I'm trying to compile a list of the most important things to look for when
selected a used laptop. I need/want an HP...
Here's what one computer savvy gentleman told me... Is there anything you think I should add? Or do you have any other suggestions?
If you plan to store music and videos or photos then you need plenty of storage (hard disk space) - 500 gigabytes (GB) or more. Do not confuse hard disk storage with RAM, see below.
RAM (memory) - at least four 4 gigabytes of RAM - The more RAM, the more programs you can have open at once.
If you want to connect to the Internet you will either need a wireless card (wifi) for wireless access to the Internet or an Ethernet port for wired access. Make sure the laptop includes built in wifi.
Operating system - most likely Windows but make sure is Windows 7 or 8. Do not buy a Windows XP computer, they are no longer supported by Microsoft.
CPU - This one is probably the trickiest, especially if the CPU is an AMD
If its an Intel CPU, then make sure it has at least an i3. From slower to faster -> i3, i5, i7. The faster the CPU, the better, but it will be more expensive of course.
Make sure that the system was factory reset, that it only includes the operating system and maybe a simple antivirus. Try to run a virus scan before committing to purchase.
Check battery levels on the laptop. Unplug the power cord and let it run only with the battery. Check the battery capacity. This is not a deal breaker but be ready to invest in a new battery if the current one is not working at full performance.
If you watch DVD movies, check if the laptop includes a DVD optical drive and test it by playing a movie. Also try to bring a music CD to test.
Confirm that the operating system was activated. If the OS has a an invalid or illegal product key, it will become limited (useless) in a few days. Do not purchase without validating this.
Ask for the operating system product key in case you need to re-install the operating system in the future. Do not purchase without having the product key.
I hope I'm not overstaying my welcome by asking 3 questions in a row, but I'm in a bit of a rush to find an affordable computer (which I assume would be a used one,if I want affordable).
selected a used laptop. I need/want an HP...
Here's what one computer savvy gentleman told me... Is there anything you think I should add? Or do you have any other suggestions?
If you plan to store music and videos or photos then you need plenty of storage (hard disk space) - 500 gigabytes (GB) or more. Do not confuse hard disk storage with RAM, see below.
RAM (memory) - at least four 4 gigabytes of RAM - The more RAM, the more programs you can have open at once.
If you want to connect to the Internet you will either need a wireless card (wifi) for wireless access to the Internet or an Ethernet port for wired access. Make sure the laptop includes built in wifi.
Operating system - most likely Windows but make sure is Windows 7 or 8. Do not buy a Windows XP computer, they are no longer supported by Microsoft.
CPU - This one is probably the trickiest, especially if the CPU is an AMD
If its an Intel CPU, then make sure it has at least an i3. From slower to faster -> i3, i5, i7. The faster the CPU, the better, but it will be more expensive of course.
Make sure that the system was factory reset, that it only includes the operating system and maybe a simple antivirus. Try to run a virus scan before committing to purchase.
Check battery levels on the laptop. Unplug the power cord and let it run only with the battery. Check the battery capacity. This is not a deal breaker but be ready to invest in a new battery if the current one is not working at full performance.
If you watch DVD movies, check if the laptop includes a DVD optical drive and test it by playing a movie. Also try to bring a music CD to test.
Confirm that the operating system was activated. If the OS has a an invalid or illegal product key, it will become limited (useless) in a few days. Do not purchase without validating this.
Ask for the operating system product key in case you need to re-install the operating system in the future. Do not purchase without having the product key.
I hope I'm not overstaying my welcome by asking 3 questions in a row, but I'm in a bit of a rush to find an affordable computer (which I assume would be a used one,if I want affordable).