Seeking Advice on Study Laptop Purchasing (Second Hand)

LBargainTeebone on 06/02/2019 - 23:20

Hello all,

I'm studying programming this year and require a snappy laptop after struggling through last year without one. The problem is that I'm really murky on laptops, having never owned one, and there are so many options (especially in the low budget spectrum) that I find myself overwhelmed. A website that categorically lists laptops would be useful if anyone knows of one.

I'm on a tight budget (<$500 AUD) but I'm pretty knowledgable on computers and good at fixing them, so I'm looking for something secondhand to get the most bang for my buck.

What I'll be doing: running several programs once, such as visual studio, a browser, a couple of other apps, a virtual machine and maybe even light 3D rendering, so I need something with a bit of punch. I think all this would require at least 2.5GHz processor and 8GB RAM (preferably DDR4) to be comfortable. Is that a pipe dream at this price point?

Something small (max 14") and lightweight would be preferred as I'll be carrying it around everywhere, and a good screen for working in variable conditions would be a nice bonus, but no touch-screen. Battery life isn't a huge deal, as I'll mostly be working in places with power access. Also, I'll be working in Windows frameworks so can't use Apple products.

Lastly, I'm tossing up between where exactly to buy from, which obviously depends on what I can find, but I've heard horror stories of eBay craptops and am weary of scumtree after being burnt a few times, can anyone recommend good sources for refurbished laptops? (I'm located in Melbourne FYI)

(sorry if this thread is a bit of a repeat, I found some relatable ones but nothing that quite answered my questions and was up to date)

Computing Computer Laptop

Comments

  • swapsey on 06/02/2019 - 23:52

    Pickles Melbourne auction that ends tomorrow 6pm (online bid) - has a few notebooks. Check other auctions for more to choose from. These are usually ex company laptops or government. They are very cheap so you have budget to add memory or other components.

    • [Deactivated] on 07/02/2019 - 00:05

      Do they guarantee that the laptops are working though :/
      Could be worse than ebay and gumtree, if they are bulk stock from business or whatever and untested and zero warranty for 'dead on arrival/pickup' .

      Ebay, at least you have sellers rating and guaranteed working (and if for any reason arrives not working or not as described, you will get full refund including postage).

      I drive my mate up to check out some ex government fixed price auction item he was interested in. Pickles Sydney took no responsibility for anything wrong with item. Ex Postie bike in this instance.

      Maybe you can start up the auction laptops and investigate any possible issues before bidding, but after purchase, you could end up with faulty laptop and no recourse for refund or replacement.

      If laptops in link are tested and some type of guarantee they aren't stuffed, then seems like good option.

      • swapsey on 07/02/2019 - 00:11

        Yeah I would say they are a bit risky but that's worth it if you save 400 odd bucks by buying this way. Current highest bid is under 50 on each of them so that's worth it just for the 8GB memory stick in each. Depends if you are after a bargain or not.

        • BargainTeebone on 09/02/2019 - 23:42

          Those all went up to $60+ last I saw, and only 1 was 8GB I think. Good to keep in mind for next time though.

    • BargainTeebone on 08/02/2019 - 14:43

      I didn't get any of those ones but thanks for the link, I forgot about pickles.

  • yyhazy on 07/02/2019 - 00:01

    I don't know a thing about virtual machine or 3d rendering, but 2.5GHz processor and 8GB ram sounds do-able if you are happy to accept older machines.

    I am a big fan of Thinkpad T series. They are relatively portable and known for their durability. I have a T450s from couple years back, it's built like a brick and very easy to self-service. They usually come with 3 years of warranty and you can arrange for repair even if you bought them second handed. If they are still in warranty, that is. Older Thinkpads would probably be heavier compared to the laptops released in the last 2 years, but for your budget you might not have too many choices. Or you could consider the smaller and much more portable X series, like X240 or X250, both should be available in your budget as used machines.

    https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Fully-Loaded-Lenovo-Thinkpad-T44… This one for example looks like a pretty good machine and I would probably pick it if the weight is not too big of an issue. It comes with extended battery, which should last more than an entire day of heavy using. https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/LENOVO-THINKPAD-X250-i7-5-GEN-56… This one also looks pretty nice.

    As for purchasing them online, I still think ebay is the best places. Look for reputable sellers.

    Edit: format.

    • [Deactivated] on 07/02/2019 - 00:15

      As for purchasing them online, I still think ebay is the best places. Look for reputable sellers

      Yes, still plenty of reputable sellers on ebay. Can grab some great deals at times, if item is at auction and relatively obscure ie. The well known models will have more people interested (hence more bidders to raise price) then you might have a model/brand not alot of people know about, which you can get for a steal ;) .

      Wait for good ebay sitewide deals, and all the gift card hacks etc, if you want to save a bit on top.
      Plus can use ebay free sniping tool app (Myibidder I used) to save on auction items further (and easier to buy, as you don't need to re-up bids) .

    • BargainTeebone on 09/02/2019 - 23:38

      I've been around the block a few times with this search now and you're spot on with recommending the T and X series Thinkpads.

      I haven't had any luck with eBay yet but I'm checking out a couple of absurdly cheap models on Gumtree, so fingers crossed.

      I also found reboot-it, a refurb outfit which is local to me and has a surprising range of suitable models in my price range.

  • BargainTeebone on 04/10/2021 - 21:38

    SOME TIME LATER~

    I did get one from reboot-it (shocking company though, horrible service and the staff didn't know anything about tech): I picked up a refurb T430s, for some ludicrously cheap price that I can't recall, that worked beautifully for my study requirements.

    Later that year (when I had some money coming in) I stayed on the Thinkpad bandwagon and got an E495 on sale for $700 and am still supremely happy with it.

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