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Why you should consider purchasing from us...
- Our laptops come with an Operating System (OS) installed. Many used laptop sellers do not include the OS, so be sure to check. Loading an OS a laptop can be time consuming and challenging for those not familiar with where all the drivers and appropriate files need to be located. Not only is it a challenge, but it can be an additional expense.
- We specialize in used laptops and have been doing so since March 1996. Our first laptop site went live on the Internet in July 1996. We know laptops and can answer your laptop questions. Our company name, UsedLaptops.com, Inc. and our URL www.usedlaptops.com say it all.
- We answer our phones and respond to all e-mails. Call us and you will usually have a person pick up the telephone, often on the first ring, if we are unable to answer the phone please leave a message and know that your call will be returned promptly.
- We test, test and test the laptops. Before shipping and packaging your laptop we re-test it with the AC adapter you will receive to ensure there are no problems.
- Our site is easy to navigate and kept current. Every laptop on the site is in stock and can be purchased immediately. We typically will ship the same day your order is processed. You will receive the tracking number via email either before the close of business or first thing the following morning.
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How do I determine which laptop will meet my needs?
Our laptops come with an Operating System (typically Microsoft Windows XP) and three freeware programs, an Anti-Virus program , an Anti-Spyware program and OpenOffice (allows creation of and manipulation of existing Microsoft Office documents). If you'll be adding additional software, check to see the software manufacturer's minimum hardware requirements (hard drive, processor speed, etc).
- Operating System (OS) desired; our systems come with Microsft Windows. We do have the ability to install others. This service is available upon request and for an additional cost. The specific OS included is part of the laptop's description at our website.
- Integrated floppy and CD/DVD drives or is swappable OK.
- The different optical drive you wish to use. We have laptops that carry CD (read only), CD-RW (read and write CD's), DVD (Read CD and DVD), and DVD-RW (Read and Write CD's and DVD's)
- Is weight an issue? Most of our laptops weigh from 3-7 pounds.
- Price, Budget
- Type of integrated pointing device: TouchPad,"eraser-head"
- Wirelesss Network connectivity needed? If you'll be hooking up to router wirelessly you will need a laptop with wireless.
- Do you need a working battery? We do not warrant the batteries (common in the refurbished industry) so it may or may not hold a charge.
It's a lot to consider but worth taking the time so you'll be satisfied with the computer's performance.
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Can I purchase upgrades?
We can upgrade many of the laptops on our site. Not every component can be upgraded. Some upgrades can be done immediately, some require an extra day. We have most recently added the upgrade center to assist you in this process.
- RAM memory can often be upgraded and you will see the quanites in which we will upgrade listed under the laptop you select. If there is no option to upgrade the RAM memory, then an upgrade may not be available. You are welcome to call for more information.
- The processor or CPU cannot be upgraded.
- The video chip cannot be upgraded, as it is soldered to the system board.
- The LCD display cannot be changed for a larger one. Remember, generally, the larger the LCD display, the larger and heavier the laptop.
- Most laptops we sell come with integrated wireless. If your laptop does not, the laptop may be able to have a Wi-Fi card added. We have a 802.11.g for $40 Linksys PCMCIA cards available. This can be done the day you order the laptop. The cards slide into a PCMCIA card slot and is easily installable by the user. The card will include software.
- A larger hard drive can be installed in most laptops. Again, this is another new feature you will see that has been added to our "upgrade center" located on the page of the laptop you select. If you do not see this option, this upgrade may or may not be available. You are welcome to call with further inquiry.
- We can change the Operating System if you would like to "downgrade". This service is available at an addtional cost. This could take several days and we would need to provide a quote. If you have specific needs, please do contact us and we will be able to assist you further.
- We do not warranty the battery. In some cases we have working, tested batteries. If you need one ask us. We sell refurbished batteries from $25+ and warrant they have been tested and hold a charge for at least one hour. Batteries of this nature however are not available for every model we have listed on our inventory. Often we will suggest a vendor that can provide new batteries.
