Finding a cheap laptop for college is an easy task. Laptop
prices have fallen steadily over the last couple of years
as marketplace competition heats up and production costs
come down. You can now get a laptop for under $400.

But you must proceed with caution -- as that old expression
on ancient maps stated: Here There Be Monsters!

For you just don't want any old cheap laptop; you want
a high quality machine that will offer good performance
and won't go kapoots half way through the semester. You
want a laptop that can accomplish all those student
assignments and easily handle all those MP3 and movie
downloads! In other words, the laptop you buy must be
able to get the job done.

You want a quality laptop that's relatively small and
lightweight; yet sturdy and shock proof. You will need
a laptop with a good comfortable keyboard for typing up
all those assignments. You may have to purchase a tablet
notebook if you need a laptop for a lot of note-taking
in class.

If you're buying a used or refurbished laptop you should
have it checked out by a Laptop Technician or if this is not
practical, bring along a friend who knows computers or laptops
-- there's a computer geek in every crowd.

Finding a top quality laptop at a bargain price may take
some work on your part so here are some suggestions to
make your job easier:

Try Your Friends and Neighbors

First, check around with your friends, neighbors and
colleagues -- many may have good quality laptops to sell
or even give you! Why? Many people constantly upgrade to
the latest laptop technology -- Intel and AMD have just
introduced laptops with Duo or Dual Core processors and
many laptop enthusiasts are dishing their old perfectly
good laptops for the newer faster sexier models.
(Why does that sound so familiar!)

So check around, you may be able to purchase a good
second hand laptop for next to nothing. Or in exchange
for work (lawn mowing, yard work...) or services
(baby sitting, shopping...) offered over the summer.

Try eBay

Perhaps, the cheapest high quality laptops can be found
on eBay. But again, you must check out carefully both
the product and the seller. Make sure you do your
homework and thoroughly check out the laptops before
you buy. Make sure you don't end up with a useless
monster!

Try A Refurbished Laptop

You can save a bundle by buying a refurbished laptop
directly from the major Laptop Manufacturers. These
laptops offer very good quality at much cheaper
prices. So check around for a refurbished laptop.

Try Online Bargain Stores Such as Buy.com

You may want to check out the many bargain online
stores or super sites such as BestBuy.com,
TigerDirect.com, Buy.com and the countless others.
These stores may also offer refurbished laptops,
but keep your eyes open for those monsters.

Try Amazon

Don't forget Amazon, they now sell new and used
laptops at some very competitive prices. If you
have any rich uncles or aunts (relatives) tell them
you have an Amazon Wishlist... place a wish for a good
laptop at the top. Hey, don't laugh - it happens!

Try Dell Coupons And Rebates

Recently, Dell, HP and a few other laptop makers
have come out with $400 laptops after rebates
or coupons. These are usually level entry laptops
but may be perfectly fine for students.

Don't Forget To Haggle

If you're buying a laptop from a favorite
vendor or store -- always ask for a discount
or bargain. Many times haggling will get you
a better price or some nice upgrades with
a few extras thrown in. No harm in trying.

And Keep Those Eyes Open

Purchasing a good quality cheap student laptop
can be done if you try some of the places listed
above. If you're on a very strict budget, most
college students are, you can save a lot money
by shopping around and using the advice given
here. Just keep in mind, as you open your purse
or wallet to buy that bargain student laptop,
keep your eyes peeled for any monsters that may
be lurking around.