I am looking for advice on buying a refurbished laptop, I found some good deals on Amazon some running Chrome O/S and some running windows
My intended use is for everyday surfing Facebook and YouTube videos
Can I attach Amazon links here of the laptops I have in mind
a) renewed Dell 11.6" 16GB ssd (my new July 2021 Chromebook has a 32GB ssd - might just be me but I think 16GB is too small. It also doesn't state what ports. Mine came with 2 - USB 3 C ports that also are display ports if I want to add an additional screen and 2 legacy USB3 ports )
Find this out because this might be the only one worth purchasing. I can't find anything on Dell model JJTK.
b) Pass I stay away from unknown brands. I never heard of KJD and I can't seem to find any info on the company.
c) Pass end of life Chromebook 13 (CB5-311, C810) Sep 2019 This means the dhrome browser, tied in the the OS, will not be updated. Sites will complain about using an out of date browser.
d) Pass newer than the above but still end of life Chromebook 11 (C740) Jun 2021
e) Pass end of life Chromebook 11 (C720, C720P) Jun 2019
f) Pass I can't find 200MA the closest I found was this
Chromebook C200 Jun 2019
Why not look for a sale. I bought a new Acer CB311 on sale for $129.99 in July. The end of life will not be reached until June 2026. It has 32 GB and 4 ports.
I was worried about the Chrome book also , I want a apple but they are over priced even the older models
I will wait for a sale , I am not I am a 100% I want a laptop I am considering a tablet
Liz is hundred percent right on chromebooks. I purchased an Asus brand about 4-5 years ago from Amazon. Loved it. Still do. Here’s the issue. Most buyers don’t know when the product was manufactured and how long Google will support it! I had no idea. Eventually, I was aware of it. At some point, you won’t be able to update it. You can still use it. I never ran into any problem using my Asus (that no longer updates) with add-ons. Bottom line: good idea to skip used/old Chromebooks.
Also, huge difference between laptops and tablets!!! Decide what your purpose is. There are many things I can do with my Asus chromebook and Asus laptop That I cannot with a tablet. Most tablets( cheap ones) are not worth it. At least, my opinion. iPad by far the best, Samsung is okay. iPad is a glorified iPhone with bigger screen and faster processor. I use my ipad mostly for simple tasks. email, quick internet search, reading magazines borrowed from my local library, listening to music via Bluetooth speaker, etc. fun to have it.
Liz is hundred percent right on chromebooks. I purchased an Asus brand about 4-5 years ago from Amazon. Loved it. Still do. Here's the issue. Most buyers don't know when the product was manufactured and how long Google will support it! I had no idea. Eventually, I was aware of it. At some point, you won't be able to update it. You can still use it. I never ran into any problem using my Asus (that no longer updates) with add-ons. Bottom line: good idea to skip used/old Chromebooks.
Also, huge difference between laptops and tablets!!! Decide what your purpose is. There are many things I can do with my Asus chromebook and Asus laptop That I cannot with a tablet. Most tablets( cheap ones) are not worth it. At least, my opinion. iPad by far the best, Samsung is okay. iPad is a glorified iPhone with bigger screen and faster processor. I use my ipad mostly for simple tasks. email, quick internet search, reading magazines borrowed from my local library, listening to music via Bluetooth speaker, etc. fun to have it.
Well, some cost close to 400 bucks! In my humble opinion, I’d rather spend more and get a laptop with solid state drive. Samsung, HP, Asus are all good brands. Also remember, chromebooks need constant internet connection. You can still use some apps without it. What I like about them is: they are light. You flip the lid and it is on right away. Solid battery life. You can still download apps from Google store.
as far as I know, you can use only chrome browser. Make sure you find out how long you can update before Google doesn’t allow it.
if you can wait for Black Friday, you should be able to get a good one under $200. The cost of them is slowly creeping up though just like any device.
Wow! I was mistaken! A little internet search. You can use alternate browsers with chromebook. Google store offers them. I believe Google required manufacturers to use Chrome browser when they were first introduced. They became quite popular due to low cost. Users dictate what they want. Many prefer other browsers for different reasons. Good luck.
Stephank, I tried FF on my Chromebook and the speed was horrible and it crashed. I ended up removing it and using Chrome on the Chromebook. Some time I will try a different browser and see if that works as well as chrome. (Note: I do not use chrome as a browser on any Windows computer.)
I own 2 android tablets (8" and 10.1") and a chromebook.
I haven't played a video on the chromebook. I'll do that in the next week so I can report on the sound.
Pros: the tablets have much better sound than my Windows laptop. If I want to watch a movie on the laptop, I either wear earplugs or use a bluetooth speaker. As a result, I tend to stream a lot on the 10.1" tablet. (I had Acorn, Hoopla, YouTube, Tubi, and dailymotion.)
Pros: the chromebook if you plan to do a lot of typing when you surf. I pair a bluetooth keyboard with a tablet if I plan to type a lot.
My chromebook is an Acer CB311. I'm happy with it. BestBuy's and Staple's prices are high.
As I said, Walmart had my chromebook on sale for $129.99 plus tax with free shipping delivered to the door.
Thanks Liz. You are always there for more info. Acer? No idea. Never owned one. it seems ok to me. I believe it is mostly the model not the brand name. I had crappy HP laptops and wonderful ones. Every brand and model have great and awful reviews. But, reliability matters. Certain brands are always at the top. My suggestion ( I believe you already know) is check retail stores’ web sites, pick what you like and go see them at the stores. They won’t have everything they offer online. Write down what you want as far as features. Check Newegg on line. They offer sweet deals. Also Amazon’s warehouse at their site. Some buyers return items and Amazon offers good choices.
My advice for buying refurbished electronics is simple... DON'T!
A lot of the time the reason they needed to be refurbished was because they had an obscure problem that very likely didn't get fixed when they were refurbished. That leaves you with the same issue that the original owner had!
I've purchased refurbished desktop computers BUT I relied on a local MS certified refurbisher. If I had a problem (I did not with any item I purchased from them) , I was able to call or take the computer to them to be fixed. This refurbisher cleaned up business computers off lease and installed the OS cleanly. They'd supply you with a new keyboard and mouse. One of my friends bought something from them and I think he had sound problems. Whatever it was, they fixed it.
I would not buy anything refurbished off the internet. It is too complicated to get fixed or return.
If you go along to local stores, you might be able to pick up an open box item cheaper. Ask what the warranty is. If it is short, forget it. Ask why the item was returned. Perhaps they won't tell you but it is worth asking.
I know someone returned a Windows 10 computer because he did not like Windows 10. There was nothing wrong with the computer but it could not be sold as new.
I finally had some time and put a micro sd card in the Chromebook with movies on it so I could test the sound. The speakers are on the bottom of the Acer chromebook. I have to say, the sound is much better on this chromebook than it is on my Acer netbook. I did not feel the need to attach a bluetooth speaker to it to hear the movie.
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