Laptops have traditionally been much more expense than comparable desktops. So it is tempting to buy one second-hand…
Be careful! It is more risky to buy a used laptop than a used computer, due to the lack of options when replacing laptop components. With a desktop PC, if you get a used machine with a faulty part, you can get it replaced fairly inexpensively and be back up and running. With a laptop, many components are proprietary, and often it is cheaper to go out and purchase another one, then replace expensive parts such as the screen or motherboard.
Also, laptops are cheaper than ever before, with netbooks. So you can get laptops for less than $250 to travel with and surf the web. Who needs the bulky Microsoft Office when you have Google Docs everywhere you go via a web browser?
Anyway… You still want a used laptop… ok, here’s my advice..
Brand is important, because you want something tough, that can take the abuse of a previous owner, and still has life left in it when you get it. Think about it like buying a used car.
I myself would go for a refurbished laptop from tigerdirect, Dell, or Lenovo…
Stay away from craigslist with laptops.. I’ve had bad experiences with laptops with them, as you don’t know if what you’re getting is flaking out for some reason, and you won’t see that in the 5 minutes you’re looking at it with an anonymous source.
Other than those PCs, Apple makes a reliable, though more expensive laptop..
