Tech purchasing
None of this is expert advice. It's what people worked out for themselves, usually the hard way — what actually helped, and what they'd tell someone standing where you are. Take what fits and leave the rest.
If you only read a few
Consider buying used ThinkPad T or X series laptops for college use.
they are rock solid
- no gaming
one person who lived it
Try buying used receivers at thrift stores or pawn shops.
You can find decent models for very low prices, and some local thrift stores allow returns within one week.
one person who lived it
Consider Chromebooks for daily use if you want a cheap, fast, and stable option.
One user replaced their $800 laptop with a refurbished Chromebook for basic tasks.
2 people, independently
Use a cheap Chromebook specifically for travel work.
One person was super happy with a new $250 Chromebook bought just for travel.
one person who lived it
Check non-profits that refurbish donated PCs for low-cost options.
They may offer Core 2 PCs for $20 with free peripherals like a monitor and mouse/keyboard.
one person who lived it
Use a PC connected via HDMI with a wireless mouse and keyboard as the primary interface for watching shows and playing games on a large screen.
Entering text on a TV remote is painful.
one person who lived it
Choose Lenovo ThinkPads for their durability and ease of self-repair.
They are built like tanks and include features like screw size charts under the battery to help with repairs.
one person who lived it
Buy used Chromebooks to save money.
Tech loses value quickly, but used units still offer solid performance.
2 people, independently
Disconnect your smart TV from the internet to stop data tracking and ads, using it only as a display with external inputs.
Manufacturers make money selling user data; disconnecting stops this collection and ad loading.
- Some newer smart TVs require an internet connection to function at all.
- It is unclear if data is gathered while waiting for a connection.
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Check the open-box section at your local Best Buy for discounted tablets.
You can find returned items like iPads and Samsung Tabs at good prices, and you may be able to negotiate a lower price.
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Skip extended warranties for TVs.
Margins on TVs are thin; retailers make their profit on add-ons like warranties.
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Purchase Dell Vostro laptops through Dell Small Business rather than the home store to avoid unwanted pre-installed software.
Small Business units come nearly clean of bloatware.
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Buy a Bluetooth keyboard and mouse to revive an old tablet or Surface device with a broken physical keyboard.
If the device can pair with Bluetooth, you can get the keyboard working no problem.
one person who lived it
Ask friends, coworkers, or neighbors if they are upgrading their TV, as they may give away or sell their current model cheaply.
People often want newer, bigger, or better models.
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Consider using an older Lenovo X220 or T420 with Linux installed for software development.
One user found this combination resulted in the best laptop they ever owned.
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Try surplus army bags for photography or electronic needs.
They served well for these needs.
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Avoid used HP office-line computers due to their proprietary motherboards and power supplies.
Custom parts make repairs difficult if the machine has trouble.
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Build a desktop PC instead of buying a laptop to gain upgradeability and choose higher-quality components that last longer.
Desktops allow for easier upgrades and better airflow, leading to less heat and longer lifespan.
2 people, independently
Wait until January to buy a used laptop online or via local adverts.
Many people sell unwanted gifts or upgrades during this time.
one person who lived it
Contact the seller of a surplus item and ask them to forward your information to the winning bidder for a private purchase.
This approach helped one person buy a laptop at a low price directly from the reseller.
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Keep a file of serial numbers for owned appliances to prove ownership and prevent theft or false repossession claims.
Having records allowed one person to verify ownership with police when items were wrongfully taken.
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Read Tiger Direct's return policy very carefully before making a purchase.
They changed their terms in December.
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Run software unregistered rather than using random keys to avoid the risk of Microsoft revoking access.
Random keys may be linked to MSDN or similar licenses that get revoked when detected.
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Check Amazon or Newegg for refurbished laptops to find deals within your budget.
3 people, independently
Cover bothersome LED indicator lights on electronics with electrical tape.
The tape blends with surrounding black plastic and blocks the light.
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Choose Elementary OS over Neverware's Chromium OS if you prefer a stable Ubuntu base.
Elementary OS provides a more stable Ubuntu foundation.
- Neverware does not have Play Store support.
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Buy laptops directly from manufacturer websites rather than retailers to customize specifications and avoid bloatware.
Buying directly allows you to customize the laptop and set your own price point.
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Visit local cell phone repair shops to buy used tablets at lower prices.
They often resell repaired or customer-replacement devices for much cheaper.
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Be cautious when buying high-power lasers from overseas retailers like DealExtreme, as they may contain illegal infrared emissions and face customs scrutiny.
Canadian laws prohibit lasers from emitting unnecessary radiation, and cheap models often emit significant IR.
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Purchase refurbished laptops from manufacturer outlet stores.
Items are often identical to new products, including details like peeling plastic off screens.
one person who lived it