- We can include a external mouse with your purchase. A USB mouse is $19.95. Please see our accessories page for more information.
- Carrying cases range in price beginning from $25 and up. We offer a a wide variety of sizes and styles to suit your needs. Please see our accessories page.
- Media Drives (CD-ROM Drives or DVD drive, DVD-CDRW, and DVDRW drives) can usually be upgraded and added.
- Our standard warranty is currently 6 months or 180 days; this is a limited time offer and is subject to change at anytime. For several years our warranty has been 3 months or 90 days. Typically if you have a hardware problem it will show up within the first 30 days you own the laptop, yet this too is a rare occasion. We are extremely proud of the quality of our work and because of this we include a minimum of a 90 day warranty at all times at no extra cost. Extended warranties are available as well. An upgrade to a 6 month warranty is $45.00 and an upgrade to a 1 year (365 Days) warranty is $75.00.
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I see OpenOffice, SpyBot Search and Destroy and AVG Anti-Virus software is included on many of your laptops. Tell me more about this software.
If you're used to using other office suites - such as Microsoft Office - you'll be completely at home with OpenOffice You can of course continue to use your old Microsoft Office files without any problems - and if you need to exchange files with people still using Microsoft Office, that's no problem either. Just as with Microsoft Office, OpenOffice has several components you can choose from including word processing, spreadsheet, drawing, and database management. For more information visit the OpenOffice website.
SbyBot Search and Destroy can comprehensively scan your memory, registry, hard, removable and optical drives for known datamining, aggressive advertising, and tracking components, AdAware will provide the user with the confidence to surf the Internet knowing that their privacy will remain intact. Questions? See Spybot's website.
AVG Anti-Virus provides AVG Resident Protection, AVG e-mail Scanner, AVG On-Demand Scanner, basic scheduled tests, free virus database updated, automatic update feature, automatic healing of infected files, Virus Vault for safe handling of infected files all with an easy-to-use interface. AVG's website will provide lots more detailed information.
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What does my laptop purchase include? What does it NOT include?
Each laptop ships with the peripherals specified in it's description (e.g. floppy disk drive, CD ROM drive), an A/C adapter, a Windows registration document (card or sticker) and the laptop.
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How soon will I get my laptop? Is the shipping cost included in the price of the laptop?
We are located in Northern California. Our hours are Monday-Friday, except Holidays, 9:00 to 5:00. If we receive an order by 1:00PM PST we will ship the same day although in general we will ship an order within 48 hours of receipt of the order and approval of the payment. If you are on the East Coast and choose UPS ground you can expect to receive the laptop within 10 business days. Shipping costs are not included in the posted price of the laptop; the cost to ship one laptop via UPS Ground, 3-Day, 2-Day or FedEx overnight is
$20, $42., $54. And $65., respectively. Saturday delivery is available at an additional cost ($75.) More shipping information is available at our Shipping Info page.
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Do you have more than one laptop for each listing?
As we purchase in quantity we usually have more than one of each model available for purchase.
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Where do you purchase the laptops?
We purchase from leasing companies, corporations, brokers and wholesalers. We don't purchase "ones" or "twos" as it is too difficult to refurbish and sell.
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How will I know you've shipped my laptop?
We will e-mail you a UPS or Federal Express tracking number within twenty-four hours of shipping your order.
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I'm local...can I stop by and take a look at your Inventory?
We enjoy meeting our local Customers in person but aren't set up for walk-in traffic. If you'd like to purchase a laptop from us and pick it up in person please choose the system then call ahead (650) 919-1820 to make payment/pick up arrangements.
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What is the condition of the laptops you sell?
Our laptops will not have significant signs of use such as damaged displays or cracked cases. As they are used there may be some minor cosmetic marks on the units, generally limited to the outside of the case. Some laptop dealers list these as "A" Condition. Not new, but in great shape.
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Does my laptop purchase include an A/C adapter?
Yes, all orders include an A/C adapter.
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Does my laptop purchase include a User's Guide?
