There are a variety of different reasons someone might want to buy a good, cheap laptop. And there are a variety of cheap laptops available. However, not every computer is equal and it is easy to end up with a machine that is outdated or won't meet your needs. Finding a real bargain means keeping your eyes peeled and your mind switched on.

Don't get roped into buying a laptop that is beyond your budget and comes with extras that you just don't need. Write out a list of things you must have, and things you can get away without. One example of this is buying a laptop that doesn't have wireless internet built into it, then buying a cheap USB connector for as little as $10.

Cheap laptops won't have the same capabilities as a more expensive one. For bigger projects you may need to invest in a better machine. For ordinary activities like word processing and emailing, you can easily get away with a standard Intel processing unit, 40GB of hard disk space and 1GB of RAM. The cheapest option with regards to RAM is often to buy a computer with less RAM and upgrade to the amount you need.

Windows XP will probably suit your needs just as well, if not better than Vista. It works best with current programs and does not use as much RAM as Vista.

Battery life can have a big impact on the cost, but may not be an important factor for the user. Ask yourself how often you are actually going to use your laptop in places without access to power points. Outdoors you are likely to experience screen glare anyway, so you will probably be able to use your laptop charger most places you go.

Cheaper laptops tend to come with bigger screens, which is great for watching movies and the like, but may not be so good for text display. It can also make the laptop bulkier and harder to carry around or fit into standard laptop cases. On the other hand, mini laptop screens may prove too small for your needs, so it is important to shop around and find something that fits both your budget and your requirements.

Used laptops are risky business, and for inexperienced computer purchasers, are probably best avoided. Of course, there are some excellent deals out there on quality second hand computers, and there are a few guidelines that can help you find a great buy.

1. Where possible, buy from someone you know, or a reputable computer resaler.

2.Ask the seller why they are selling it. They may have been having problems with their laptop, in which case you should probably find something else. Or, they may have just upgraded and simply don't need their old laptop any more.

3. Don't get anything older than three or four years, or you'll find that it just doesn't run the way you need it to with the programs you want. Then again, if it's really new, you should be asking why it's back on the market.

4. The best combination for price is a laptop that is one or two years old and being sold at about half its original selling price. An over-priced laptop that is older than four or five years is a money waster, and a really cheap computer in near-new condition is likely to be faulty.

5. If something goes wrong with your machine, you're going to want to have a warranty. Ask about this before committing to a purchase.

6. Ask the seller for the original proof of purchase. This will verify that the item has not been stolen, and may come in handy later on for warranty purposes.

7. If you can't secure a personal warranty from the seller guaranteeing a full refund if the item is faulty, don't buy it.

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Article Submitted By: Andrew Johnson
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