Is this laptop worth it?

Question

I got offered a Gateway laptop with Intel Celeron, XP home SP2, CPU=1333 MHz, 1.33 GHz, and 256 MB RAM. I basically just surf the net and play a few free online games here and there, but I also help my sister-in-law with bookkeeping, so I would need to install quickbooks on it. It comes with a wireless card for internet.
The guy wants to sell it to me for $300. I researched used laptops online and found one basically exactly like it for $499, but a brand new bottom-of-the-line laptop at a nearby electronic store chain is selling for $350 this week, so I'm not quite sold on the fact that I'm getting a good deal. 
It works just fine, I'm using it now...but I'd feel better getting opinions from you guys as to the specs and perhaps experiences with your gateway comps or laptops. Help a first time buyer out, will ya?

Zed · Accepted Answer

Since all you're doing is surf online and play online games, this laptop will be sufficient.  Now the question is, used or new?  For good reasons, I'll take the newer one for $50 more.  Why?  Warranty.  Usually, laptops come with a one-year warranty for parts.  What if the used laptop suddenly breaks down?  Do you know when the warranty for this laptop expires? Not unless you ask whoever sold it to you.  

Best bet is to get a new one.  You'll be the first one to use it and you'll be sure that it's kept in good condition.  

You'll never know, maybe the used laptop was moved too much while it's in use that the hard drive started to break down.  So again, I suggest new laptop.

Anonymous · Answer

For bookkeeping it would lag a little bit because of the low amount of memory and the Celeron processor.  The new one you have found has a warranty for one year from maker while if the drive goes out on this one you are out the repair cost.  For around $500 you can get a really good system with a 15.4in. screen, decent RAM and dual core processor.  It will be more compatible for the next 3 to 5 years, while this cannot take advamtage of near future software changes. Personally, I would not pay it.

lueeluee · Answer

No it is not a great deal for a used basic computer. You can find better equipped new ones on sale for $100 dollars more. Most of them come with at least 512 of RAM and a later/ better version of the Celeron or a better AMD.

Check this out as an example:
Acer AS5050-3785 - $400
Link to Product Deal Best Buy has the Acer AS5050-3785 AMD Turion 64 X2 MK-38 14" Widescreen Notebook PC for $399.99. Features include: 5.3lbs, 14.1" widescreen, 2.2GHz, 1GB RAM, 80GB HDD, DL DVD+/-RW, 802.11b/g, Vista Home Premium.

Microsoft · Answer

I would not recommand you to buy the laptop from the guy. Frist of all, as you might know. Celeron is a slow CPU, plus you are only getting 256MB memory for your laptop which will result slow performance as well. 2nd reason is that it will be hard for your to repair or upgrade it. you won't get any warranty from Gateway. It is really hard to find parts for your laptop. If i were you, i would spend a little more money and get a brand new Intel Centrio or a AMD Turion laptop. or even go for a Dual Core.

Juan A · Answer

Get the new one. You will pay about 200 more but at least its new, updated with recent stuff and less risk of having something wrong with it.

Carlos G · Answer

I wouldnt buy theres way better laptops for a 130 dollars more and they just came out so there up to date

http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=3198056&CatId=1892

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Is this laptop worth it?

7 Answers