Are you searching for a great price on a laptop?  You should consider buying a refurbished laptop.  You can often save 30-50% off the price of a new laptop that is totally rebuilt, is an excellent system that is as good as new.

Corporate IT departments feed this market by refreshing their leased equipment each year with new laptops. These computers that come off of lease are sold to refurbishing companies where the laptop is thoroughly checked. Repairs are made if needed along with upgrades to memory, cd/dvd drives and a fresh install of an operating system. The refurbishing shop then sells these laptops online through sites like eBay or sells them direct. If you know what to look for you can often find some really great deals.

There are some key things to consider however when looking for refurbished systems.  You want to make sure you know exactly how old the laptop is.  This, in turn, will also help to know the age of the internal components as well. Things like the age of the hard drive and memory are crucial.  You need to understand the key wear points on a used laptop.  Any part that mechanically moves is more inclined to fail or wear over time. Often the hard drive or CD Rom/DVD drive will wear first. They are also susceptible to drops or bumps. Memory can fail without knowing.  Be sure to ask if either the hard drive or the memory has been replaced.

Another item to look closely at is the display. Laptop displays are sensative to temperature changes, moisture, they can be scratched and the hinges can wear. In LCD displays you can find dead pixels or areas of the screen that no longer functions. These can appear to look like little black dots on the screen. Also look for ghosted or burned in images on the screen. Inquire if the display has been replaced or repaired.  Either way, a warranty to cover future possible breakdowns is always something to consider.

Find out what operating system is included.  Is it Windows or Linux? Linux is a new operating system that is gaining in popularity especially in the more savvy crowds. These operating systems are easy to install over the prior operating system. If a new Microsoft Windows operating system is included, be sure to get valid serial numbers and CDs to allow you to upgrade later if you choose.

If you do wish to purchase want a warranty, be sure to ask what is available, and how long you have to buy the warranty after purchase of the system. Many times refurbished laptops have a manufacturer's warranty available for purchase along with your system.

Lastly, know the retailer or dealer that is selling you the laptop. Are you comfortable with this vendor? Does he take the time to explain your questions fully and do you understand him? Lots of times "tech" guys tend to talk over your head. Be sure to have them explain things at a level you are comfortable with. Also, what is their return policy? Can you return the laptop for any reason? Is there a fee for returns? Rrestocking fee's can run up to 15% of the price.  Do they have a support number you can call in case something goes wrong? Where are they located? Do they speak your language?  And do they have previous customers who will recommend them?

There are many many laptop systems on the market today, just understand that there are other options when buying a laptop besides buying a new system.  You can find a great deal on an excellent refurbished system if you keep these points in mind.  With a little leg work you can easily find a great deal on the perfect laptop for you and your budget.