User's Guides are not included with the laptops as we rarely get manuals when we purchase the laptops. Should you require a manual they can usually be found for free download or use online at the laptop manufacturer's web site; links to these support sites on our Support page.
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Does my purchase include an Operating System CD or recovery disk?
We don't have Recovery Disks or Operating System CDs to include with your order. We'd suggest creating a Boot Disk when you receive your laptop to use in case reinstallation of the Operating System becomes necessary. For more information on creating a Boot Disk, see http://www.computerhope.com/boot.htm.
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I did not receive an Operating System CD or driver disk with the computer. How can I get these in the event I need to load the system from scratch?
Drivers for your laptop as well as the essential Microsoft Windows components are located on your hard drive in the 'C:\Windows\Options\Cabs' directory. Additional hardware that requires the Microsoft Windows CD can get the files it needs from there. If you need to re-install the operating system you can navigate to that directory through DOS and type 'setup.exe' which will run the Microsoft Windows setup program.
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Do the laptops come with any other software (other than the Operating System)?
Generally, we do include installation of programs such as AVG, Spybot Search and Destroy and Open Office. We install this programs for personal use only as a courtesy to our customers. Unfortunately, we have launched a few new warehouses are unable to provide this courtesy on the laptops housed there. Under the selected laptop of your choice it will say "pre-installed software" or "recommneded software." If you do see the "recommended software" statement then these programs will not come pre-installed but are available for free download at the following websites:
AVG's Free webstite
Spybot Search and Destroy's Free Website
OpenOffice's Free Website |
Does loading other software void my warranty (the part of the warranty that states "changing the operating system voids the warranty")?
No. We expect and encourage our Customers to install software. We simply ask that you make sure the laptop specifications meet those required for the particular application.
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Does UsedLaptops sell used batteries?
We do sell used batteries for certain laptops. Unfortunately, we do not have a battery available for purchase for each laptop we sell. Whatever we have will be listed on the site under "accessories." Feel free to send us an email or give us a phone call if there is a particular battery you are looking for.
email: Support@usedlaptops.com
phone: (650)919.1820 |
What is the condition of the laptop battery/charging system?
We do not replace or test the batteries/charging systems and, as such, they are excluded from our Ninety-Day Warranty. It is possible the battery will not hold a charge at all even when you first receive your laptop.
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Want a new battery?
We do not sell new laptop batteries, as there are many different types; we'd recommend http://www.ebatts.com/.
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How can I prolong the life of my Lithium-based battery?
Please see the discussion at http://www.buchmann.ca/Chap10-page6.asp as to extending the life of a Lithium-based battery.
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What does "swappable" mean?
Swappable means that the laptop will come with a CD-ROM drive module and a floppy disk drive module. However, only one of the drives can be used in the Internal Drive Bay at a time. In order to change drives, the drive currently using the drive bay must be physically removed and the other drive installed, while the unit is turned off.
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What does "hot swapping" mean and does my laptop have that capability?
"Hot swapping" means swapping various drive modules (e.g. floppy disk drive, CD/DVD ROM drive) without having to turn the laptop off. This capability is not available with all laptop computers. To determine if your drives are hot swappable you will need to read the laptops specifications.
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How do I know which expansion ports and slots the laptops have?
We provide a detailed list of ports and other expansion for each laptop. If you have specific questions you are welcome to call or email us.
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I want to hook a printer up to the laptop. How can I do this?
If you already have a printer, make sure it's connector is available on the laptop by checking the specs pages as outlined just above. If you haven't purchased a printer, depending on the laptop's specifications you have some choices including a Universal Serial Bus (USB) or 25-pin (industry standard).
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How can I toggle between CRT and LCD?
Simultaneously press the function key "Fn" and the other function keys on which there is a small display graphics.
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My laptop keeps going into suspend or sleep mode.
If you laptop goes into hibernation, standby, suspend or sleep mode you will need to change your Power Management Properties. Click on the 'Start' button, -> Settings -> Control Panels -> and double-click on the Power Management icon. This utility will give you control over which devices are disabled after a certain time period. Other power management properties might reside in your system BIOS.
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