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So you want to buy a used notebook computer to save money? A lot of people do. Unfortunately, this “saving” strategy does not always work. Some people who bought used notebook computers end up regretting the decision because it brought more harm than good. Their used notebook computers turn up damaged, problematic, and it becomes unusable after only several months.

On the other hand, there are some people who were lucky enough to buy a used notebook computer that is perfect for their needs. If you intend to buy a used computer system in the near future, you should scrutinize all aspects of the computer the same way you would if you’re buying a used car. A lot of aspects need to be covered in studying a used notebook. We have compiled a general guideline that will help you in this endeavor:

Should You Really Buy a Used Notebook?

Before anything else, you should first decide whether you really need to buy a computer at all. Maybe you just got attracted to the $300 price tag of a seemingly sophisticated system. Or maybe you want to look “cool” in school by carrying a laptop around. Whatever the case, you should look into your reasons of buying the used computer. You may end up making a costly mistake.

Is the Used Notebook Going to be repaired?

Since you can’t really be sure whether the used notebook is in perfect shape, you should set aside a certain budget for repair. Make sure that repair costs remains within a reasonable range. Take note that most used notebook computers have a high probability to break if it is moved around constantly.

Try to assess the repair requirements of the computer before you shell out any amount of money. It is very impractical to pay $300 in repairs and then $50 for every succeeding computer problem after that. You might as well buy a new computer if this is the case.

Does the Used Notebook Have Warranty?

Used computer systems that are sold by their manufacturer (also known as reconditioned computers) typically have good warranty coverage. If you want to buy used notebook computers, this is the first option you should consider. On the other hand, items that are sold through dealerships may have a 90-day warranty from the time of purchase. If you bought from an individual seller or an auction, don’t expect a warranty unless the original manufacturer warranty is still applicable.

But probably the most important thing you need to consider is the return policy. In the computer trading industry, this is sometimes referred to as the DOA (dead on arrival policy). That is, if the computer won’t work after you receive it; the seller will return your money in full. Hopefully, these guidelines will help you find the best computer for sale.

In the past, the laptop is mainly associated with business use and schoolwork. Right now, there are an increasing number of gamers who are using their laptops for gaming. Before you decide that gaming on your laptop is a great idea though, it is first important to consider the hardware, software, and system requirements of gaming. Unlike using a laptop for business purposes, gaming puts a higher demand on the computer’s capacity.

It is possible to play games using Intel’s integrated graphic chip system but a lot of people who tried it have one thing to say: it is an uncomfortable experience. If you plan to play serious games on your laptop, it is recommended to consider buying discrete graphic cards from ATI or Nvidia. This is easier said than done because boosting graphic performance can significantly inflate the costs of your laptop.

Heat and Size Considerations

Similar to desktop PCs, powerful laptops uses graphic cards that generates a lot of heat. For this reason, it is never a good idea to combine high end graphic capability with small frames. Usually, 12-13 inch laptops use ATIs HD2400 or Nvidia’s 8400M GS. These capabilities aren’t enough for modern gaming such as Crysis. For a good gaming experience using the laptop, it is best to sizes with at least 14-inch.

Mobile Graphics Card

There are two leading brands when it comes to mobile graphics card. Again, it is Nvidia and ATI. The Nvidia GeForce 8600 is one of the preferred components among gamers because of its acceptable performance and reasonable price. The ATI Mobility Radeon HD2600 is another favorite option. This is because even if it does not have the highest possible resolution, it brings ease of use and good color.

If you’re looking for more power, then going for a big leap is necessary. You can choose a SLI-configured laptop where two graphic cards will work in unison. Take note that if you choose this option, your computer should be at least 17 inches. Also, be prepared to shell out tons of cash as this undertaking can be costly.

Some Newer Models

Certain laptops have been designed with the gamer in mind. Among those worth mentioning is the Alienware m15x which can be configured with the best and the latest components available. This model can even be equipped with the Nvidia 8800M GTX which is one of the world’s fastest mobile GPU. But probably the best part of the Alienware m15x is its frame at only 15 inches. Its largest downside is its price. In some stores, it can fetch up to $3,500+.

An alternative to this is the Asus G2SG. This 17 inch gaming laptop is also very powerful. The whole design is specifically geared for hard-core gamers. There are even flashing LEDs and highlighted buttons for gamers to experience what high-end gaming is all about.

Computer problems can be frustrating especially if you need to finish a lot of paperwork. However, getting frustrated will only make the situation worse because you lose your sense of judgment. The best thing to do in this case is to take a deep breath and plan a course of action. If you are somewhat familiar with computer troubleshooting, it would be best to get the necessary tools together and restore your disk drives.

But before you begin fixing the computer, try to remember any activity you recently did. Did you install any new software? Did you add a new hardware? And if you moved your computer across the room, it is important to take note of this as well. If there have been no recent changes, then focus on the PC’s booting process.

Troubleshoot Hardware Problems

The first clues about the problem will start when you turn on the power. If you hear a single and short beep, it means that there is no hardware error. It had initialized successfully during the boot process. On the other hand, if the computer beeps multiple times or if the sound takes too long, chances are, there is a hardware problem. Take a look at the name that flashes on the screen during the boot process. You can also open the case and look at the BIOS chip.

•    Memory – the memory problem can result to “201 errors”. This message will flash on the screen. Take note that any error that begins with “2” indicated problems with computer memory.

•    Keyword – problems in the keyboard will result to Error 301 which is the “Keyboard Failure” problem. The warning will be followed by a short beep. Your computer system can react two ways: it can either halt or it might ignore the problem.

•    Floppy – problems with the floppy drive will result to an error that begins with a “6”. Usually, you’ll see “601 error” flash on the screen if the floppy drive is damaged.

