Is Craigslist a good place to buy PC's?

[amdgraphics]

Hi Everyone!

I am wanting to buy a laptop for video editing (or desktop, if it's a good price), and I want to know if Craigslist is an okay place to buy computers? I've seen a lot of good prices, like the link I've added, but I want to make sure that I won't get jipped. Thanks for the help!

https://portland.craigslist.org/clc/sys/d/hp-workstation-laptop-for-cad/6326505648.html

 

[USAFRet]

Hi Everyone!

I am wanting to buy a laptop for video editing (or desktop, if it's a good price), and I want to know if Craigslist is an okay place to buy computers? I've seen a lot of good prices, like the link I've added, but I want to make sure that I won't get jipped. Thanks for the help!

https://portland.craigslist.org/clc/sys/d/hp-workstation-laptop-for-cad/6326505648.html

You're not buying from craigslist, you're buying from "some dude", or some local shop or PC fixit guy that is advertising on craigslist.
Craigslist has nothing to do with the laptop, except for proving a space to advertise.

However, the "8570w" is probably 5 years old or more.
https://www.notebookcheck.net/Review-HP-EliteBook-8570w-Notebook.83982.0.html

 

[amdgraphics]

I guess I should've made myself more clear (and yes, you are correct). I just want to know what experience people have had buying PC's listed on Craigslist. I do realize that those ads are by people, but I wanted to know if it was smart to shop for computers on Craigslist. Thanks for the clarification though!

 

[USAFRet]

I guess I should've made myself more clear (and yes, you are correct). I just want to know what experience people have had buying PC's listed on Craigslist. I do realize that those ads are by people, but I wanted to know if it was smart to shop for computers on Craigslist. Thanks for the clarification though!

I've bought a few things from there.
Free fridge
$1200 truck
$50 pile of PC parts.

For a $700 system, you really need to be able to diagnose its functionality and legality, quickly.
Is the OS valid and legal? Can you do a full wipe and reinstall, and have it activate with what he gives you?
All the other software ? MS Office?
Does everything work?
Does the description match the actual hardware? Do you know how to tell?
How long does the battery last?

$700 for a 5 year old laptop is not necessarily a great buy.
What are identical systems selling for on ebay? I'm seeing 8570w i7's for $200-$300.


And if you buy this, or any other used system...your very first action needs to be a full wipe and reinstall of the OS and everything else.
For your protection as well as his.

 

[clarkjd]

Be aware that everything on Craigslist is sold "As is, Where is" With no ENFORCEABLE warranty. You pays your money, and you takes your chances.

 

[amdgraphics]

I guess I should've made myself more clear (and yes, you are correct). I just want to know what experience people have had buying PC's listed on Craigslist. I do realize that those ads are by people, but I wanted to know if it was smart to shop for computers on Craigslist. Thanks for the clarification though!

I've bought a few things from there.
Free fridge
$1200 truck
$50 pile of PC parts.

For a $700 system, you really need to be able to diagnose its functionality and legality, quickly.
Is the OS valid and legal? Can you do a full wipe and reinstall, and have it activate with what he gives you?
All the other software ? MS Office?
Does everything work?
Does the description match the actual hardware? Do you know how to tell?
How long does the battery last?

$700 for a 5 year old laptop is not necessarily a great buy.
What are identical systems selling for on ebay? I'm seeing 8570w i7's for $200-$300.


And if you buy this, or any other used system...your very first action needs to be a full wipe and reinstall of the OS and everything else.
For your protection as well as his.

Yes I suppose that is true! Thanks for the reply!

 

[amdgraphics]

Be aware that everything on Craigslist is sold "As is, Where is" With no ENFORCEABLE warranty. You pays your money, and you takes your chances.

I know. That is the hardest part, because I would hate to be out a lot of money!

 

[USAFRet]

I know. That is the hardest part, because I would hate to be out a lot of money!

Looking at Amazon, you can find a number of 15", i7, 16GB RAM laptops for $700 or less.
Brand new, not 5 years old.
https://www.amazon.com/HP-Performance-Processor-802-11acWiFi-Bluetooth/dp/B01MZZPKAT

 

[amdgraphics]

Yeah, I see what you mean! But is not having a dedicated GPU bad for video/photo editing?

 

[holyindian]

I picked up a barely used GTX 1080 TI Founders edition for 550 from a local dude on CG. Depends on the deal and the item you are wanting to buy from him.

 

[amdgraphics]

I picked up a barely used GTX 1080 TI Founders edition for 550 from a local dude on CG. Depends on the deal and the item you are wanting to buy from him.

True. I would have to be cautious! Thanks for commenting!