There are a lot of times when a used laptop instead of a new on will do the job just fine. The forward progress of computer technology moves so quickly that laptop computers can become obsolete after only a few years, and when you have to pay over a thousand dollars each time for a new model the costs can add up. For most of the common laptop uses such as email and simple writing you don't need to have the highest hardware specifications, so searching out used laptops that are a few years old will cut down the price significantly and still have the power to handle many tasks. Some retailers also take old notebook computers as trade in for new models. Of course that sounds a lot like making deals at a car dealership. The idea is the same though since notebooks do last quite a while and the value drops a lot soon after you buy it new.

Used laptops can often benefit greatly by making a few modest upgrade, like adding more RAM. With these minor modifications you can bring it up to speed and give it the power to run the latest software and meet new challenges. Of course online auction and bulletin board sites are very effective for finding exactly what you need and you can make a bargain when shopping for used laptops. Often people just want to unload their older equipment so they can buy up to the newer models. You can save at least 50% off of the prices of used laptop computers that way. If you can find a laptop that has been well-maintained and has never been dropped off of the second floor or into a swimming pool chances are good that it will continue to work great for many years. For times when you just need the very basics, like just being able to type a note and play solitaire, you can find really cheap used laptops. You could perform those "tasks" deftly with a used laptop that is up to 10 years old. You wouldn't need to spend thousands to get those results and you could help someone else clear some clutter out of the junk pile in their garage.

Getting very old mobile computer equipment as better than warehouse prices can take a little homework though. Some of the old hardware may not be able to handle some of the more recent software and peripheral equipment. We've grown accustomed to the ease of using USB and firewire peripherals, but the older laptops wouldn't know where to begin with those. Instead of a handy USB mouse and keyboard combination you would have to find a mouse with a serial connection and a keyboard with the really big plug. Finding those items could be challenging unless there's a well-stocked thrift store or your computer geek cousin keeps a pile of out-dated equipment in a pile in the basement. With the old equipment you can be much more versatile since you won't be that worried about damaging it. By adding wireless network capabilities through the PCMCIA expansion slot you can truly take it on the road on work worry free.