Buying used netbooks can be the best value for your money if you are both lucky and do your own due diligence before the purchase. To begin with, take the time to read any ad very carefully and watch for the most obvious keywords that should throw up red flags about the unit. Once you decide to look at used netbooks or used netbooks on eBay, make sure you examine it carefully. Finally, you must power them on and off to make sure that they basically works before you invest a penny on used netbooks. If it doesn’t even turn on, then you have a big problem and you should probably pass on that item.
When someone is selling a used electronic item, there is an assumption that it works. Make sure that the seller has not included words like “for parts” or “minor repair needed”. It is very important that all necessary parts are included such as a power cord and battery. A netbook is meant to operate remotely so make sure that it is WIFI capable.
If any of this is found to be missing, the seller should have a great story or you should just pass on the unit.
Having passed the first hurdle, it is time to examine the used netbook under $100. A few surface scratches are really no problem – the unit has definitely been used so it must have worked! On the other hand, dents can be a big sign of problems to come. Netbooks are delicate, technically precise mini computers that do not respond well to hard bumps or hits. A dent would indicate that the unit had been dropped, which
could have damaged the hard drive or other components. Another thing to examine carefully would be the key board. Make sure that it is clean. Sticky substances on or between the keys could indicate that something had been spilled on the unit, which could result in internal damage. If the seller has the unit on when you arrive, be sure to turn it off for the exterior inspection. Used netbooks can sometimes perform better once they are warmed up, so let it cool off for a few minutes.
Once you feel the overall unit looks good, it is time to power it up. Often, the most obvious sign of a problem in any computer is seen during the start-up process – DO NOT SKIP THIS STEP BEFORE BUYING! Watch the entire process. Examine the screen for any problems with pixels or distortion. Connect to the internet. Surf a few pages. Check your email. If all is functioning, you may have found a great deal on used netbooks.