How Do You Evaluate A Used Computer For Potential Purchase?
Buying a used computer makes sense when price is your primary consideration and you are savvy enough to accurately diagnose problems yourself. Although you will sacrifice speed (and perhaps life span of the mechanical components), the quality of a used $2,000 computer might give you better value and longevity than a computer built to sell new for under $1,000. Step 1 Find out what hardware components are included, if any, such as keyboard, mouse, speakers, microphone, monitor, and printer. Find out if the seller will sell just the components you want. Step 2 Find out what hardware is inside the computer, such as sound card, video card, CD-ROM drive, modem, and number of SIMM or DIMM (RAM) sockets and how many are in use. Step 3 Ask if parts have been repaired or replaced. Major components that have been replaced add to the longevity of the machine. Step 4 Make sure computer is upgradable (it has expansion slots for different types of cards; RAM can be added; the processor can be upgrad