If there is no specific beep code that will indicate the problem, the main problem may lie in the processor. The power supply is another common area in hardware failures. Blackouts, power spikes, and even “unclean” power can damage your computer system.

Troubleshoot Software Problems

If the hardware system appears in good shape then it likely that the culprit is in the software. Usually, computer software problems are more complex to solve if you’re not an expert. But for basic troubleshooting purposes, you can try to get your computer into safe mode. Pressing the F8 key repeatedly can provide this option.

A menu will appear and you can choose the safe mode option. If you think you can solve the problem using this menu though, select the step by step confirmation. It will ask you to confirm the drivers and loading devices. Be sure to keep a paper handy because you need to remember what exact software had failed.

For many years, computer users have been debating on Apple Mac computers and a Windows PC. Especially for those who are used to Windows, going Mac can be a tough choice. But now that virtually all Apple computers can support Windows, many people have been switching to Mac.

Although quite a number has already made the big switch to Mac, there are still those who need some convincing. This article will provide you with top advantages of buying Apple computer, and by the end, you should be swayed enough to consider getting one for yourself.

Discount for Students

One of Apple’s main target markets is the education sector. For this reason, Apple has devised promotional strategies to attract college-bound students to take advantage of their educational discounts. Apple has special pricing available to students, and discounts can go anywhere from $20 to $200 dollars depending on the unit or type of computer. For example, the MacBook model usually starts at a retail price of $1,099, but students can avail of such for only $999. Also, students can get exciting freebies when buying a new computer, such as an iPod Nano or iPod Touch. These special discounts can be availed at Apple’s online store, or in your university bookstore.

Windows Compatible

You still can’t install Windows software on a Mac’s OS, but today new Macs using Intel processors can run Windows natively, although you still have to purchase a copy of the operating system. After installing Windows, you can then access it using Apple’s Boot Camp feature, where you choose between booting your computer in Windows or OS X at startup.

File sharing is also not a problem, since majority of file formats such as MP3, MPEG and JPEG are universal, and can be opened on Apple computers as easily as on a Windows-run computer.

If you are more inclined to working with Microsoft Office, that’s no problem either. Microsoft has created a Mac version of Office, where documents created in Office for Windows can open using Office with Mac, and vice versa, without causing headaches. If purchasing Office for Mac does not appeal to you, you can still use Open Office since it still is compatible with Microsoft Office.

Mac OS X

Apple computers run on Mac OS X, and this is reason enough to buy one. OS X is a very stable operating system, and is packed with helpful and unique features. Also, its elegant GUI is easy to learn, which is very important especially for new users. Another advantage is that it does not require powerful and heavy system requirements, unlike Windows Vista.

Aesthetics Appeal

Apple computers have a very appealing industrial design that brings a cutting-edge look. But they do not only serve as aesthetics. Inside their well-designed PC cases are the latest computer components like nVidia and ATI video cards, as well as processors from Intel’s Core 2 Duo and Xeon.

Value

Although Macs might come off initially as expensive, it may save you a lot of money in the long run. And judging from how older versions of Mac can still run the latest OS X version, as well as other applications, you won’t have to spend money in upgrading your systems as often as you probably would with a PC.

Mobility is an important feature that a lot of digital conscious people are after today. This trend is observed through the climb in sales of notebook computers. Purchasing a laptop is a large investment to make, thus, you have to get it right the first time you do so. It is still important to note that your laptop today may not be as in demand as tomorrow’s model so you have to consider some factors that will allow you to use your laptop despite these technological advancements.

Since purchasing a laptop can entail a considerable amount of money, you have to do some careful thinking with regards to the basic factors that you should look for in a laptop. Here are five helpful tips you can use to choose the best notebook computer.

Tip # 1 Place a High Value on Ergonomics

Since you will be spending a lot when you buy a notebook computer, you obviously would want your experience with it to be as comfortable as possible. Having a well-designed interface will help you avoid the common health conditions associated with extended computer usage.

Laptop keyboards are usually compressed counterparts of the regular keyboards which can place a strain on the hands and the wrists. The larger the laptop, the larger you can expect the keyboard to be thus depending on your preference, you could choose one which will not be so straining to your hands.

Tip # 2 Ensure Connectivity Compatibility

When buying a notebook computer, you have to ensure that the most common devices can be connected to it. Since upgrades aren’t available in laptops unlike with desktop computers, you have to check if it has all the ports needed to guarantee connectivity. The ports you should look for are the LAN port, USB port, Video In/Out Port, Mic Jack, Sound Out Port, and Built-In Card Readers. And since wireless networking is the more popular way of accessing Internet mobility, make sure that the laptop that you want to buy has the necessary tools to connect to Wi-Fi access.

Tip # 3 Check Power Consumption/Management

Since a notebook computer is designed for mobility, you also need to know the amount of time it will work on its batteries alone. You have to choose a laptop that has the best battery life. There are also laptops that are designed to efficiently manage its power supply despite its processes so getting a laptop of this type is ideal.

Tip # 4 Consider Size, Dimensions, and Weight

The size, dimensions, and weight of a laptop is another important factor which you should pay close attention to. If you look around, you will find laptops of all sorts and sizes. Depending on how often you will be traveling around with it, you can choose one which will fit your needs just right.

Tip # 5 Be Ready to Stick With Your Choice

As previously mentioned, the laptop you might be buying today will not have the latest technology tomorrow. So if you plan to make your laptop last longer despite newer models, you have to be ready to make a good choice and to stick with it through the years. Unless of course if you have the money to buy a newer model in the future.

These are the top five tips you can use when choosing the best notebook computer. Of course, choosing a laptop goes beyond these five tips but it is worth the look of making you start somewhere with your search.