How to Buy a Used Computer

We often get to hear that if you want to buy a computer, don’t buy it second hand; instead buy a new one because a computer gets obsolete in a couple of years; and if you buy a used computer you are already using an outdated technology. Most of us take this advice and buy a brand new PC with possibly a Dual Core Processor and 2GB RAM.

But wait, if you plan to use the PC for an activity which requires a P3 with 256MB RAM, why spend extra money for a brand new heavy duty processor and RAM? And above all, doesn’t a second hand computer cost less? Ultimately, whether you should buy a second hand computer or not, and if yes, which one should you buy is governed by the application.

Most of the people in India use the computer at home for the following three applications:

1. Watching movies
2. Preparing documents (primarily in MS Office) and web surfing
3. Playing computer games

All these requirements can be met by a second hand computer. Those who use a PC for advanced applications such as programing, imaging, etc., should preferably buy a new computer preferably.

Having said this, what should one check while buying a second hand computer? Should you buy all components second hand? Here is a quick list.

1. Processor: Can be second hand
2. RAM: Can be second hand. Popular processors (with requisite RAM) are Celeron with 256MB RAM, P2 with 256MB RAM, P3 with 256MB RAM, or P4 with 128-256MB RAM (good for movies), Celeron with 512MB RAM, P2 with 512MB RAM, P3 with 512MB RAM, P4 with 256MB RAM (good for internet surfing), P3 with 1GB RAM, or P4 with 512MB RAM (good for games)
3. Mother board: Can be second hand
4. Hard-disk: Can be second hand. If you are fond of storing a lot of data - photos, videos, mp3s, get a bigger hard disk (120 GB or more), else 40 to 80 GB is sufficient.
5. Monitor: Can be second hand. If electricity is not a problem for you, you can buy a CRT monitor. But if you live in an area where load shedding is a daily phenomenon, get a LCD monitor so that you can work for an extra hour using an inverter.
6. Keyboard: Get a new one
7. Mouse: Get a new optical mouse
8. CD / DVD Writer: If you are fond of movies, it’s good if you buy this first hand.
9. Graphic Card: If you plan to play computer games such as Tomb Raider, Unreal Tournament, Quake, Age of Empires, get a new video card or graphic card.
10. LAN Card / Modem: Can be second hand. If you will get broadband internet connection, your computer should have a LAN card. If the connection will be dial-up, a modem is required. Many computers have an inbuilt LAN Card / modem.

Now when you know what to buy, how do you know that the computer you intend to buy has the same specifications as required. In short, how do you check if you computer has a 256MB RAM? For this, right click on My Computer (if the operating system is Windows), and go to Properties. In the properties check the details.

Other precautions:

When you buy a second hand computer, you should check if it is working properly for the application you want to use it. If the seller is an individual, ask the person selling the computer the source of getting the computer and why he/she is selling it. If the seller is a shopkeeper, ask for a replacement warranty or a free service warranty. To make sure that you are not buying a stolen computer, demand one of the following things:

1. Original receipt of the first hand purchase or
2. A signed paper in which the seller states that he/she has sold the computer to you. Also insist for a photograph and a photocopy of a valid photo identity card such as PAN card, Passport, or driving license.

By the way, if you want to buy a second hand computer in Mumbai, call Chaupaati at 9222221947. We will give you the phone numbers of various sellers of second hand computers - both individuals and dealers.