Most of the time, buying something cheap and used is a questionable choice; how reliable will it be, after all? Buying a cheap used laptop may well be the exception, because some of these systems can be very reliable indeed. Much like buying a used car, though, there is a great deal of variety with regard to how well the cheap used laptop will hold up over time. Many do very well, however, and it's up to you to establish a relationship with a technician who can keep your laptop in great working order.

The great thing about a cheap used laptop is that almost everyone can afford one - that's why, like cell phones, laptops are becoming ubiquitous. It seems like almost everyone has one. Sometimes a family might even have more than one laptop, so that different family members can have their own - and that's something that was almost unheard of a decade ago!

You can very likely pick up a cheap used laptop for about $ 700. Make sure you understand its features and see it in action before you make the decision to buy - take it for a test run, so to speak. Some used laptops are sold refurbished. More memory can be added, as well as additional programs. Or you might decide to purchase someone' system as is, with all the programs already installed. In either case, make sure that the latest virus protection is installed, and keep the subscription current. Ask relevant questions as to why the owner of the laptop is selling it, if you are buying it privately. Don't worry about prying - you don't want to inherit someone else's problem, after all! Most of the time, your cheap used laptop will, in fact, turn out to be a great deal.