Buy the Best Laptop

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| Get Started | Plan Your Purchase | Choose Components | Specify Features | Time to Buy |

You've done your research; you know when, where and how you're going to use your laptop. You've decided how you're laptop components will be configured. And you've identified the features you can put to best use. It's time to spend some money!

Trucker Tough Laptops

You may have decided that, like me, you need a laptop that can withstand, not only the rigors of the road, but, more bumps and bruises than the average laptop might be expected to experience. If so, you should, in addition to those components and features you've identified as necessary, look for a laptop that includes some or all of the following laptop protection features:

Tips From Fritz the Frog

You may, while laptop shopping, come across very expensive laptops built to the military's MIL STD 810F specifications; these laptops are often referred to as "ruggedized". Since it's unlikely that you'll need to use your laptop in the middle of a sandstorm, near the edge of a volcano, or at a Penquin research station, I think it's equally unlikely that you need a laptop built to military standards. There are plenty of reasonably priced laptops built "Trucker Tough".

Just in case you're curious, the following is a list of laptop manufacturers, along with an example or two, that offer Trucker Tough laptop features:

Refurbished or Reconditioned Laptops

I really like saving money and, when you're shopping for a laptop, one of the best ways I know of to get a quality laptop at a bargain price is to buy a refurbished or reconditioned laptop. Refurbished laptops undergo a careful examination after which any necessary repairs and/or clean-up procedures are performed and the laptop is repackaged, either by the original manufacturer or by a reputable professional outside firm, returning the laptop to like-new or almost new condition.

Many refurbished or reconditioned laptops are actually cancelled or returned orders and, in other cases, they're return stock; laptops that weren't sold and have been replaced by newer models. In all cases, these laptops undergo the complete reconditioning process.

Choosing to buy a refurbished/reconditioned laptop has a few drawbacks. For example, in most cases you won't get to choose your components and features because the laptop's already been built. Some refurbished/reconditioned laptop sellers, IBM/Lenovo for example, do occasionally offer the option to add easily upgradeable items - like integrated Wi-Fi - but this isn't the norm. Short warranty times are another area of concern for many. Refurbished and reconditioned laptops are typically offered with 90 day warranties although many of these can be upgraded. In my experience, 90 days is enough time to find out whether or not you're going to experience problems; that's why I never buy extended warranties.

If purchasing a reconditioned or refurbished laptop sounds interesting you've got several purchasing options. Local computer repair shops, for example, often offer used and reconditioned laptops. Being able to inspect these laptops firsthand, prior to purchase, is one highly attractive reason to consider purchasing locally. Another option is to buy online from reputable sources. I've either purchased, or know folks who have purchased, laptops from the following online vendors:

| Get Started | Plan Your Purchase | Choose Components | Specify Features | Time to Buy |