Does it make sense to purchase a refurbished laptop, or should you by a new one from one of the major manufacturers? From a price standpoint, the idea of purchasing a secondhand laptop holds much appeal. Even midrange laptops can easily cost over $1,500 with accessories, extra batteries, and bigger RAM add-ons.

Moreover, if you have a pressing need for a particular application--say, if you want a computer strictly for personal area networking--you can get an exceptionally cheap laptop for this single use. Of course, it's impractical and possibly unwise to rely on used computers for primary purposes, such as to connect to the Internet, to create Word documents, and to interface with office associates.

Assuming you're going after a refurbished laptop for a special purpose, how should you contact sellers and evaluate the conditions of used machines? First of all, go through recognized channels. If you buy from a yahoo selling radically discounted laptops and laptop parts out of his basement, chances are that you're going to end up with less than stellar machinery.

Online bulletin boards, refurbished laptop experts, and even computer companies themselves can connect you with trusted secondhand retailers. Ideally, you want to get a used laptop with an existing warranty. However, if you're buying a souped up notebook with ad hoc components, chances are that whatever original warranty existed is now no longer valid. Realize that you're taking a chance when you buy a used computer. Don't spend a fortune, even for high-end components.