Where to Buy Cheap Computers: Ways to Save Money When Buying a Laptop or Desktop

New PC and Mac computers come out on the market at least thrice a year. Today, you can find anything you need: From entry-level and mid-range to high-end desktops and laptops. And choosing a new PC depends on your needs. But that’s not the only factor. In fact, your available budget also plays an important role. So how to find the best cheap computer in such a heavily saturated tech market?

The good news is that you can buy a powerful computer cheaply in 2023!

All you need to do is be smart about buying a new device. In other words, review your options and make a decision that suits your needs. And we’ll try to help you with that in this blog post.

We’ll start by examining the specifications your new PC should have to provide you with an enjoyable experience. After that, we’ll go over your options. Nothing will be left out from buying a high-performing used device from trusted online marketplaces to choosing a new entry-level device. Shall we get started?

How to Buy Cheap Computers Based on Your Needs: Specs you Should Look For

When buying a new desktop or laptop, there are some specs you should definitely look for. The most important ones are:

CPU (Processor): The better your new PC’s CPU, the better your experience with it. AMD (Ryzer 3, 5, 7) and Intel (i3, i5, and i7) CPUs that have been developed in recent years are by far the best choice for most users out there.

RAM (Memory): The RAM of your computer is very important for multitasking. If you need a cheap PC for desktop work, 8GB RAM (or even 4GB in some cases) should cover your needs. Gamers, creative professionals, and business people should probably opt for an inexpensive device with at least 8GB RAM (preferably 16 GB).

Storage: A 128GB SSD is enough for most casual PC users. However, if you want to store a lot of files or install large applications/games, you can opt for a 256 or 512 GB SSD. You should also keep in mind that SSDs are much faster than traditional HDDs.

GPU (Graphics Card): An integrated graphics card will cover the needs of most casual users. However, if you need a device for gaming or demanding creative applications, you should opt for dedicated GPUs like the Nvidia GTX series.

Display (for laptops): The size and resolution of the display are the two main factors you should consider when buying a cheap laptop. A 14-inch screen is more than enough for most users, and a 1920×1080 pixels (FHD) resolution will suffice for all entry-level devices.

Buying Cheap Computers: Your Options

Now that we have analyzed the specifications you should pay attention to depending on your daily needs let us take a look at your options. If you want to buy a cheap computer in 2023, you have two main alleys: Buy a used device or opt for a cheap new one. It’s time to analyze the subcategories and the pros and cons of each option:

1. Buying a Used Or Refurbished PC

Whether you own a business or simply need a PC for personal use, buying a used computer can be a very smart solution. There are two main ways to buy a used computer online:

Online Marketplaces

This is by far the most popular choice. There are several online marketplaces where to buy cheap computers for much less than you would spend on new ones. The process is usually very easy.

All you need to do is visit an online marketplace, choose one of the available used models, and order it. In most cases, well-known online marketplaces like Gadget Salvation have thoroughly tested the devices they sell and offer a warranty. This is why this is the safest option for buying used. And the best part is that you can find a good high-end used computer for a fraction of the original price (like 50-80% less!).

In addition, such online marketplaces usually allow you to sell your old electronics for extra money. This way, you can buy a new device at an even better price.

In other words, if you need to buy a powerful device cheaply and safely, buying a used or refurbished device from an online marketplace is simply the best solution.

Online Listings – Facebook Marketplace and Other Solutions

Another way to buy used computers online is to search local and nationwide classifieds where offers are posted. A good example is Facebook Marketplace, where you can quickly see what other people are selling and get in touch with them via Messenger.

Even though this option can lead to a better deal, there are some drawbacks. For starters, it is not ideal when you need a specific brand and model. Besides, buying a used computer from another person is riskier; in most cases, it is offered without a warranty.

2. Buying a New Computer

If you prefer to buy new laptops or tablets, there are still a few ways to purchase a new device at a reasonable price. You have two main options: You can either buy a cheap entry-level device or opt for an earlier (older) model version that is on sale.

Entry-level Computers

In 2023, most physical and online electronics stores sell entry-level laptops and desktops at affordable prices. Of course, such devices are rarely powerful and will, in most cases, cover the needs of casual users only. Another thing to consider is that when you are done with this computer, there is almost no way to sell it used. They, unfortunately, hold basically no resale value.

Still, if you need a basic device with Wi-Fi capability to check your inbox, etc., you could buy and try to upgrade it. This is a good way to customize a PC tower on a budget. But if you need a laptop, oftentimes, RAM and storage are embedded in the motherboard in modern notebooks and, therefore, are not upgradeable.

Slightly Older Models

On the other hand, buying a slightly older computer model can also be financially smart. For example, if you are looking for a new Macbook, you can wait for the launch of the new model and buy the previous model at a lower price.

But remember that this solution is still much more expensive than buying a used or refurbished device.

Bottom Line

It is now pretty clear that you have many options for buying cheap computers in 2024. Specifically, If you need a powerful desktop or laptop for cheap, buying a used one is definitely the best way to go.

Even though buying a used device from a trusted online marketplace is the best option in terms of price, security, and performance, you can also investigate other platforms like Facebook Marketplace, OfferUp, Mercado, and more.

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