Buying a new laptop can be a daunting and confusing task. I have trained thousands of computer users over the last decade, and one thing is very clear; most buyers of new laptops over-spend on hardware and software they really dont need.

I estimate that 40% of all computer users just need a laptop to email, use the internet, and type letters”thus they are seriously over-spending when they purchase a laptop.

The average laptop user needs only a laptop with 512 MB of RAM and 40 to 80 GB of hard drive space; yet the average user is over-spending and purchasing laptops with 2 GB to 3 GB of RAM and over 150 GB of hard drive space.

This really means the 40% who do just use the email, the internet, and a word processor, need only 512 MB RAM and a hard drive between 40GB to 80GB. In addition, Microsoft has brain-washed people into believing they need the latest operating system, when Microsoft XP would do just fine for their needs. This means that 40% of laptop purchases have over paid for their laptops by as much as $500 dollars in most cases.

The majority of refurbished laptops is in very good shape, and will work well for those laptop buyers interested in a very good deal.

People walk into computer stores and ask a salesman silly questions. Is this a good laptop? Should I buy this laptop? Thats like asking a barber if you need a haircut. Have you ever wondered why large laptop distributors tell you (in most cases) they are out of a particular (cheap) laptop youre interested in? Its because they want to sell you the latest laptop with all the bells and whistles that you dont need (so they can make more money).

The average user has been duped into buying excessive hardware and software for too long. The average laptop purchaser needs only half of the RAM and hard drive space they purchase.

If you are a gamer, you will need a new laptop. These laptops will have between 1 to 3 GB of RAM, and up to 250 GB hard drive. If you are a businessman who uses your laptop just for email, the internet, and use one or two business programs, then a refurbished computer will do just fine for you. Or youre a businessman who uses his or her laptop extensively throughout the day; use spreadsheets, presentation software, loads digital files, and needs to keep and extensive database–you can buy a refurbished (if RAM is at least 1 GB and hard drive is at least 100GB) or a new laptop.

I hope that clarifies in better detail what you need when you buy a laptop. The bottom line, if the laptop is tricked-out, and youre an average user–youre over-spending.

Sincerely, John Roth

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