Refurbished Laptops And Reconditioned Laptops
Refurbished laptops are popular items with the large number of people buying the new Netbooks, and mini notebook computers, product returns to the product distributor, and open box laptops increase and are the source of many refurbished laptop bargains. There is confusion when shopping for the refurbished laptops with the term " reconditioned laptops" which needs to be clarified. Historically reconditioning larger computing equipment involved, repainting, dent removal, thorough cleaning and electronic certification to original specifications. Depending on the supplier, refurbished laptops usually have been reconditioned to include a thorough cleaning to be as near as new, and electronic re-certification testing to original specifications. Dent removal of laptops really isn't an issue since the composite material uses in laptop case construction doesn't lend itself to removing dents. When shopping look for a descriptions of the refurbished laptop to include cosmetic condition, and don't worry about the words "reconditioned" in the marketing copy. A refurbished laptop purchased from one of the large outlets on eBay, that are sold as refurbished, will be in good cosmetic condition, and functioning like new, with the product shipping group of accessories as in the new product. Be sure and check the warranty conditions before buying.
Refurbished Laptops And Windows 7 Pre-order Discount Promotion
In our previous posts we have explored the fact that Windows 7 will run on current and older model refurbished laptops. The good news here is that for cost savings in the hundreds of dollars you can buy current model laptops, that are refurbished laptops that are a great bargain. Along comes Windows 7, and most have thought that given the steep pricing of Windows Vista, that Windows 7 was going to be a tough pill to swallow, but wait, Microsoft is getting aggressive this time around. Microsoft this week announced an up to 58 percent discount in a pre-order promotion amounting to near $100 dollar discounts on the Home Premium and Windows 7 Professional version. Before jumping on this deal watch for other retailers to offer coupons for discounts greater than the Microsoft discounts as the retailers attempt to drive business in a sluggish PC market. Call the PC Store you frequent and ask them if they have or are going to have additional discount promotions on Windows 7. Combine a refurbished laptop with discounted Windows 7 pricing and you have a combination for a sweet deal.
Refurbished Laptops Are Computer Alternatives for Senior Citizens
Computer technology is no longer limited to professionals and younger generations. Even the elderly are starting to realize they can keep up with the times themselves. In fact, setting up a computer system for senior citizens is a good way for them to pass time and use their minds. By learning new programs and systems, senior citizens can exercise their brains and have entertainment. Some examples of small refurbished laptops for senior citizens include the tablet PC, UMPC and Netbooks.
Tablet PCs
Tablet PC laptops function like a computer but are also similar to personal digital assistants (PDA). By using a stylus or a finger, you can handwrite and use other computer applications. The screen is a touch-screen one and some even come with a detachable keyboard. Senior citizens can connect their tablet PCs to wireless internet and can enjoy the Windows XP Professional system that the tablet runs on. They can find cheap tablet PCs and have a portable device at hand to keep busy and learn new things.
There are two types of tablet PCs that any senior citizen can choose from. One is known as the convertible tablet and the other is called the Slate. Convertible tablets have moving parts as well as a detachable keyboard. The Slate, on the other hand, does not have an included keyboard or any moving parts. It simply rests on a table top or lap and functions just like a tablet. Tablet PCs are small, mobile and only weigh up to 3 pounds. When shopping for refurbished laptops that fit within a senior’s budget the alternatives for finding a refurbished Tablet PC are more limited due to fewer being available.
Ultra-Mobile Personal Computers (UMPC)
Another refurbished laptop computer alternative is the UMPC which stands for Ultra-Mobile Personal Computers. These are more hand-held computers in a very compact and portable form and only weigh up to 2 pounds. They can perform just like a computer and run on Windows XP. You can use Microsoft software applications including Microsoft Office.
The major benefit of a UMPC is that it connects to wireless internet very easily as long as there is a Wi-Fi hotspot. Senior citizens can surf the web, email their family members, chat with other elderly friends and simply stay connected with the community.
Netbook Computers
A netbook is basically a small notebook computer that is meant for being portable and mobile. Refurbished netbooks are available, meaning that senior citizens can for a low cost access the internet through a wireless connection, can use any general applications as well as word processing applications, and even play games. These devices weigh anywhere from 2 to 3 pounds and come with LCD screens that can go from 6 to 10 inches. Netbook computers are great for senior citizens because they are more affordable than regular laptops and are easier to move around.
Not every senior citizen needs a huge desktop or regular sized laptop. Instead, they can use small refurbished laptops that are more affordable, portable and easy to use.
Refurbished Netbooks Becoming Available
There is no doubt that Netbooks computers are the hot topic in the mobile computing market. Until now refurbished laptops have been a very viable option for those looking for a good solution and a reasonable price. Enter refurbished Netbooks, which are now beginning to appear on eBay auctions in good numbers which will mean that netbooks will be available for the very price consious buyer. Since there isn't much difference between a notebook with a large screen and the Netbooks with a 10 inch screen the refurbished netbook is a option worth checking out.
How to Determine if a Refurbished Laptop Will Run Windows 7
Windows 7 has been announced and is available for download in the RC (Release Candidate) version free of charge from Microsoft. The RC version will be usable for over a year and will not expire until June 2010. This option give owners of refurbished laptops, or those considering purchase of a used notebook the option to try the software and verify that it will work to their satisfaction. If you want to try this approach, backup your computer, install Windows 7 RC and verify that it works. If you have difficulties running Windows 7 you can go back to the previous operating system and will have avoided the expense of purchasing software that didn't work on your notebook. Many of the refurbished laptops under $300 will perform very well on Windows 7. Another tip, if the laptop computer runs Windows Vista, there is no question it will run Windows 7. Good luck in testing your laptop on the new software.
