Buying a brand-new laptop is overrated. If you're on a budget or enjoy the thrill of upgrading tech yourself, used laptops from just a few generations ago can be absolute goldmines. They're widely available, often well-built, and just need a bit of love to become reliable daily drivers.
Look for business-grade machines like the Dell Latitude, Lenovo ThinkPad, or HP EliteBook lines. These are built to last and are easy to upgrade. You can typically find solid deals for under $200. Once you’ve got your machine, start with RAM—bump it to 8GB or even 16GB if supported. This is usually a simple pop-and-swap job and makes a huge difference in performance.
Next, swap in a solid-state drive (SSD). A fast SATA or NVMe SSD will drastically reduce boot times and make the system feel snappy, even with older CPUs. Many used laptops still ship with slow mechanical drives—this is the #1 upgrade you shouldn’t skip.
If the battery life is weak, replacements are often cheap and easy to install. The same goes for power adapters—stick with OEM parts when possible. And if you're really into DIY, some models even let you replace the keyboard, screen, or Wi-Fi card.
For under $300 total—including upgrades—you’ll end up with a dependable machine for browsing, coding, media, and even some light gaming. It's not just about saving money—it's about sustainability, customization, and taking control of your tech.
Don’t sleep on used laptops. With a few tools, smart parts sourcing, and a bit of elbow grease, you can build a laptop you’re proud of—without draining your wallet.