Refurbished notebook computers can be risky, as computers get faster and more advanced every year. You may save money on the hardware itself, but you'll have problems if they are to old and slow to run the latest software.

The key to making the most of used laptops is making sure they are reliable and all the computer programs you must run will operate efficiently. Otherwise, you're better off buying new machines. If you don't want to do that, you should:

1. Buy used laptops with warranties to protect your investment.

2. Update the computers' memory and operating systems if necessary.

3. Make sure you have the latest software installed in the machines.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Get a warranty with your refurbished laptop computers

An extended warranty is often an unnecessary expense. But it may help to get it for something as expensive and risky as used notebooks. You probably won't need a warranty for the full rental period, but long enough to assure the computers are reliable for that period.

I recommend: Skyex Laptop Store includes at least a thirty-day warranty on all their used notebooks. They will also let you know if the computer you purchase is still under the manufacturer's warranty. Laptop Outlet includes warranties from six to 12 months depending on the unit, and they offer upgrades for an extra three or six months.

Ensure your refurbished laptops have adequate memory

Refurbished laptops for sale can have memory issues. An older computer has less memory than the newer models (unless it's a year old or less), and it's RAM and hard drive can be depleted from previous use. You'll likely need to install memory upgrades immediately following purchase.

I recommend: Bob Johnson's Computer Stuff carries a wide range of used laptops for sale along with memory upgrades from 64 to 512 megs. Computer and Laptop Memory not only sells memory upgrades for all computers but explains what memory should be installed into used laptops.

Purchase used laptops with the latest operating system and software programs

A notebook with Windows ME, OS X Jaguar or other outdated operating system installed won't help your business operations. Make sure the computers you purchase have the latest system, or get them updated immediately. Once that's done, install the latest versions of your needed software programs.

I recommend: Usedlaptops.com has numerous refurbished laptops with the latest Windows operating systems installed. Mac of All Trades sells several used Apple MacBooks and PowerBooks that include the latest version of OS X. Read the Refurbished & Used Laptop Blog for more information on selecting a used notebook, alternatives to expensive software upgrades, and other topics helpful to used laptop buyers.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  See if the dealer you buy used laptops from will also install the hardware upgrades if you purchase them all together. This could cost less than having the installation done separately and will ensure the computers are ready upon arrival.

Laptops are the most convenient way to stay connected and productive while away from the office. If you already have a desktop computer, buying a laptop may seem like an unnecessary expense. But used laptop computers can provide convenience and connectivity without the high cost of a new model. The keys to buying used laptop computers that will serve you well are:

1. Consider the warranty and services provided with your used laptop purchase.
2. Decide which features you need in a laptop computer.
3. Calculate how much you have budgeted for your laptop.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Figure out if a used laptop is right for you

Consider what purpose your laptop will serve before you start shopping around.

I recommend: Determine what you need from your used laptop at www.cheap-refurbished-used-laptops.com. Find out why used laptops are a smart choice and how to shop for them at laptopadvisor.com.

Avoid buying a laptop lemon

Cheap used laptops can save you money, but not if you end up with a lemon. If you choose to buy from an individual on Craigslist or eBay and something goes wrong with the laptop, you generally have no recourse.

I recommend: Weigh the pros and cons of buying used laptop computers and learn how to identify a lemon.

Shop for used laptops that have good warranty and service plans

Shopping for used laptop computers doesn’t have to be “buyer beware.” But if you shop around, you can find a warranty and technical support that provides peace of mind with your used laptop purchase.

I recommend: USAnotebook.com offers six-month warranties on refurbished laptops. If you order used laptop computers from usedlaptopsonline.com, you can purchase a one or two-year extended warranty.

Buy use laptops direct from the manufacturer

Buying from a reputable manufacturer can give you confidence in the used laptop you’re buying. Many manufacturers resell used laptops that have been returned by customers or have been refurbished due to warranty service. Computer manufacturers usually refurbish computers back to original condition so they can be very reliable.

I recommend: Dell provides three levels of used laptops including previously ordered and returned, refurbished laptops and scratch and dent laptops that have cosmetic damage but are in good working condition. Hewlett-Packard sells both HP and Compaq refurbished laptops. The Apple Store sells certified refurbished laptops with optional extended warranties. Gateway also offers certified refurbished computers on their outlet website.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Make sure you shop for a used laptop that has the same operating system as your desktop computer for the best connectivity results.
• •  Used laptops don’t mean out-of-date laptops. Look for what you would buy on the manufacturer’s website if you were buying it new, and then shop for that same computer that has been refurbished. You’ll often save at least 30 percent by buying the refurbished version.
• •  Some websites rate their scratch-and-dent computers. Ask specific questions about the rating system before you buy. The ratings vary from company to company.
• •  When you purchase your used laptop, ask what extended coverage is available. Sometimes you must purchase additional coverage at the time of purchase.
• •  If you purchase a refurbished laptop directly from the manufacturer, you may be able to finance it just as you would a new laptop. Ask what financing options are available when ordering.

