warranties (like Applecare warranty, for example) for an added bonus.
Next, always look for those that come with a power adapter. It’s certainly easy to buy an adapter online, but every seller should be able to plug in his or her laptop and show that it runs smoothly. Otherwise, there’s a risk that it might be malfunctioning, or stolen. Also make sure the seller knows the password to the computer—if he or she’s ‘forgotten,’ then it’s another sign the laptop might be stolen, and if you try to get a new password from the manufacturer, they’ll discover the true owner and you’ll be out of luck. Watch out for over-eager sellers or those who mark computers down far, far below what they’re worth: if something seems fishy, trust your instincts and move on, since in today’s second-hand economy, there’s always another great, honest deal around the corner.
You should also run a few tests before you commit to buying; make sure that you get exactly what you paid for! Speaking of power cables—make sure yours works properly, even if you jostle or bend it.Check the battery life (or the number of cycles it’s been through). Experiment with headphone jacks and speaker volume, try out the webcam capabilities, and insert a CD or DVD to see if the laptop will read and eject the disc. See if the laptop will pick up on Wi-Fi networks in the area, even if you can’t connect to them. Test the buttons to see if every single one works, and play with the screen hinges and check for looseness. If you’re happy with what you find and do make a purchase, a good piece of advice is to wipe your hard drive as soon as possible — that way you can eliminate any lingering threats of viruses, pirated material, pornography, or spyware (not that many people will sell computers containing these malicious elements — it’s just a good failsafe).
It’s no fun spending thousands of dollars on a new laptop if you can’t afford it, or you don’t have to. That’s why the most tech-savvy people know that when in need of new tech-related product, they scour the second-hand economy first. And most of these savvy shoppers know to try a major directory like Kijiji first; if you visit Kijiji for second hand technology products, you’re almost guaranteed to find a superb deal. At the time of this writing, there are currently over 15,000 Kijiji listings for computers in the Greater Toronto Area, nearly 7,000 in Montreal, almost 600 in Vancouver, and over 3,000 in Calgary. With numbers like this, there’s almost certainly a laptop or desktop computer at a great price that’s perfect for you. Just remember to shop with care and diligence, and don’t get too carried away—once you start investigating the Kijiji marketplace, it might be hard to stick to your original budget!