Laptop Pawn Shop Guide: Buying, Pawning & Selling Used Laptops

A laptop is a portable computer that is designed to be used on the go. It is smaller and lighter than a desktop computer, and typically has a battery that allows it to be used without being plugged in. Laptops usually have a built-in keyboard, trackpad, and display, as well as ports for connecting to external devices such as a mouse, external hard drive, or printer.

Laptops are designed to be used for a variety of tasks, including web browsing, word processing, and multimedia playback. They are also capable of running a variety of software applications, such as photo and video editing programs, games, and more. Laptops typically come with a variety of ports, including USB, HDMI, and Ethernet, allowing them to be connected to a variety of external devices.

Laptops are a great choice for those who need a computer that is both portable and powerful. They are ideal for students, professionals, and anyone who needs to be able to work on the go. Laptops come in a variety of sizes, styles, and price points, so it is sure to fit your needs.

Laptops can vary in many ways, from the type of processor, amount of RAM, size of the hard drive, size and weight of the laptop, type of display, type of graphics card, and more. Different laptops can also have different features, such as touchscreens, backlit keyboards, and fingerprint readers. The type of operating system and software installed can also vary from laptop to laptop.

Many pawn shops buy and sell used laptops. Used laptop values can range anywhere from $25 to $500 or more. Factors that influence your used laptop’s valuation at pawn shops can include:

• Age and condition of the laptop: The age and condition of the laptop will have a major impact on its value of the laptop. Older laptops with more wear and tear will typically be worth less than newer models in good condition.
• Brand and model: The brand and model of the laptop will also affect its value. Laptops from well-known brands such as Apple, Dell, and HP will typically be worth more than lesser-known brands.
• Specifications: The specifications of the laptop, such as the processor, RAM, and storage capacity, will also affect its value. Laptops with higher specifications will typically be worth more than those with lower specifications.
• Demand: The demand for the laptop will also affect its value. If there is a high demand for the laptop, then it will be worth more than if there is a low demand.
• Condition: The visible condition will affect your laptop’s value. We recommend that you clean your laptop before taking it to the pawn shop. See the section below for laptop cleaning tips.
• Operating system: The operating system installed on your laptop will influence its value. Windows and Mac OS are the two most common operating systems accepted at pawn shops.

Pawn shops accept most major laptop brands, including those listed below. Apple laptops tend to sell for a premium at pawn shops.

• Apple
• Dell
• HP
• Lenovo
• Asus
• Acer
• Microsoft
• Dell

Pawn shops typically take only working laptops - most pawn shops do not accept broken laptops. The pawn shop will look at your laptop and make sure it is in working condition when you bring it in. Common items pawn shops inspect include:

• Keyboard
• Touchpad
• Display
• Battery
• Hard drive
• RAM
• Processor
• Graphics card
• Wi-Fi card
• USB ports
• Webcam
• Speakers
• Microphone
• Optical drive

In addition to physical properties, the pawn shop will want to ensure your operating system has a valid license. Pawn shops do not accept laptops with stolen and invalid software licenses (see related article on how pawn shops deal with stolen items).

Backing Up Your Laptop & Erasing Sensitive Data

You should back up all personal files to a USB drive or cloud storage before you sell your laptop to a pawn shop. Also, you should erase sensitive data from the laptop to prevent someone from stealing your information. Data thieves often try to buy used laptops to steal user information and logins (see related article here). Follow the steps below to back up and erase your sensitive data from your laptop.

1. Back up any important data you may have stored on the laptop. This can be done by transferring the data to an external hard drive or cloud storage.
2. Remove any personal information. This includes emails, passwords, account information, etc.
3. Perform a factory reset. This will erase all of the data and settings on the laptop and restore it to its original state.
4. Optional (advanced): Wipe the hard drive clean. This can be done using a program such as DBAN or BleachBit.
5. Test the laptop to make sure it is functioning properly.

Finding Pawn Shops That Buy & Sell Used Laptops

We recommend that you use our tool to find pawn shops that buy and sell laptops and tablets. Not all pawn shops buy and sell computer electronics - you should always contact the pawn shop beforehand so you do not waste time and gas money.

Cleaning Your Laptop

Cleaning your laptop before you take it to the pawn shop can increase the offer value that you receive. Condition is one of the factors of how pawn shops determine value. Follow the steps below to safely clean your laptop:

1. Shut down the laptop and unplug it from any power source.
2. Use a soft, lint-free cloth to wipe away any dust or dirt from the laptop's exterior.
3. Use compressed air to blow away any dust or dirt from the vents and other openings.
4. Use a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol to clean the keys on the keyboard.
5. Use a cotton swab dipped in a mild detergent solution to clean the laptop's screen.
6. Wipe the laptop's exterior with a soft, lint-free cloth dampened with a mild detergent solution.
7. Dry the laptop with a soft, lint-free cloth.
8. Plug the laptop back into a power source and turn it on.