would you buy 2nd hand notebook from ebay?

[elty]

Assume the seller has 99%+ positive rating with transaction over 500? I check some recent transaction and msot of them are notebook related items so doesnt look liek those buy tissue paperx500 feedback.

The reason I ask is the price seems to be good (a bit lower than what is currently on BST included shipping).

[JoKeRr]

can't stop but I have to say:

Would you use a second hand CONDOM?? (sorry, but it's just so perfect :D )

[CheapScotsman]

We got a DELL Lattitude L400 with power adapter off of ebay about a year ago when we were living in the States. There was a guy selling a dozen of them. He had sold blocks of refurbed/used laptops in the past with great feedback so we felt the risk was low. We wanted a small / light notebook for notetaking so it has worked out really well for us. We got it for less than US$400.

[akito925]

caution might be a scam.. could be all his friends writing feed bakcs.. buying his stuff up.

you could get a nice cardboard box, with a notebook.. but probally a notebok you think you were suppost to get.. but instead get a paper notebook.

[Byrns]

nope.

[iamthehub]

not a chance. if you need a laptop, and can only afford used, I'd look at some of the computer places in your area that sell Off-Lease business machines. Most offer 30 day warranties, and would have an actual store, instead of someone's basement.

[Carpe Diem]

Only if i can pick it up, Face to Face.

[Newt]

Ask yourself if you are willing to take the chance to get scammed out of that amount of money. If the amount saved vs. amount being risked is worth it, then go for it.

Personally, when I buy stuff on eBay, I don't really give a shat about getting scammed. I usually buy small stuff like books, DVD, video games, and such. The worst that could happen is that I lose $10-15, which when put in perspective, isn't really that big of a deal.

[Jumbotron]

I've sold 3 of my iBook & PowerBooks through Ebay - they all included at least 18 months of AppleCare warranty and all my buyers have been happy. I upgrade every 2 to 3 years and it's the best way pass on my very clean used equipment to someone who wants a used unit.

Personally, never been screwed or screwed anyone on over 350+ transactions - but buyer and seller should always beware.

[putty]

yea, ebay is such a scammer site. I wouldn't buy unless they guy was in the same city and we could meet and complete the sale.

[felix]

Keep in mind you'll need to pay customs fees on top of that (unless you can ask the seller to mark it as a defective RMA or something, it's not going to get by customs for free.)

I think it would be fine, but just use caution and remember to pay with a credit card!!!

[simms]

Keep in mind you'll need to pay customs fees on top of that (unless you can ask the seller to mark it as a defective RMA or something, it's not going to get by customs for free.)

I think it would be fine, but just use caution and remember to pay with a credit card!!!

good pts.

[canabiz]

I would look on newsgroups and local papers first before venturing on Ebay for 2nd hand notebook

Too many factors involved there, say you receive it and the LCD has some bad pixels or something is busted and it's not supposed to be that way and the seller would blame the shipping/customs agent or whatever

Basically how do you know who to believe

[1madman1]

I've purchaced at least 5 notebooks through ebay over the past 3 years. Only one deal turned out to be bad, and that was due to it being from a surplus electronics seller that didnt really know much about notebooks.

[DaFonz]

Pay with paypal and credit card and you'll be fine. Extended warranty too!

[techwiz]

I think you have to take your chances dealing on eBay. I only deal with sellers who have 1000+ feedbacks, 99% positive, and I haven't had a problem. :)

WRT buying a used laptop, the only thing I would be worried about is the battery. It might not be able to hold a long charge, and it might cost a lot to buy a new one.

[Jumbotron]

I think you have to take your chances dealing on eBay. I only deal with sellers who have 1000+ feedbacks, 99% positive, and I haven't had a problem. :)

I've had the worst luck with Sellers that have over 1000 feedbacks - they are usually businesses that do enough volume that they are too busy to answer questions about the product (send an "Ask the Seller a question" and get back an automated FAQ and then they usually puil the latest tactic that drives me nuts... "We only leave feedback for Buyers after they left feedback for me"

[synaptech]

Pay with paypal and credit card and you'll be fine. Extended warranty too!

No extended warranty on used items.

As for buying a laptop used from ebay - I bought two, both at a fair bit less than I could buy here or locally. One was excellent with 0 issues, the second had some issues. The seller of the second refunded some money, but it still soured me a bit.

I would attempt to buy local first, if you can't then do make sure you pay with a credit card so you can charge back if need be. The only catch would be you'll have to pay return shipping...

[synaptech]

WRT buying a used laptop, the only thing I would be worried about is the battery. It might not be able to hold a long charge, and it might cost a lot to buy a new one.

Check all ports too and perhaps have the seller verify all ports are working, including PCMCIA.