Buying Laptops - Help!!

[admarlow]

Im am going to California in about 6 months and I am thinking about getting a laptop, I am willing to spend about 500 pounds ($1000 dollars) should I ;
A) Buy a second hand laptop in the UK
B) Buy a second hand laptop in California
C)Buy a new laptop when I get to California

Plus does anyone have any other advice?

[vehelpfulguy]

I always have concerns about second hand laptops.

You are not sure how they have been treated, and also they could have had liquid damage (drink spilt on them) which may not show on the surface but could be rotting the inside.

The battery may have "lost" its charge and laptop batteries can be expensive to replace.

Also, if a second hand laptop goes wrong who do you turn to, at least with a new one you can send it back if it goes wrong.

With the price of laptops dropping I would go for a new one.

[fo3nix]

Buy a new laptop, in CA.

They're a lot cheaper over there anyway, and as vehelpfulguy says, you don't want to buy second hand if you can really help it. Especially with the amount you're willing to spend.

Pop into an Apple store, and take a look at the Macbook.

Also, take a look at Dell's systems online once you get there.

[Oneeyedvic]

How long are you planning on staying in California for - if it is just a holiday, then (personally) I would stay clear of buying a laptop over there. If it goes wrong for any reason, you are totally stuffed.

�500 will get you a sensible new laptop - I just purchased an Acer laptop with 1GB memory and an adequate processor and hard drive for �400

If you do get one in California, it may be worth finding out if you can still get protection from your Credit card under section 75 of the consumer credit act. Sainsburys were still offering this protection despite the OFT saying that they didn't have to (it will essentially say that if you purchase the laptop abroad on a credit card, you will get the protection of the credit card company)

I to wouldn't bother with a second hand one - I've had two that have had issues with them - and therefore will only buy new.