Refurbished laptops are cheaper than new models and often have all the desired features, but buyers should clarify what “refurbished” means, check the warranty, compare prices, and consider the operating system. Refurbished laptops can be a good option for students and home users.
Choosing to buy a refurbished laptop has many advantages. Devices tend to cost significantly less than new models, often have all the features you want, and still have some type of limited warranty. However, there are a few things you should consider when buying a notebook computer or other laptop advertised as refurbished. Here are some tips to help you make a wise purchase.
When reviewing the refurbished laptops offered by a vendor, it’s a good idea to ascertain what the vendor means by refurbished. Unfortunately, there is sometimes a little confusion about the difference between a used laptop and a refurbished laptop. Used laptops are usually sold as-is, while a refurbished laptop has been thoroughly tested and sometimes upgraded with more memory or other features. Beware of vendors selling previously used laptops that have not been inspected and have not been brought up to standard, even if they have been promoted as refurbished. Taking a moment to clarify this point can save you a lot of money and frustration down the road.
Another consideration is the service and protection offered to the buyer. It’s worth taking the time to take a long look at the warranty and any warranties that come with your refurbished laptop. It’s not unusual for vendors to offer a one to three year warranty on specific notebook or laptop components. Read the terms of the warranty, so you fully understand what hardware is covered and what is not. The best computer deal is often a refurbished laptop that has similar warranty coverage as a new system.
Comparing the price of the refurbished laptop to a similar new model is also a good idea. Ideally, you’ll see significant savings without sacrificing much in the way of features. Depending on the make and model, refurbished computers can sell for twenty to sixty percent of the purchase price of a new unit. If the difference is less than twenty percent, you’d do well to look elsewhere.
One final consideration when examining a refurbished laptop is the type of operating system loaded on the system. It’s not unusual for consumers to choose a refurbished unit simply because they’re not happy with the latest version of an operating system. There is a good chance that the refurbished unit uses an older but still popular operating system that the consumer knows and loves well. Not only will this avoid the frustration of dealing with a new and unfamiliar system, but it will also allow the consumer to wait until all bugs are identified and fixed in newer versions of the system before upgrading.
All in all, a refurbished laptop can be a great option for anyone. Students do very well with refurbished computer units, as do people who simply want a reliable system to use at home or on the road. With the lower price and the guarantee that major hardware is covered, using a refurbished unit is worth considering.
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