Refurbished PCs: What are they?

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Refurbished computers are used components that have been restored to perfect working condition and sold at a lower price with a limited warranty. The process includes a thorough evaluation, repair, and testing. Refurbished computers offer benefits to buyers on a tight budget and manufacturers can make a fair profit. Consumers should ensure the seller’s refurbishment process meets industry standards.

Refurbished computers are older used computer components that have gone through a thorough evaluation and restoration process that makes the computer work perfectly. In general, a refurbished computer will sell for slightly less than a new computer of a similar make and model and will carry a limited warranty. Some of the leading computer manufacturers offer refurbished computers for sale at discounted prices.

Refurbished products are not a new concept. In the past, typewriters were often offered as refurbished models at a significant discount. Because the typewriters were restored to carefully crafted standards of quality, the devices were expected to have a service life similar to that of a new, previously unused typewriter. The same is true today with refurbished computers.

To prepare computers for rebuilding, the process often begins with a total system assessment. This includes inspecting all internal and external computer components to ensure that the unit is in a condition worth the time and expense associated with the refurbishment. As part of this inspection, all problems with hardware and software components are noted and scheduled for repair.

Once the computers have been restored to full operational efficiency, they are thoroughly tested. This is to ensure that refurbished computers meet the standards set in place by the manufacturer. As part of the revamped technology process, some of the original features may be improved, such as adding RAM or including a new component that will take the place of an outdated component. An example of this type of upgrade would be replacing a floppy drive with a CD writer and player.

Refurbished computers offer many benefits to consumers. Because reworked systems can sell for significantly less than a new computer, buyers on a tight budget may find they can afford a machine with more power and an operating system they trust. This eliminates the need to settle for a weaker computer configured to use an operating system or supporting software that is considered inferior or unfamiliar. Because many refurbished computers come with some type of warranty and limited service agreement, the consumer still has similar protection offered with a new system, but without the higher price tag.
For manufacturers, it is also possible to make a fair profit from selling refurbished computers as opposed to newly built computer systems. The process of rebuilding an essentially solid computer is much less than building a new one from scratch. This allows them to offer the refurbished units at a lower price, but have much less in the parts and labor costs involved in preparing the unit for sale.
While many companies claim to offer refurbished computers, it is important for the consumer to determine what the seller means by refurbished. In some cases, the system has not been rigorously inspected and does not meet industry standards. When considering purchasing a refurbished computer or computers, always obtain information on exactly what was done as part of the rebuild process and how the final product compares to a new unit. Companies that actually refurbish computers are usually happy to provide details about the process, while companies that only make minor improvements to a used system tend to be very vague about what went into refurbishing the system.




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