Anyone ever buy a "Not working" laptop on ebay?

4

4thgenlude

New Member
Ive been debating if I should buy a not working laptop on ebay since I like to figure out problems and I'm a broke bastard.

I know there is a risk involved since its hard to know exactly what the issue is from just a brief description.

You guys think its worth it? Should I try to get something that at least can boot into BIOS or would you guess that something that doesnt turn on would be an easier fix.

Thanks guys!
 
My guess they all ready had it in the shop. People i think would generally buy this for parts like the screen or something. May be risky business. Cheap enough then go for it.
 
it is not worth it unless you need parts to repair another laptop. Like I have bought several A20m IBM thinkpads that "didnt work" for processors, cases/bezels, and LCDs (mainly LCDs. I break them alot on work computers!)
 
There are definitely some deals to be had on eBay, but you have to be careful. Like tremmor said, if you're buying a non-working laptop on eBay, odds are it's been worked on at least once, and perhaps the problem was too expensive to be worth fixing. I always look and see what else the seller has sold. Someone who specializes in selling refurbed or broken hardware will not likely be selling a laptop with an easy fix. Someone who doesn't eBay much or doesn't normally sell broken laptops is likely selling their own laptop which might be an easy fix.
 
It depends on what is wrong with it. If it just needs things like an AC adapter, battery, HDD, caddy, RAM, etc. (basic stuff) then I'd say it might be worth purchasing. Otherwise they're only good for other parts.
 
Well, if a laptop has been mostly stripped for parts, I usually take that to mean that someone took all of the good parts.
 
You will find a good deal sometimes on ebay.like a laptop that just needs a new power adapter or just needs a screen replacement.
But imo,you will probably have much more luck on craigslist.Post in the wanted section with title:Laptop for repair or parts along with how much you are willing to pay.Put whatever you like in the description,but don't get to specific.Something like,must have or handle at least 2gb ram,working bios & power up.I have had much better luck on their then ebay.Almost got two acer notebooks(2001 I think) that needed screens for $50,but found something better in the same month.
I would look for one with a working bios,unless you are good working with bios.I heard if the bios is gone,so is the mobo.Or you got to replace the bios chip in the mobo.
 
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