Invaluable tips before buying a used laptop so you don't waste your money
Buying a used laptop is a very logical idea in light of the turmoil in the Arab markets, the high cost of imported devices, and the difference between local currencies and the US dollar. But at the same time, buying a used laptop is fraught with many risks. You often do not know anything about the person you will be dealing with and the extent of his credibility, as there are many scammers and fraudsters who adapt very well to lack of conscience and bad morals. You do not want to end up with one of these people.
So, besides the things you should ask about when buying a new or used laptop, and assuming you have made your final decision to buy a used laptop, there are a few things you should check while you are with the dealer or during the trial period the dealer has given you to make sure that everything is okay. In this guide, we will provide you with a set of invaluable tips to check the condition of a used laptop. Before we start, you can also check out our guide on things to consider before upgrading your laptop hardware if you want to upgrade the device and not replace it with another device.
First: Invest your money in the right place
In recent years, online stores specializing in buying and selling used devices have become increasingly popular in Arab markets. When dealing with any dealer specializing in selling broken-zero devices, try to ask about this dealer from many people who have dealt with him in the past. There are many "used hardware markets" pages on Facebook. You can inquire about the reputation of this dealer on these pages.
But in all cases, you must make sure that this merchant guarantees you the right to a laptop return policy at his own expense during the trial period if you encounter any defects or technical malfunctions in the device. Of course, the merchant can easily abandon his promises, especially if this person is just an ordinary user and wants to exchange his defective device for a new one and defraud one of the simple users.
That is why we emphasize this matter and say that it is always better to deal with a center or store specialized in selling and buying broken zero devices because you will always be able to return to the sales center and replace the device or get your money back.
Second: Check the laptop body well.
Once you receive your device, or if you are inspecting it at a retail outlet, you should take a close look at its exterior. Any cracks or dents in the laptop’s exterior are evidence that it was hit or hit hard against a solid object or dropped. These signs could be evidence of internal damage to the laptop’s components. Also, check the laptop’s hinges carefully and make sure all screws are in place. Cracks are evidence that this device has had a rough time with its previous owner, and you never know how much internal damage could affect the device’s performance over a long period of time.
Third: Check the screen well.
You can always use online screen testing software, which starts by checking the screen for any pixels. These software are very simple but sometimes a bit tiring for the eyes. Through these software, colorful backgrounds are displayed at very high brightness to give the user a comprehensive picture of the screen condition and whether there are any pixels or not.
Also try using the screen for a while to display a series of videos or watch some movies at high brightness. If the screen is in good condition, you will not face any problem. However, if the screen is defective or has been replaced with other used screens due to maintenance, the screen may start flickering and shutting itself down automatically and then restarting again and again and randomly.
Fourth: Test the keyboard and touchpad.
The keyboard and trackpad are two of the most easily damaged components of a laptop, not only due to long-term use, but also because they can easily be damaged by spills, gaming, and clicking. If all the keyboards are comfortable to use and click, and the touchpad responds normally, this is evidence that the previous user took good care of this device or relied on an external keyboard and mouse. However, if you are having difficulty using some keys, or the computer is not responding to your clicks and your inputs are not appearing on the screen at the same time as the keys are clicked, this means that you have a damaged keyboard or trackpad.
Fifth: Check the integrity of the ports and DVD tray
Any laptop has a number of ports, whether they are USB , Ethernet, Headphones, or SD Cards. You should also test the DVD drive . Yes, you may not need any of these ports in the future, but it is good to know if they are still working and performing their function to the fullest, in case you need them in the near future and then discover that they are broken and have to be replaced and repaired at a high cost because they are connected directly to the motherboard. Alternatively, if you are confident that you will not need some of these ports, you may be able to negotiate with the dealer to reduce the price of the device because of them.
Sixth: Make sure the laptop is connected to Wi-Fi.
You won’t be able to use your laptop without a WiFi connection – after all, a computer without internet loses 99% of its actual value. So, enable the WiFi connection so that the device starts searching for nearby WiFi networks . It’s best if the dealer gives you access to their network, or if you’re at home, you can try it out completely freely. You can also check the Bluetooth connection by connecting your phone or wireless earphones to Bluetooth.
Seventh: Testing the speakers and webcam
Windows provides you with a built-in camera application, which you can run directly to test the efficiency of the webcam. Of course, the webcam on laptops usually lacks quality, and you may end up having to buy an external webcam. But as we mentioned earlier, if you are surprised that the default webcam does not work, it may be an advantage to argue with the seller and reduce the selling price. Also, play some videos or music to check if the speakers are working clearly. Try to increase the volume of the laptop to the maximum limits, if the speakers are damaged, you will clearly notice this.
Eighth: Check the battery health
As you test your device, the battery will lose a fair amount of power, but if the battery capacity drops so quickly that it can't handle even 15 minutes of testing, you'll need to replace the battery soon.
One last piece of advice
You probably don’t need me to tell you this, but remember to compare the price of the device with its current market price if it is still available. It may be better to deal with stores that specialize in buying and selling used devices, because regular users may never see them again, and their caretaker will end up there once the deal is done. If possible, try to invest in a new, better device, not only because you will get a long warranty period, but you will be sure that all the components are intact and have not been abused by some careless user.