I’m looking to buy a laptop for things like browsing the internet, admin stuff like sorting out important documents, a little bit of software development, and other things that aren’t easy to do on a phone.

I don’t think I need a particularly powerful laptop for these things, so was hoping to get a cheap refurbished one. Can anyone recommend a reputable place to buy a refurbished laptop for a reasonable price? I’m hoping to spend around £200, but not sure if that’s reasonable for what I’m looking for

  • Denjin@feddit.uk
    7·
    2 days ago

    Not to be one of those people, but the required specs for most Linux distros are significantly lower than Windows and Mac so you can generally get away with a cheaper/older machine and have it just as usable as something more powerful.

    Just a hurdle getting over the transition from a “traditional” OS but for your use case, most common Linux distros come out of the box with productivity, Web and software development tools for free.

    • theOneTrueSpoon@feddit.ukOP
      3·
      2 days ago

      That’s a good suggestion. I have used Linux before, so I am somewhat familiar with it. Not sure if it can run MS teams though, which I might need to use as some places use them for interviews and I’m looking for a job atm

      • Denjin@feddit.uk
        4·
        2 days ago

        MS Teams is available on Linux as a native app on at lease Fedora and Ubuntu (and their derivatives, I haven’t checked anywhere else) and it’s available as a Web app on every device.

      • AZERTY@feddit.nl
        3·
        2 days ago

        Teams has a web application. Sometimes when my native windows app breaks at work, I have to use the web interface which works nearly exactly the same.

  • fakeman_pretendname@feddit.uk
    3·
    2 days ago

    Physically, your local “Cash Converters” or similar may be worth looking at, depending on how you feel about them and that type of business.

    Digitally, there’s places that do refurbished laptops, for example Laptops Direct have a refurbished section which I’ve used before on behalf of other people : laptopsdirect.co.uk.

    £200 may be a struggle, but under £300 should get you something that’ll definitely do the job.

    Depending on what you’re doing, Operating System may be an issue if you want Windows, as they’ve stopped updating 10, and 11 won’t run on older machines. If you want Linux, you’re fine. Do a quick Internet search for the laptop model & “Linux” to check if there’s any issues i.e. a weird WiFi card etc.

    Double check with a nerd before you click “buy” (asking a follow up question on here should work).

    • theOneTrueSpoon@feddit.ukOP
      2·
      2 days ago

      I’d be willing to try cash converters. Haven’t been in one in ages, so I totally forgot they existed! I don’t think there’s one physically near me, but someone else mentioned they have a website so I’ll have a look there.

      I haven’t heard of laptops direct, but I’ll check them out too!

      I’m not dead set on windows or anything, so I’d be willing to install Linux (I have used it before).

  • Lonewolfmcquade@lemmy.world
    3·
    2 days ago

    I use evilbay for this purpose and I’ve had good luck. I only buy from sellers with lots of good feedback and have had an account for at least 5 years. And I only buy devices that come with at least 3 year warranty. I’ve been doing that for about 15 years. Laptops, desktops, phones, etc

    • theOneTrueSpoon@feddit.ukOP
      2·
      2 days ago

      I’m worried about getting scammed on eBay, but I guess doing the checks you mentioned would help me feel better about buying from there. I think they have (or had, at least) decent buyer protection too

      • Lonewolfmcquade@lemmy.world
        2·
        2 days ago

        They do have decent buyer protection. Beware of any seller who tries to communicate with you outside of eBay messages. That’s the only issue I’ve ever had.

        • Tamps@feddit.uk
          1·
          1 day ago

          I’ve had good experiences buying 2nd hand laptops off ebay and putting linux on them. As long as the battery is in good condition, you can breath new life into old hardware for not a lot of money.