Gone are the days when all we needed was a desktop computer and a simple cell. Now, it's essential to have multiple devices like mobile phones, desktops for home, and laptops for on-the-go use that we can bring on all of our adventures.
The need for these gadgets can add a lot of financial pressure and is not always affordable to splurge on these essentials. Sudden damage to our phones and computers is not always expected and will set you back financially, even before you had a chance to save data.
Refurbished laptops are a lower priced option for those who can't risk breaking the bank. Buying a laptop that is refurbished doesn't necessarily mean compromising on quality.
However, there's no guarantee that your renovated device won't have flaws.
Is buying a refurbished laptop worth it? We'll help you decide.
What is a refurbished laptop?
Refurbished laptops tend to come from consumers who are returning previously purchased laptops within the return policy that they do not want anymore. They may be old or have a defect. They may also come from businesses that are trading in old laptops, or perhaps from companies that no longer have use for the make and model of the laptop.
Computer technicians repair the hardware and replace bad parts so the laptop can be sold as like new.
It's also possible that the laptop was returned because it was sold with damaged parts. Some of the biggest tech goods suppliers have a higher-than-expected fail rate for their laptops.
So, when they get sent back, they may be sent to other retailers, or refurbished by their own team and resold.
The retailer will then thoroughly check and repair the laptops handed in, in order to sell again.
Refurbished laptops are slightly different to those branded as used, or second hand.
As we've mentioned, some of these laptops never really actually get used. Even if they do, when they are passed on to the retailer, the company will do an extensive check on the laptop to see what's wrong (if anything) and then fix it up.
You can pick up some older generation, but powerful 17-inch laptops that still do run nowadays games.
A refurbished laptop will go through quality checks. Second-hand/used laptops may be given a little charge up or double check to ensure it still works, but they probably won't receive much more than that.
What should I look for in a refurbished laptop?
Refurbished laptops tend to come from consumers who are returning previously purchased laptops within the return policy that they do not want anymore.
They may be old or have a defect.
They may also come from businesses that are trading in old laptops, or perhaps from companies that no longer have use for the make and model of the laptop.
Computer technicians repair the hardware and replace bad parts so the laptop can be sold as like new.
It's also possible that the laptop was returned because it was sold with damaged parts. Some of the biggest tech goods suppliers have a higher-than-expected fail rate for their laptops.
So, when they get sent back, they may be sent to other retailers, or refurbished by their own team and resold.
The retailer will then thoroughly check and repair the laptops handed in, in order to sell again.
Refurbished laptops are slightly different to those branded as used, or second hand.
As we've mentioned, some of these laptops never really actually get used. Even if they do, when they are passed on to the retailer, the company will do an extensive check on the laptop to see what's wrong (if anything) and then fix it up.
A refurbished laptop will go through quality checks. Second-hand/used laptops may be given a little charge up or double check to ensure it still works, but they probably won't receive much more than that.
Pros and Cons of Refurbished Laptop
Pros:
- The price is lower on a refurbished laptop. You may not find the absolute newest of models when looking for refurbished. Yet, you could certainly find decent models that work for your needs. It's likely to walk away with the snazzy laptop you wanted a few years back.
- It's a good way to an environmentally conscious consumer. It may sound silly, but we often forget the damage constantly buying brand new products can have on the environment. It can be a lengthy and environmentally damaging process. So, buying an existing laptop that otherwise would just get send to the scrap is beneficial to you and the Earth.
- Theoretically refurbished laptops will have less chance of breaking than new laptops. As new laptops will go through standard quality checks only once, a refurbished one will receive these same checks, twice.
- Refurbished laptops haven't always necessarily been sent back because they're massively malfunctioning. Some are just unwanted, and are now being passed on to retailers, even if their previous user only opened it once.
Cons:
- You may have to settle for an older model of laptop than you had hoped for. This then could effect the software on the computer. For example, if you find a laptop from four years ago, it's not going to have the software from this year.
- There may be a compromised battery life. An older laptop may have a bit of a worn out battery. If it turns out that the battery life is the problem, it may be difficult to completely revive the battery.
- It can be difficult to know what exactly is include in the laptop, as the manufacturer may not have a fully detailed spec like new ones do. Some people end up buying refurbished without the operating system installed. As you can imagine, having the OS is pretty important.
- There may be some small cosmetic defects. Although these are unlikely to affect functionality, this may be an issue for those wanting a flawless gadget.
So...Should I Buy a Refurbished Laptop?
This ultimately comes down to your own preference.
However, refurbished laptops get a yes from Simply Laptop.
Lots of established retailers are getting involved in selling refurbished laptops. This means you can get some modern, trustworthy and certified models at hundreds less than you would brand new.