Opinions on second-hand laptop or iPad?

PaulaRachel1000

What is everyone's opinions on second-hand laptops and iPads? I really need a new laptop, but I am unable to spend full price on one. Is it really unwise to buy from eBay and the likes, so should I stick to professionally reconditioned laptops?

I noticed that many second-hand laptops on eBay have their hard drives pulled out (presumably to protect personal data). Is replacing the drive an easy enough repair to do? That might end up being too expensive factoring in the cost of the drive + the OS, but at least there won't be any nasties lurking on the second-hand laptop.

Help would be appreciated.

forgotmyname

Or the drives pulled out to hide the fact its faulty. They can blame your drive and the lack of correct drivers for any faults until you stop pestering the seller.

You have a useless doorstop and even less money to buy something decent.

No nasties on the laptop without a drive? Not heard of infected BIOS's then?

Does it have to be a laptop? Desktops are cheaper to repair and upgrade.

Armorica

Professionally reconditioned come often come with a (short) warranty, so yes, you would be better protected.

[Deleted User]

Are you sure you can't afford a new one?

There are some quite good deals on Laptops.

Of course, price does tend to depend on specs, which will be dependant on what you want to use it for.

knightstyle

Should be OK is you buy one under a year old with the original receipt.
We have had an iPad4 for about a year, was 5 months old when we bought it for 1/2 original price from private seller on Ebay. Plus just bought a nokia 630 smart phone for under half shop price, just two months old. So if you buy wisely and obey their rules there are real bargains to be had on Ebay.

Kendall80

Try gumtree. I've bought 2 from there at £30 each. Both are still working perfectly 3/4 years on. There's value for you

As for ipads - Personally, I give those a miss for their equivalent capability yet much better priced tablet rivals.