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Used Laptop Computer: Your Quick Purchase Inspection Guide - Part 2

Used laptop computers are everywhere these days. How can you sift through the mass of available used laptop computers to narrow your search down to the right laptop for you? This is the second part of a series of articles designed to give you a few suggestions for your next purchase.

Assuming you've done the visual inspection mentioned in part one, you're ready to power up the laptop and do some more digging.

Laptop Operating System

Does the laptop you're looking at come with an operating system? If not, it could be difficult for you to fully test the operation of the laptop. One good alternative to a built in operating system is to download and burn a copy of Knoppix. Knoppix is a linux operating system that runs off the CD-ROM drive instead of the hard drive. This allows you to test the laptop even if it doesn't have an operating system installed. You can find Knoppix at www.knoppix.com

Quick Power Up Inspection

Power up the laptop if it already isn't on. Make sure to open the CD-ROM or DVD-ROM drive that comes with the laptop. Look for USB ports and make sure they are in good repair. Locate the vent for the CPU fan (if it has one - most do) and listen to the sound it makes. If you hear any whining or grinding sounds, beware. This may be an indication that the CPU inside has not been getting proper cooling which can definitely lead to problems down the road like random crashes, shut downs, etc...

Examine the LCD Screen

Chances are, you're going to be staring at that screen an awful lot. Make sure the colors are stable and that there are no parts of the LCD screen that are washed out or discolored. Replacing an LCD screen is expensive. Better to find a problem with it before you buy it then afterwards.

Is the LCD screen bright enough for your needs? Some used laptops will have LCD screens that are too dim to be practical. Keep in mind that older laptops will often not be very bright in direct sunlight. They should all be bright in normal lighting conditions however.

Joe Duchesne is the President of Gotocompare.com a site that specializes in Computer Hardware related information. Gotocompare helps owners find the device drivers, manuals and tech support they need to keep their equipment in tip top shape. Reprint freely as long as the links in this resource box are live and point back to Gotocompare.

MORE RESOURCES:

hardware - Yahoo! News Search Results
hardware - Yahoo! News Search Results

• New Petworth hardware store adds jobs to local economy
The U.S. economy added 243,000 jobs in January ? and 11 of those were at Annie?s Ace Hardware, a new store slated to open in Petworth on Tuesday. The 6,500-square-foot store near Upshur Street and Georgia Avenue NW has long been a dream of owner Anne Stom, a home repair aficionado and former Labor Department project director who went all in to launch her new business, including investing about ...
• The Hardware Winners of a Cloud-Computing Boom
Top dogs and fast movers in a growing sector.
• Orchard Supply Hardware Stores Corporation and Benjamin Moore & Co. Announce ...
Orchard Supply Hardware Stores Corporation , a specialty retailer focused on the consumer segment of the home improvement market, announced that it has entered into a multi-year distribution agreement with Benjamin Moore & Co., a leading premium quality national paint manufacturer.
• Research and Markets: 2012 Worldwide Hardware Stores Industry - Industry & Ma...
Research and Markets has announced the addition of the "2012 Worldwide Hardware Stores Industry -Industry
• Hardware World Selects iService to Power Online Support
Hardware World, and online retailer of hardware products, is powering their online service function with the iService email response management solution.Champaign, IL (PRWEB) January 30, 2012 Customer service is an important differentiator for retail companies. But for retailers that do a significant amount of business online, it's crucial. Hardware World recognized the importance of online ...

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