Cool Your Laptop With a Laptop Stand
In a previous post we have written about the importance of keeping the temperature of your laptop as cool as possible in order to prolong the life of your refurbished laptop. One of the most important things to do in this regard is to make sure the laptop is resting on a hard surface and that airflow isn't blocked or prevented from flowing under the laptop. This blockage most frequently happens when the laptop is operated on a bed or soft surface. In order to eliminate this possibility there are and number of laptop stands available which keep the laptop elevated and cool. We are always looking for ways to be prudent in our spending money on technology especially when it doesn't add any functionality to what we are doing with the laptop. In this regard we are a big fan of DIY, or Do It Yourself tips, which leads us to an interesting DIY video for building a laptop stand. In all of our searching for a good solid laptop stand, this is one of the best laptop stand projects we have found. This stand will fill you needs for a stand for your laptop for a long time to come.
Windows 7 Will Run On Refurbished Laptop Computers
One of the questions on the mind of those shopping for a refurbished laptop computer concerns how the computer will perform running the new Windows 7 operating system from Microsoft. Not all older laptops will run Windows 7, however many refurbished laptops for under $300 will run the new software with no problem. When shopping for a refurbished laptop that you want to run Windows 7 look for a laptop computer with the following minimum hardware characteristics:
- 1 Ghz Processor (32 or 64 bit version of Windows 7
- 1 GB of RAM for 32 bit version or 2 GB of RAM for 64 bit version
- 16 GB of available disk space for 32 bit or 20 GB available disk for 64 bit version of Windows 7
- DirectX 9 Graphics device with WDDM 1.0 or higher video driver
Keep in mind that laptop memory can be upgraded very easily and at low expense. if you locate a laptop with only 512MB of memory it can be upgraded to the minimun memory size.
In our frequent checks of eBay auctions we found many refurbished laptops that will run Windows 7 and priced under $300
How to Clean Laptop Screen
You have purchased a refurbished laptop computer and it was in excellent condition, so now you want to preserve it in the like new condition, as it was when you bought it. One of most common questions is how to clean the laptop screen. First, whenever you perform cleaning of your laptop or anything electronic for that matter, it is a good idea to turn the power off. The next mandatory tip is to never spray a cleaning solution directly on the LCD display. The way I clean my laptop display is to use a solution of warm water, or a half and half mixture of distilled water and isopropyl alcohol applied to a soft lint free cloth, and then wipe the screen in straight lines across the screen. Don't use a scrubbing motion and don't rub the screen with a lot of pressure. I use huck or surgical towels for the cloth since they are 100% cotton, lint free, and not abrasive. You can buy used huck towels on eBay and they make excellent towels for cleaning windows, marble or anything around the house. Next time you see a professional window cleaner ask him about huck towels, there is a good chance he is using these towels or is familial with them.
I have found a glass cleaner that works well for LCD screens and is advertised as safe for this use. It is the Sprayway brand sold at Sams Club, and some ACE Hardware stores. This cleaner does not contain ammonia, drys without streaking, and when applied directly to the cleaning cloth works very well for the display and also for the laptop case. I have been using it for several years on my Acer laptop and the laptop still looks like new.
With a little effort and caution you can keep your laptop looking like the day you bought it by following the tips presented here.
Upgrading Laptops Running XP to Windows 7
The manufacturing release candidate of Windows 7 by Microsoft is expected in early May with general public availability in the fall of 2009. I have been using the beta version on a desktop system and find that it is very similar in performance to Windows Vista. It does feel a little snappier and I expect it to perform well on newer Laptops as well as the popular Netbook computers. The general consensus among early adapters seems very positive and the new operating system is being embraced by those who have been negative about Windows Vista. For those running Windows XP and expecting to move to Windows 7 the transition may not be smooth from the hardware aspect. I found that going from XP to Vista required a good bit of work with drivers and some of the software I was using on my Desktop system. The transition of Vista to Windows 7 is not problem since Windows 7 is essentially Vista with the edges removed. If you are considering a refurbished laptop computer that has Windows XP installed and are thinking of upgrading to Windows 7 proceed with caution before buying. A laptop with Vista installed should make the transition with minimal if any problems. We'll be staying on top of this subject in the days ahead, and will focus on the Windows 7 upgrade potential of refurbished laptop computers running Windows XP.
Keep Your Refurbished Laptop Computer Cool
In an earlier post we discussed tips to keep your refurbished laptop computer cool, and the impact that heat had on reliability. I forgot a tip that should also be considered. Check and make sure the small rubber feet installed on the bottom corners of your laptop are still installed. These little feet keep the bottom of the laptop off the operating surface, and allow air to flow underneath the laptop and flow to the cooling fan. The cooling fan can be identified by a slotted approximately 2 inch x 2 inch square air intake near one corner of the laptop. If one of the feet are missing, check with Home Depot or a similar store where they carry sick on rubber pads, which are normally used on the bottom of decorative items to prevent scratching furniture. You can use these stick on pads to replace the missing rubber feet that the manufacturer used. When the feet are in place make sure to operate the laptop on a hard surface which will allow air to flow freely under the laptop. Remember to avoid operating the laptop when placed on a bed or blanket, as that it one of the fastest ways to block air flow to the fan which will cause a laptop computer to overheat.
