[heswrong]

>Thus, where's the jump to buying a brand new computer in installments?

Sometimes you're "forced" to it. Me, a third-world student, buying a laptop expecting the thing to last at least 7 or 8 years before it becomes obsolete. Now, you have to drop something around 1000 USD when your monthly income from being a cashier at the local supermarket is 250ish.

Also (you can, but) you wouldn't be buying used because there are plenty of scammers around, no warranty in used electronics, and with such a large investment (4x your monthly salary) you become REAL risk-averse real fast. What do you do? You go to an appliances store and buy your new laptop in 18-24 instalments, with a 12-month warranty (or even more if the extra price for the extended time is worth it/low enough).

Guess from where I'm typing this and if there are any instalments left? :D