Used Computers & What to Look For? There are a number of companies in Cyprus that offer the sale of refurbished and used computers and laptops. It is becoming a trend to purchase this type of computer/laptop due to the fact that computers are far more durable and reliable than they used to be as well as costing you less to buy than a new one. Many suppliers will replace their computers on a regular basis, usually every six months. Businesses in Cyprus also change their computers periodically and may sell their old computers to a computer supplier to enable them to be sold to the public. You will probably find that purchasing one of these refurbished or used computers will save you a considerable amount of money and still have quite up to date technology. This is especially a good buy for someone that does not heavily use their computer and spends most of their time on the internet. When the decision is made to purchase a computer it can be a difficult task to find the right one. Many things are required for you to take into consideration such as the size, configuration, features and what you will be mainly using it for. It is always a good idea to consider the brand as a good branded manufacturer with an excellent reputation will probably be your best option.  Tips for buying a Refurbished or Used Computer a) Check that the brand is reputable. Research their customer service reputation and experience and check what are the specific issues related to that particular brand that you may experience after buying your computer. b) Only purchase a refurbished or used computer that still covered by warranty and/or guarantee. c) Make sure that the price of the used computer is no more than half of its original selling price. Check the market for the lowest price that the new model can be purchased for. d) Is the computer you are considering to buy still in production? If the model is not still in production you will find it difficult to locate replacement parts if needed at a later date. e) What operating system is installed on the computer? Is it current or a much older version? Ideally purchase a computer with a current operating system. Research the available operating systems so that you are aware of which one is right for you. f) Confirm that the configuration of the computer or laptop is good and efficient for your requirements. g) What is the speed of the processor? Request that the computer you are considering is switched on so you can take note of how long it takes to turn on and fully boot up. If this is slow then the possibility of it running ever slower when you begin to add software and applications is inevitable. Extra Tips for buying a Laptop a) Look for laptops that have a good battery life. There is no purpose in purchasing a laptop if you need to have it plugged into the mains to use it. b) What is the screen size of the laptop? Anything less than 15 inches would dictate and older laptop which leads to an increased chance of failure due to the age. Once a screen breaks it is nearly always advisable to purchase a new laptop than to have the screen fixed. c) Ask about the connectivity of the laptop. Look at the options of connectivity are available. You will probably want to find a laptop that has wireless, USB, audio, video and network at the minimum. d) Is the laptop light enough for you to transport it? e) Purchase a laptop bag to carry and protect it. Ideally purchase a bag large enough to accommodate a 17 inch screen. This is because even though you may purchase a laptop with a 15 inch screen now you will more than likely buy one with a larger screen in the future. Treated with care a laptop bag can be kept far longer than the laptop.