What's the value of my old laptop?

by jas0nhe Sep 23, 2005 2:16AM PDT

It's a Toshiba Satellite A15-S129. I'll use the restore disk to revert the laptop to its factory configurations.

The only problem with it is that two keys on the keyboard are broken, but still work.

How much would this laptop sell -- on eBay or some other place, for instance -- with the broken keyboard?

Quick specs:
2.4 GHz Mobile Celeron
256MB DDR RAM
40GB hard drive
CD-RW/DVD combo drive
15" XGA screen
Approximately 6 pounds

Thanks in advance for your help.

Discussion is locked

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on eBay

by linkit Sep 23, 2005 3:29AM PDT

Over ten similarly configured models have been sold on eBay in the past two weeks. About $400-600 USD.

If you register on eBay (free), you can look at the prices for items whose auctions have completed.

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But the keyboard

by jas0nhe Sep 26, 2005 10:21AM PDT

Two keys on the keyboard are slightly broken. They still work with normal typing though. How much would the laptop sell for then?

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must use common sense here

by linkit Sep 26, 2005 10:33AM PDT

I can only tell you about the similarly configured models that I found. None of them has two slightly broken keys. You just have to use common sense here. The only thing I could tell you is "much less." A lot of it depends on how good of a description (words and pictures) you post on eBay or another auction site.

You need to read descriptions of notebooks for auction on eBay. You will then get a feel for how to promote your item. There are damaged/worn products up for auction all the time, and they do sell. My advice, as always, is to be completely honest.

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Would $100 less sound reasonable?

by jas0nhe Sep 26, 2005 11:04AM PDT

A new keyboard, directly from Toshiba, is about $50. But it requires manufacturer installation.

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depends on who sees it

by linkit Sep 26, 2005 11:49AM PDT

I couldn't possibly tell you a price. It's a complicated equation. There are all sorts of buyers. Some see a damaged device and wouldn't pay $20 for it because they will wonder what else is damaged. Maybe someone who has repair experience will see it and think it is a good buy because he/she can repair it for less than $100.

You can let potential buyers know about the $50 toshiba fix in your product description.

You can set a minimum price (a reserve) for the notebook. If that price is not reached, there is no sale.

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Thanks

by jas0nhe Sep 26, 2005 12:22PM PDT

Thanks for your help. I'll restore the laptop to its original state using the recovery disk, and then put it on sale.

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one tip

by linkit Sep 26, 2005 12:36PM PDT

Don't just format the drive and then install Windows to get rid of your data. Use a DISK WIPING UTILITY that does a good job of removing traces and shadows of files (the files that have passwords, ID numbers, etc).

I have never used the following product, but it is an example of a free disk wiping utility. I entered ''wipe'' in the searchbox of Download.com to find a list of them: Active Kill Disk

Good luck!

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I thought

by jas0nhe Sep 30, 2005 1:56AM PDT

That reformatting removes every file and trace of file there ever was.

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me too

by linkit Sep 30, 2005 2:31AM PDT

I thought that once, also. There is data restoration software that can restore files or parts of files even after formatting.

http://www.pcworld.com/howto/article/0,aid,110338,00.asp

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hmm u can get a new laptop

by nerdyboy1234 Sep 26, 2005 2:17PM PDT

configured same for around 500 dollars...since 2 years old then i would say maybe 200 dollars, minus 50 dollars for the broken keys so maybe 150 dollars or less

y do u want to sell this? you can use this for simple things or give to family members or something

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I have my reasons...

by jas0nhe Sep 27, 2005 2:24AM PDT

Specifically because I want to use the money I earn to maybe buy something else, like a camcorder -- which I need more than an old laptop.

What's the value of my old laptop?

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