Used Netbooks

Thinking about buying a netbook? Great little gadgets, aren’t they? A PC that fits nicely in your bag, that does everything you need on those quick trips, and looks kind of sexy too! Oh, and it certainly weighs a lot less than that 17-inch Toshiba of yours!

Netbooks were also meant to be a cheap option, so how we got to the stage of netbooks costing as much as a regular laptop, we are not quite sure! Fortunately, there is a solution. There are many used and refurbished netbooks available out there – last year’s model that someone got bored with, but that will more than likely do what you want it to and more – and at a price that is “netbook-sized” too.

Of course, buying a used netbook is just like buying any other used item – there are always some new bells and whistles to be had. Just remember, there is ALWAYS something “better” out there, and even your brand spanking new model will be lacking something within 6 months, as “something new” comes onto the market.

Used netbook buying guide

Having said this, there are a few things to think about as you browse our used netbook listings:

1) Does the seller provide a warranty?

Professional sellers of used/refurbished netbook soften provide at least 90 days’ warranty – you probably can’t expect a full 1-2 year warranty on a refurbished netbook, but think twice before buying anything with NONE!

2) What damage, if any, does the netbook have?

The seller is obliged to disclose any faults or damage that a used netbook may have – it would be unusual for the item to be perfect. Just make sure if the problem is one you can live with. If it says something like “Needs attention”, or that something major needs replacing, steer clear, it’s not worth your hassle or money to replace, say, a cracked screen!

3) What features can you NOT live without?

Sure, you don’t want to pay over the odds for a new netbook, just because of a few “bells and whistles” that a used or refurbished netbook lacks, but what are the things you really DO need to have? Think about some of the following:

• what operating system is installed? Early netbooks often had Linux installed, but you may not be ready for a move to this operating system – indeed, some key software you may use might not exist in a Linux version! Perhaps better to look for a netbook with Windows XP, even if it costs a little more.
• what size/resolution screen does it have? It was initially common to find netbooks with screens as small as 7 inches, and a resolution of 800 x 480 pixels, but there is now a realisation that this is just TOO small. Our recommendation is go with a model with 1024 x  600 resolution – websites will look awful on anything smaller, as most websites today are optimised to a width of 1024. Working with email and documents will also bet very difficult on a tiny screen. Yes, netbooks are supposed to be small, but let’s not take it too far. Look for a minimum size screen of 8.9-inch, or better still, 10.2″.
• what processor does it have? The vast majority of new netbooks are coming with a processor from the Intel Atom stable. This processor was designed with this kind of device in mind and offers great performance while keeping energy consumption and heat production to a reasonable level. It would probably be wise, especially if you want to run Windows XP, to go with Atom and not to buy anything with an older generation of processor like the Intel Celeron because this has well and truly been surpassed by the Atom.
• other features: Do you need Bluetooth? A lot of people have no cause to use BT on their netbook. Do you need a lot of hard disk space? Check whether the used netbook you are looking at has a SSD drive – which is “solid-state” (no spinning, breakable parts), uses less power, but will typically have far less storage space – or a “full” hard disk, which uses more power, is more prone to damage, but which can have a much greater capacity. Are all the “extras” supplied? Original disks, cables, etc. You don’t really want to go looking for these. Oh, and a bag would be nice, too!

Well, that’s by no means a comprehensive buying guide to used and refurbished netbooks, but hopefully it will give you some pointers as to what to think about before you rush off and buy that “bargain” which turns out not to meet your needs.

Our used and refurbished netbook listings can be accessed from the menu at the top – happy hunting!