How to buy a used laptop

Thinking of picking something cheap up from Craigslist or that kid down the street? Sustainablog has a 10-step guide with an eye on what's good and green. Here's No. 3:

First check for cosmetic issues—and then realize that it doesn’t matter whatsoever. As long as the computer still works, that little chip on the bottom corner will not be a problem. But if you’d like, you can try to get a few bucks knocked off the price because of it.

More important is making sure the screen and hard drive exhibit none of the tell-tale signs of early failure.

Photo: Declan Jewell

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[#2 posted by Uptown Topranking , September 22, 2008 6:59 PM]

I respectfully disagree. Laptop cases often need to be plumb and square for the touchpad and keyboard to work correctly. A small crack or chip can be indicative of a structural issue.

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