Evaluating a Used Computer Before Purchase

When buying a used computer the primary concern is to find out whether it will satisfy the need.  The next concern is the longevity of the computer components in the used computer.  When the budget is tight and need to own a computer is immediate, then the choice is to buy a used computer.  However one purchases an used computer for various possible reasons the value for money should be justified or else one will end up buying a junk box.  The areas of concern are listed below:

First thing is to find out the functionality of the computer.  It needs to be checked, if it is in a working condition or not.  In case of poor performance, it should be found out as to what purchase of component of the used computer would make it to perform just like the new ones.  The price of the component needs to take into account along with the price of the used computer.  This put together will justify the price of the used computer.

It is to be found out that the used computer purchased can be upgraded whenever required with the available various types of cards in the market or not, if Random access memory can be added to it or not, the processor speed can be increased or not and so on.

The hardware components such as keyboard, mouse, sound speakers, microphones, monitor, printer, scanner etc are given along with the used computer, which is to be purchased.  It is enough to find out the components, which are required to perform the necessary function, is included in the purchase of the used computer.

It is essential to find out the sound card, video card, CD drive, modem and the number of sockets in the used computer and also to be found out how many of them are still in use.
The knowledge of the application software running on the used computer will be very useful.  It is good to find out if the operating system of the used computer will run any software, which needs to be used by the purchase in the present and in the future.  If the purchaser already posses certain components, it is good to find out if it is compatible with the used computer which he is buying.

It would be wiser to find out if the parts of the used computer has been repaired or replaced by any chance.  If the major components have been replaced, it adds to the longevity of the performance of the used computer.

The used computers sold by individual owners sell it in an exorbitant price, due to less knowledge of the market price of new models.  It will be wise, if the purchaser has the knowledge of the prices of the new computers with available features in the market so as to compare it with the price of the used computer.

Find out if the warranty or service agreement of the used computer is transferable or not.  A retailer selling a used computer might sell it for an extra price but might give the necessary after sales service required.