Used Laptops: A Buying Guide for Mobile Freelancers

by Nick Usborne

 

While working as a freelancer copywriter or writer may be one of the least expensive businesses to start, there are some start-up expenses to consider.

 

Perhaps the largest of these expenses, if you need to be mobile, is the purchase of a laptop.

 

Fortunately, there are some excellent ways to save money by buying used laptops, with very little compromise in quality.

 

Your used laptop – where to buy it

 

When thinking of buying a used laptop, you might be worried by the idea of spending money on some machine that has already been used for hundreds or even thousands of hours.

 

That’s not a route you need to take. There are two different sources of used laptops through which you can find much ”newer” machines.

 

First, you can buy refurbished laptops from the original manufacturers

 

These are machines that have been returned to the manufacturer for some reason. Sometimes they have been used for a while, sometimes never at all.

 

The best part about buying these refurbished machines is that they usually come with a warranty and service agreement - particular if you buy from the bigger laptop manufacturers like IBM and Dell. Both companies offer refurbished machines, and they all come with warranties.

 

The second source of used laptops is leasing companies, corporations, brokers and wholesalers

 

You can find plenty of sites online that sell laptops from these sources.

 

You might get a slightly better price than through the manufacturer, but you’ll also have some extra things to worry about.

 

Be careful about the company you buy from. Be sure to ask about warranties, both on the machine and on the batteries. If nothing else, find out how many days you have during which you can return the machine if you find it is faulty.

 

Finally, a word about software

 

Many new laptops will come with various software packages included. Keep this in mind when you buy a used laptop. Used laptops usually come only with the operating system.

 

If you have the original CDs and registration keys for the software you’re going to need, then you have no problem.

 

But of you are going to have to buy new software, be sure to do the math and know exactly how much you are going to save when buying a refurbished machine.

 

Concluding thoughts...

 

If you are on a very tight budget, it may well be very important to save a few hundred dollars on a used machine.

 

If this is the case, try to buy a refurbished machine from the original manufacturer.

 

A least your laptop will come with a warranty.

 

You won’t be buying at a bargain basement price, but you will be getting some peace of mind.

 

 

Related learning materials:

 

Nick Usborne's Million Dollar Secrets to Online Copywriting

The demand for print and direct mail copywriters is static, to say the least. The real demand right now is for copywriters who have the skills to write effective copy for the web. This is a professional-grade course that will make you a specialist in online copywriting. This is where the future for copywriters lies! More about this online copywriting course...

 

 

Michael Masterson's Accelerated Program for Six-Figure Copywriting

Improve your copywriting skills and enter the very lucrative market for direct marketing copywriters. This is a comprehensive course and my #1 recommendation for anyone who wants to learn how to write copy that drives results. Read my in-depth review

 

 

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