If you know a thing or two about computers, could you tell me if this is a good deal?

Question

I am thinking about buying this laptop...

I need a laptop that will surf the internet, can hook up to a printer, and that has a built in wireless card, since my building that I live in provides free wireless for the residents.

Could you take a look at the ad/link and advise me? THanks.
http://losangeles.craigslist.org/lac/sys/520952991.html

Answer 1

Here are some better deals in your area, based on the system specs - you should be able to get an inexpensive wireless card for these if they don't come with one. I listed these in order of preference based on installed RAM.

http://losangeles.craigslist.org/lac/sys/516601131.html
http://losangeles.craigslist.org/lac/sys/517153108.html
http://losangeles.craigslist.org/lac/sys/519728693.html
http://losangeles.craigslist.org/lac/sys/520151591.html

Answer 2

To be honest, I would be wondering why the XP operating system is only updated to Service Pack 1 since MS only supports the OS if it is updated to SP2. Like maybe it's a bootleg OS that you won't be able to keep upgraded with the latest security upgrades? I agree with the other answers, save a little more $$$ and get a newer, better, laptop with more modern features.

And also, personally, I would not buy a battery from ebay for my laptop - I would want to know it was going to work when I received it. So the $40 -$50 statement made by the seller for a battery is not realistic. A quick search for batteries for that brand laptop showed prices ranging from about $80 -$120 for a new battery, which is what you would want.

I would say pass up this deal and keep looking. You'll be happier in the long run I think.

Answer 3

Oooh, very low system specs. If you don't try to run anything too new, you should be okay. Even office 2003 may be a bit much for this machine. Older versions of office and web browsers will probably be okay. I'm not sure I would run Windows on it, though. Also, it doesn't have built in wireless. He has an expansion card he plugs into it for wireless. He didn't say what kind of wireless either. Depending on how the wireless router is setup, it may not be compatible with your network.

Answer 4

For $350 you can get a new laptop that is twice as powerful, more RAM, more HD, and a working battery.

I would spend the extra $100 on a new laptop and not waste the $190 on this old one w/ no battery.

Answer 5

Its too old for the price--you should be able to find a better one--keep looking.