How To Buy Second Hand Laptops in Kenya
This blog post will cover all the basics of buying second hand laptops in Kenya and what to look out for.
It’s not just cheaper, but also better than newer models available now.
You don’t want your laptop breaking down after only a couple of weeks because some part isn’t as durable as it’s supposed to be.
Read on!
Some people are put off by the idea of buying used things, such as cars, furniture, clothes, etc., including laptops in Kenya.
The general concern seems to be that if something has been used before then there must be something wrong with it in order for someone else to sell it again (and at discount prices).
If you are also wondering if buying a used laptop is worth it then this article might just change your mind.
Buying second hand laptops doesn’t have to be about going for the cheapest option or not getting what you paid for – far from it!
Are Second Hand Laptops in Kenya Worth It?
Yes! Second hand laptops are often a great option for people who can’t afford to buy new and want the latest computer technology. Buying second hand is also better than buying from an unknown seller on JiJi or Pigiame, because you’re able to see what they look like before purchase.
What to consider when buying a second hand laptop in Kenya
Some of the things you should consider when buying a used laptop in Kenya include:
- What’s included in the warranty? How does it compare with your needs?
- How old is this version versus newer models available now? Is there anything different about that might make it worth considering over something more current if not expensive/harder to find?
- Do any of the reviews mention hardware issues such as battery life and screen breakage problems, or software bugs?
- Do you need an operating system? Is it included or do you have to buy a new one?
Let us look into each in detail.
Related:
1). Warranty
The warranty may be one of the most important things to consider when buying a used laptop.
If you’re looking for laptops that are older, but still in good condition and won’t need any major repairs anytime soon, then it’s not necessary to have an extended warranty plan because they should last at least three years.
However, if you want newer models or something more expensive than what might break often, then definitely go with the extended warranty.
Some sellers offer warranties on their own as well which would give some peace of time before purchasing anything from them.
2). Condition of Laptop
A lot of people will sell ‘broken laptops for cheap’ even though these are usually refurbished laptops and don’t come with the same qualities as a new laptop.
3). Storage
The more storage you have, the better off you’ll be because it will allow for saving larger files and applications without getting rid of anything.
If money is an issue but there’s still plenty of space on your computer to save things like videos or pictures then consider upgrading once some funds are available in order to keep everything together in one place.
4). RAM Memory
RAM memory refers to Random Access Memory which helps store all sorts of information such as webpages, documents, emails, etc.
Laptops with less than 512MB aren’t going to work well when doing multitasking.
So if that’s important then make sure it has at least this much before purchasing anything else.
5). Budget
The most important thing when purchasing second hand laptops in Kenya is the budget.
There are many different prices for laptops so know what you’re willing to spend on one and stick to it in order to make sure that your purchase will be worth every penny.
6). Timeline
Keep in mind that there’s always going to be something new coming out with each passing day and it’s important to stay up-to-date with the latest releases. It might be worth waiting a few weeks for something more recent, but that may not always work for those who need their laptop immediately.
7). Brand
Don’t go out spending money on brands like Apple or Samsung without doing some research first because while they’re both beautiful companies there are other alternatives available that can suit your needs at a fraction of the cost.
Tips on how to buy second hand laptops in Kenya
You can get some great deals and find exactly what you’re looking for in terms of both capability and style with the following tips on how to buy a second-hand laptop:
a). Don’t buy if it doesn’t come with a charger
Don’t buy a laptop that requires an adapter for the power charger.
The only thing worse than having to carry around your bulky laptop power cord is not being able to find one and not be able to charge it up anywhere!
If you’re buying a new battery pack, make sure it’s compatible with the voltage of where you’ll be using it most so never had this problem in the first place.
b). Only reputable sellers
Buy from reputable sellers who offer warranty or return policies.
Don’t take any chances when purchasing expensive items like laptops in Kenya.
There are many great places to purchase second-hand laptops in Kenya but we recommend sticking with trusted sellers.
As these will provide better customer service should anything go wrong down the line after making your purchase
c). Avoid outdated models
Think about what you’ll be using your laptop for.
If it’s primarily for personal use, such as browsing the web or doing some light work in Word and Excel, then go ahead and buy a 2008 model when they’re available at half-price.
Questions About Second Hand Laptops In Kenya Answered
I hope these will help answer some of your questions.
What Condition?
If it’s very old, don’t bother unless there’s something specific that makes it really desirable (i.e., touchscreen)
What to Check?
You’ll want to check the laptop closely for signs of wear and tear.
Be sure you ask about what kind of warranty it comes with if any.
Especially important is that you know how much money has been spent on maintenance in recent months or years (either by the retired owner or a retailer).
What to Ask?
When you’re trying to buy a second-hand laptop in Kenya, the most important thing is that it has everything you need.
A device that doesn’t meet your needs will have limited use for all but those who don’t require much from their laptops at all.
Asking about the configuration and checking out reviews of previous products in order to make an informed decision can be helpful when choosing what goes into your purchased laptop.
What to do?
Before purchasing a second-hand gaming computer, make sure that it has enough power for all of your needs.
Especially when playing games that require some extra graphics processing power in order to render their scenes smoothly (e.g., video games with large environments).
If possible, test out different models before making your decision on what you are going to buy.
This can give you a better sense of how much power each computer has, and if it will meet your needs.
What to look for?
When you are shopping around, make sure that the computer has a good graphics card (usually Nvidia), at least 4GB of RAM, and an SSD hard drive.
If possible, try out different configurations to see which one best meets your needs before making a purchase decision.
Should I buy a refurbished laptop in Kenya?
A refurbished laptop offers many benefits such as extended warranties, savings, and ease of use. Even though a refurbished laptop in Kenya will cost more than the used laptops that you’ll find on sites such as Jiji.co.ke or Pigiame.co.ke, your purchase price can be comparable to what you would pay if you bought an off-brand budget laptop from Walmart.
How much should you spend on your used laptop?
The amount you should spend is going vary depending on how much power you need as well as what level of quality you want in regard to components such as the screen size or processor speed.
For example, someone who wants something more powerful may be willing to pay upwards of KES 40K; while others just looking for basics with lower-priced specs, might only be willing to spend about KES 25K.
The amount spent on a used or refurbished item reflects how much value they get out of it.
So if it’s worth 20K new then buying one for 15K isn’t going to give them as good quality as someone purchasing one for $150.
This isn’t always the case.
For example, we have seen people purchase a used laptop for 20K and still be satisfied with the quality of their purchase because they got it refurbished or bought from an authorized reseller such as Jumia Kenya.
Where can I get refurbished laptops in Kenya?
Pigiame or Jiji.co.ke are good places to start looking for used laptops in Kenya. Jumia Kenya also offers some great deals on refurbished models if that’s more up your alley!
You might also want to contact retailers directly – they may offer trade-ins or upgrades with discounts as well.
Looking for laptop stands in Kenya?
