Ten odd years ago, a cheap laptop was practically unheard of. A new laptop back then would be about the price of a pre-owned car today. The technology was relatively new, so it was, of course, relatively expensive.

Today, times have changed, and you can get a laptop for about as much as it would cost to take your family out to a really nice restaurant, or stay a night in a swanky hotel. The technology is a little older, and it’s the nature of technology to become cheaper the older it gets.

With that in mind, here’s where to look for it…

Sales

This one’s pretty obvious. Computer shops are always having big blowout sales. Laptops are a competitive business, and oftentimes, three or four laptops will come out at once, and one of them will just destroy the others in terms of sales, not because the other laptops are no good, but because this hot seller is somehow sexier or sleeker or just had a better marketing campaign. So computer shops are always loaded with stuff they need to get rid of.

Buy From a Friend

We’ve all got at least one buddy who absolutely must have the latest stuff. They trade their car in on a bi-annual basis, they keep moving to a slightly bigger apartment whenever their lease is up, and they’re always sporting a new laptop. Next time they’re ready to upgrade, let them know that you’ll buy their computer for less than you’d usually pay for it used, but more than they could ever hope to get on a trade in. You both win.

Used Laptops

Just be careful buying a used laptop. You can get the lowest prices this way, but there’s little guarantee that the thing will work. So here’s what you can do: Get it really cheap, so you have a few bucks left over to fix it and upgrade it if it’s not quite perfect.

Get’em Online

Another no-brainer. If you want to give them all a test run before choosing one, try them out at the local computer shops, but then go home and look and see where you can get’em cheap. The local shops know they can charge whatever they want since they’re the only shops in driving distance. Online, prices are more competitive.

Slightly Outdated Laptops

They’re always putting out something newer and fancier. This doesn’t mean the old ones are no good, just that the old ones are cheaper. Keep an eye out for great laptops that are getting an overhaul from the manufacturer in the near future. When the new model comes out, snatch up the old one.

You Should Also Check Out This Post:

More Active Posts: