Notebook online auction buying guide
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 Some notebook brands, like Fujitsu and Lenovo ThinkPad series, give three-year warranties. |
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Just like buying from a store, don’t be afraid to ask a seller questions regarding his item. Unless your questions or requests are ridiculous (can you throw in a free notebook if I win your auction of the mouse?), you should expect the same level of courtesy as you would from a saleperson. Avoid rude sellers or those who do not bother to answer your questions. After all, if they do not take the time for enquiries, how much time would they take to make sure your item gets to you in good condition?
Is the item still under warranty?
This is the first question you should ask, unless you are bidding for an antique. If the answer is yes, make sure the seller includes a proof-of-purchase or valid warranty card with a dealer’s chop. Otherwise, the manufacturer may refuse to service your system or charge for any repairs made.
If the warranty was registered online, check out the manufacturer’s Web site to see what is required to transfer it under your name. You do not want to send in the item for repair, only to be jumped on by burly police officers who were informed that the system was stolen.
If the item does not have any more coverage, request for a personal warranty from the seller. The standard time should be a week from receiving the system to check for possible faults. If the seller refuses, shop elsewhere.
What is the cosmetic condition?
If the item is a year old and the seller claims it is in mint condition, remember to bring along a rosary or incense to meet him because this chap is a saint. We normal folks expect some light scratches from common daily use, no matter how careful the user has been. The only exception may be our own digicam reviewer, who is anal retentive to the point of obsession.
How long is the battery life?
Notebook batteries based on Lithium-ion technology may not have memory effect, but over a year or so it will definitely degrade even if the user takes it out and uses AC power exclusively. However, if the laptop is less than a year old but the battery holds only a 20-minute charge, be wary as the system might have been used in a less-than-optimal environment.
How many free memory slots?
Depending on the laptop, there may be one or two user-acessible slots for upgrading your system. Ask the seller if the notebook's RAM has taken all available spaces. It is cheaper to buy two pieces of 512MB memory than a single 1GB RAM chip.
What peripherals does it come with?
Everybody loves freebies. Ask nicely and the seller might throw in a notebook bag or a free keyboard if the deal goes through.
What are the shipping method and rates?
There is no point in buying a S$10 (US$7.36) USB hub and paying S$0 (US$0) for shipping. Check out the charges beforehand. Alternatively, you may opt for a meetup instead to inspect the items before shelling out the dough.
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