The ‘Certified’ badge on Cash Converters products is a very important component of the Cash Converters promise and guarantee. It means the product has undergone a rigorous process to ensure its quality and functionality.

What does ‘Cash Converters Certified’ mean?  
- A comprehensive data wipe. Cash Converters ensure all laptops are completely cleared of any previous data so you can enjoy a fresh start on your new device.
- Thorough checks to verify each laptop is in working condition. From inspecting the ports, the battery life and physical condition of the item, it is all placed on record.

Doing your own check
For extra reassurance, you may perform the following inspections for peace of mind.
- Check the keyboard and trackpad: Ensure they are responsive and don’t show damage.
-  Physical condition: Take note of cracks or chips. Put the laptop on and check: a loud fan, a hard drive struggling or overheating is a bad sign.
- The ports: Test that they work – USB, HDMI and more – to ensure they don’t fail you unexpectedly.
- The screen: Check for dead pixels, discolouration, flickering or lines on the screen.
-   Battery life: Ask about the battery life and test it. A battery is an essential part of the convenience of a laptop. Be aware that some laptops have non-removable batteries, which further complicate the replacement of the battery if necessary.
- Operating system: Ask about what system is on the laptop, and whether it needs updating. This could save you money.
-  Ask about the original parts and any previous repairs on the machine. Poorly done repairs or parts that are not of high quality can lead to issues in the future.  

Which laptop is right for you?
There are various reasons why people consider laptops instead of desktops, and you should know why you are in the market for one. Your job, and the functions the laptop needs to perform, will determine what your needs are. Consider the following:
- The memory size and its ability to function with external hard drives.
- Processing speed: If you’re only working on text documents, it needn’t be that fast. But if you work on design, music or images, you will need a faster processor.
- General use recommendations are an Intel i5 processor, 8GB of RAM and 256GB of SSD storage.
- Cash Converters recommend: For a plug-and-play unit, look for something like the Acer Aspire Notebook (about R2 999) for everyday use. For a middle-of-the-road option, consider the Lenovo Ideapad (around R4 999). For higher specs, consider the HP Probook (about R7 999).

Now what are you waiting for? Armed with the right knowledge, you’re ready to pop into your nearest Cash Converters and buy the best in pre-loved tech without breaking the bank!