My laptop died. Need to get a pc or laptop for school ASAP on a $400 budget

Finding an Affordable and Reliable Computer for School Within a $400 Budget

Losing a trusted laptop can be a frustrating experience, especially when you’re in need of a dependable device for academic purposes. Recently, my ASUS ROG GL752V, which I relied on heavily, unexpectedly stopped functioning. After an unfortunate incident involving my children’s careless handling and attempts at DIY cleanup, the device refused to boot, leaving me in urgent need of a replacement.

In this article, I will share my experience and offer guidance on how to find a suitable used computer—either a desktop or a laptop—that fits within a $400 budget, ideal for educational tasks and casual multitasking.

My Experience with the ASUS ROG GL752V

The ASUS ROG GL752V is a solid gaming laptop, but my situation was unfortunate. The device’s keys became sticky after my children got grime on them, and despite cleaning efforts with isopropyl alcohol, the laptop eventually failed to power on. I also attempted various troubleshooting steps, including letting it dry and placing it in rice, but to no avail.

This highlighted how unpredictable hardware failures can be, especially after mishandling, and underscored the importance of having a backup plan—preferably a reliable, affordable computer ready for basic tasks.

What to Look for in a New or Used Computer for School

Given my experience and needs, I prioritized the following features when searching within my $400 budget:

• Reliability and Performance: A computer that boots quickly and handles multiple tabs and productivity apps without lag.
• Speed: An SSD drive (if possible) for faster boot times and app launching.
• Multitasking Capabilities: Ability to run several web pages, Excel, Word, and media playback smoothly.
• Cost-Effectiveness: Since I prefer to keep expenses low, I focused on used or refurbished options.

Recommended Specifications

While my memory of detailed specs is recent, my goal was to find a device that:

• Has at least an Intel Core i3 or AMD Ryzen 3 processor (preferably newer generation).
• Comes with 8GB of RAM for smooth multitasking.
• Includes an SSD, ideally 128GB or larger, for quick boot times.
• Is either a used or refurbished model from reputable sources to ensure longevity.

Top Tips for Buying a Used or Refurbished PC or Laptop

1. Check Seller Reputation: Purchase from trusted sellers—be it certified refurb