Pawn shops are a good place to purchase a laptop for less than what you’d normally pay for a new one. But the main question is: Are pawn shop laptops good? Your mileage will vary depending on many factors. Keep reading to learn what to look for.
Are Pawn Shop Laptops Good?
Although we know it’s frustrating, the answer depends on what you mean by “good.” In this case, you need to look at the technical specs of the laptop to make sure that it can perform the tasks you have in mind.
If you plan to use a laptop only to watch movies and write documents, then a basic computer should be enough. If you need a computer for more demanding tasks, like graphic design or playing last generation videos, then you’ll have to be more detailed oriented and consider things such as:
- Graphics card
- RAM memory (for example, 16GB of RAM is considered reasonable for most video games)
- Storage (Using gaming as a reference, 512 GB is good enough, with 1 TB being the preferred option for an optimal experience)
- Display size
Tips for Buying a Laptop at a Pawn Shop
Buying a laptop at a pawnshop requires some basic technical knowledge and an understanding of the pawning process. Here’s what you need to keep in mind.
Look at the computer’s age
Obviously, the newer, the better. A laptop that is more than five years old, might have trouble performing complex operations such as rendering high-res graphics or editing video. As when shopping for any other item, checking online reviews for the model you are considering to buy can give you a clearer idea of what to expect.
Consider the Brand
Brand is another factor you’ll want to consider when purchasing a pre-owned laptop. And while no brand is infallible, some companies are considered more reliable than the rest. This includes:
- Apple
- Asus
- Dell
- HP
- Lenovo
- Microsoft
- Samsung
Try the computer before purchasing it
Turn on the laptop and use some of its basic functions such as typing or viewing photos to ensure that everything works properly. Don’t be shy about checking even seemingly minor details, such as the speaker volume to the Wi-Fi connection capabilities.
Warranty
Lastly, keep in mind that used laptops rarely come with warranties if they have any at all; As part of the negotiation process, ask if the laptop comes with any type of warranty. If that’s the case, you’ll probably have to pay more, but the peace of mind might be worth the extra bucks.
Looking to buy a laptop? Come visit us at any of our two locations in Pomona and Chino, or browse our online catalog. And to learn more about laptops and pawn shops, check out our previous blog, “4 Tips To Pawn or Sell Your Laptop”
AJ’s Super Pawn: Pawn Shops in Pomona and Chino, California
If what you need is a dependable, trustworthy pawn shop in Southern California, look no further than AJ’s Super Pawn.
We have locations in Pomona and Chino California. Give us a call today (Pomona: 909-622-0334, Chino: 909-465-5456) or fill out the contact form to get in touch with our team!
