selling broken laptop? (now with specs!)

[ryanistoocool]

So I have a 17" dell laptop from about 3 years ago with a busted video card (from what I can tell). I've already replaced it, but now its just collecting dust in the corner. Any ideas of where I might be able to sell it (if at all)? I imagine alot of it could be parted out for laptop repairs, but i'm not sure where to look

Comments

[matte]

Question here being: So is it working or not?

If it is working, you might be able to swing $75-100.

If it is not working, you might get lucky that someone would not charge you to take it off your hands.

[ryanistoocool]

Yes it is working, just currently stuck at 640x480 and 16 colors, with no external monitor support.

[robotdevil]

Actually that just sounds like your video card driver is not getting loaded - a software problem. If you fix that you can probably sell it at a higher value.

[ryanistoocool]

Thanks. Your nonsarcastic tone is appreciated.

[northernflights]

Actually, eBay is how you get a handle on the going price for any given item. Just search on eBay for your laptop's model number with the "Completed Items" box checked. (You will need to be logged into your eBay account to accomplish this.) The final prices in green indicate actual sales.

Of course, if you do not log in and do not check the Completed Items box, you will only be looking at items that have not yet sold, and you will get no useful indication of what anything is worth.

[ryanistoocool]

and i'm sure that every laptop of this same model has had the exact same issues. I imagine that most of the models sold are working and thus, how much would you discount it for something like this issue. I would subtract the price of a new video card, and of course the depreciation of a 3 year old computer, but laptop video cards are not the sort of thing you can walk into your local best buy, pick up, and install yourself.

[northernflights]

People really do sell broken laptops on eBay, and other people really do buy them. I personally can remember trying to buy a broken Vaio SR for parts and getting bid way into the hundreds before giving up.

[ryanistoocool]

Thanks for the advice. I did a search this evening and only saw 2 or 3 defective models, mostly with motherboard problems. So, not directly related, but I did get a good idea of what a working model might go for.

At this point I may just part it out, since it appears I could make a bit more than selling it as a unit.

GOOD NEWS

[mcfnord]

Someone will buy your junk on eBay!

And with their innovative "auction" feature, you don't even have to know what the market price is. Just put it up for sale and let the market decide!

Re: GOOD NEWS

[ryanistoocool]

mmmk.....so i just start the auction at what? $1? $100? And then just let it run? This isn't a heap of junk laptop that was bought for $500 after rebates. And with a repair, would still hold its own with most laptops on the market these days. So i'd like to sell it for a bit more than what I might get if I put it up for $1.

Re: GOOD NEWS

[scearley]

Wow.
With salesmanship like that I'm surprised you don't have a line at your door beating eachother down for the opportunity to take this thing off your hands.

Re: GOOD NEWS

[ryanistoocool]

What? It's terrible because I would like to get a fair amount for the laptop, and not just sell it on ebay for a low bid of $20?

[fsayre]

Yeah, if you let me know the specific details and condition, I would be interested in making you an offer.

[ryanistoocool]

The specs are above. If your looking for more info, just let me know.