Section

Buying used, and buying well

Most of this site is about not buying a computer. But sometimes the old one really is done, or you need a second machine, and then the smart move is a used business laptop: built to last, cheap because companies replace them on a schedule, and easy to upgrade. These guides are about choosing one that lasts.

Guides

Buying used How to buy a used laptop that lasts Business models, the Windows 11 cutoff, refurbished grades, and the ten-minute inspection. 4 min read

Before you buy anything

Make sure the old machine is really done. A slow PC is usually a fixable PC, a broken screen is a cable or a part, and a "can't run Windows 11" PC is a free ESU enrollment away from another year of safe use. If it's still done after that, read on.