I'm considering buying a new computer as my current one is ancient and painfully slow. I must waste hours every day due to the speed of my computer. Do you think I should opt for a second-hand computer or should I buy new? I don't need it for gaming or anything like that, just general stuff and work.
All but one of my computers, all are macs, have been purchased used. No regrets on any of them. So I am used to buying used. From reputable outlets not just individuals though nor just second hand shops. As I said, they are all desktops, which might make a difference. And Macs too. Used computers have worked for me. Ryder13
You can buy some VERY speedy computers second hand these days. I bought my laptop second hand and it was twice as fast as my old one with Windows 7 Pro included.
I think that if the desktop or laptop computer that you intend to buy is only slightly used or has been used for less a than a year before the seller decides to sell it, then I think that you can consider buying it, because it has not been worn out yet. I also think buying second hand computers is a great way to save money as long as the seller is a trusted one.
As long as you are not wanting it for gaming, you should be able to find a really good used one to meet your needs. You may want to check some of your local computer repair shops to see if they sell refurbished ones. We were able to buy a really good one about 5 years ago that has turned out to be one of the best computers we have ever bought. It was built from scratch by the owner/techie and he even had a one year warranty on it. So far, we have never had one problem with it.
I am not for buying second hand when it comes to things like computers or laptops. I personally think buying a new computer itself would soon put you in the race behind with all that changes in technology.. having a second hand computer may cause you to lag behind a lot. This of course is my personal opinion based on experience in the past.
Never buy a used computer. Ever. You have no idea what it has already been through and what kind of abuse it has taken from the previous owner. Plus, no warranty and no tech support. That doesn't mean you can't buy a refurbished one if you score a great deal.
It's not a good idea purchasing a used computer as cannot know how old the computer really is. Like the own may say the age of the computer but certain parts in the computer may be even older than the rest. So it's best you buy it new, you also get all the warranty with new purchases which makes things safer.
The decision to buy a new or used computer depends entirely on how much you are planning to spend. It is, however, my opinion that you go for a new computer with high processing power. In that line, a Core i3 and above is better and will serve you right (be it a desktop or laptop). I just don't trust used computers since I've had very bad experiences with them!
The price on new computers these days has dropped pretty substantially. You can get a pretty solid laptop for under $600 these days. At least with the new computer you have a warranty. If something goes wrong with the used computer, by the time you pay for the parts as well as getting someone to service it for you, you can easily be over the total cost of just buying a new computer.
