( 
)Most people who come to eBay wishing to buy a PC do so to get one cheap. That translates into buying one used, and the goal of this guide is to give you insights into what to look for when purchasing a used machine.
Always look for sellers who have high ratings. They have more at stake and are more likely to be honest, and helpful if there's a problem.
Make sure the following hardware specs are listed; if they are not, don't be afraid to ask for them. Often an unsavory seller will shine light away from WHY it is so cheap.
Also, be aware that if it has an operating system you aren't accustomed to (which for many is usually Microsoft Windows), do some research into the differences. Macintosh, Linux, and BSD are among many operating system families out there, and there tend to be large differences (especially compared to Windows).
Sometimes, it is worth buying a computer that does not have a basic functionality (like those above) if it is a deal--- you can always buy better parts to put in and replace the old, there are instructions on how to do this all over the internet for the various pieces. A good place to start would be to find your PC's model number, and see what type of hardware you need.
Be aware that while desktops and laptops can be equivilant hardware-wise, it is almost always more expensive to have a laptop with the same hardware that runs on a desktop; if you don't need the mobility, save your money.
It bears noting that when buying a used computer, be especially cautious of item pages that seem overly complex or excessively worded. Knowing some basic computer terms is the best way to avoid a ripoff. For example, know the difference between a netbook and a desktop.
Finally, a tip. It's been my personal experience that, when you know what you're looking for to a fair extent, use specific search terms. You'll narrow down the results considerably and not be tempted by what seems to be a perfect deal. For instance, if you know you need a large amount of disk space and that runs Windows, you'd search something like "500GB Vista".
Always look for sellers who have high ratings. They have more at stake and are more likely to be honest, and helpful if there's a problem.
Make sure the following hardware specs are listed; if they are not, don't be afraid to ask for them. Often an unsavory seller will shine light away from WHY it is so cheap.
- Operating System (Example: Windows Vista, Mac OS X, Ubuntu Linux)
- Hard Drive Capacity (Example: 100GB)
- Total RAM (Example: 2GB DDR)
- CPU Clock Speed (Example: 1.4 Ghz, sometimes shown in Mhz)
- Network capability (Example: wireless card, LAN port, NIC)
- Disc Drive (Example: DVD-R, DVD-RW)*
- Sound & Video Playback (Example: nVidia GeForce, Realtek Audio)
- Does it come with a monitor? What size? Are there any known defects?
- Does it come with a input devices? (keyboard and mouse)
- Are there USB/FireWire ports? (these are used for flash drives, bluetooth dongles, etc)
- Is it capable of direct connection to a printer (ie physical connection, as opposed to a network connection)
Also, be aware that if it has an operating system you aren't accustomed to (which for many is usually Microsoft Windows), do some research into the differences. Macintosh, Linux, and BSD are among many operating system families out there, and there tend to be large differences (especially compared to Windows).
Sometimes, it is worth buying a computer that does not have a basic functionality (like those above) if it is a deal--- you can always buy better parts to put in and replace the old, there are instructions on how to do this all over the internet for the various pieces. A good place to start would be to find your PC's model number, and see what type of hardware you need.
Be aware that while desktops and laptops can be equivilant hardware-wise, it is almost always more expensive to have a laptop with the same hardware that runs on a desktop; if you don't need the mobility, save your money.
It bears noting that when buying a used computer, be especially cautious of item pages that seem overly complex or excessively worded. Knowing some basic computer terms is the best way to avoid a ripoff. For example, know the difference between a netbook and a desktop.
Finally, a tip. It's been my personal experience that, when you know what you're looking for to a fair extent, use specific search terms. You'll narrow down the results considerably and not be tempted by what seems to be a perfect deal. For instance, if you know you need a large amount of disk space and that runs Windows, you'd search something like "500GB Vista".
Guide created: 12/15/08 (updated 07/09/09)
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