Buying used or refurbished laptop computers for your business is no different than looking for a pre-owned car. You're buying used to keep costs down, and you want to find the best price for the same reason. But you can't sacrifice quality for price, and you must buy from a reputable dealer.

Once you find reliable suppliers, you can check the pricing and costs of used laptops and decide on the type of computer at the best total price, shipping and warranty included. Versions of used laptop computers include:

1. Thinkpads manufactured by IBM.

2. Windows-based used laptops from manufacturers like Compaq, Dell and others.

3. MacBooks, PowerBooks and iBooks from MacIntosh.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Check used laptop prices on Thinkpads from IBM

IBM Thinkpads are among the highest rated laptops in the business world. Because of their reputation for high quality, you could find good prices on used Thinkpads that should still work great for your office.

I recommend: USAnotebook.com has several Thinkpads available for less than $250 and as low as $199. Shipping costs range from $19 to $69 depending on the method. The Skyex Laptop Store has Thinkpads from $120 to $490 with a 30-day warranty.

Find deals on other Windows-based used notebooks

If you're in the market for any other brand of used laptop PC, make sure you know the brand and quantity you need. Finding the same used laptops at the same price is very tricky. However, you want your computers to be as similar as possible to aid compatibility.

I recommend: Laptop Broker advertises their used Compaq laptops at $50 to $100 lower than their competitors, offering them for $100 to $130 with shipping as low as $9.95. DFS Direct Sales offers Dell laptops with for $328 to $1014 with shipping ranging from $18 to $60. They also offer free software programs with it, including security software.

Search for pricing on used Mac laptops for sale

More businesses are turning to MacIntosh computers, especially those in creation and design. Even used MacBooks and Powerbooks are often of high quality. Apple itself can provide refurbished computers that may cost slightly more than other but will surely be reliable.

I recommend: Apple sells refurbished MacBooks for as much as 20% off, ranging from $949 to $2399 but includes free shipping. GainSaver sells several used PowerBooks from $299 to $1119. They include a 30-day warranty but offer 90 day to three year versions for $75 to $150.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Check any reviews you find on the dealer you're looking to buy from, especially on the lifespan of their merchandise. The price of refurbished laptops won't matter if you must replace them more frequently than new models.

If you want to save money by buying a used laptop, be sure to familiarize yourself with the main issues and benefits. Just knowing the key terms that are often heard when shopping for a computer will help you find the best used laptop for your needs. Knowledge of the used computer industry will also enable you to get the most for your money. Put your money and time to good use by reading up on the terms that are heard most often in this process.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Used laptop

A used laptop has already been used in the past, either gently or for years. Either way, this type of computer is cheaper than buying new.

I recommend: Read Bob Johnson's Computer Stuff to get a good idea of what is considered a used laptop.

Refurbished laptop

A refurbished laptop is one that was previously owned and had technical problems, but is now fixed. Though it has been run through several tests to ensure that it works, it is sold at a lower price than new laptops.

I recommend: LaptopAdvisor provides an in-depth definition of refurbished laptops.

Scratch and dent laptop

A scratch and dent laptop is usually treated as used when it comes to pricing, but often this kind of computer has never been used. It could be a floor model, or one someone accidentally scuffed while checking it out.

I recommend: Direct-Laptops-Guide defines scratch and dent used laptops.

Extended warranty

A warranty is often considered important to have on a used or refurbished laptop, just in case there is an unresolved issue with the computer. An extended warranty is one that lasts more than a year, and can be purchased either from a retail store or the original manufacturer.

I recommend: Learn everything you need to know about extended warranties on used laptops at NotebookReview.com.

Windows

Windows is an operating system made by Microsoft that comes with many used laptops. Many people desire a Windows-based used laptop because they are familiar with this system.

I recommend: PCMag provides a definition of Microsoft Windows.

Mac used laptop

This type of laptop has the Macintosh operating system installed instead of Windows, which is helpful for students and others who are used to using Mac computers at school or work.

I recommend: Mac of All Trades discusses Mac on used laptops, and provides examples of the different types of Mac used laptops available.