Are you in the market for a laptop? As the technology in laptops advances, the prices of these devices have been skyrocketing. For those who want to get a top-of-the-range laptop, it’s pretty difficult to find one that fits into the average budget, and so, for most, they seem out of reach. But that doesn’t have to be the case because there are tons of high-quality, refurbished laptops out there that are just as good as buying brand new.
In this article, we’ll look at the different reasons why you should consider buying a refurbished laptop instead of spending all your money on a brand-new one.
Are refurbished laptops good?
It’s normal for people to think that if a laptop isn’t brand new, then maybe it’s not as good. There are many misconceptions that surround refurbished laptops. Some laptops are refurbished laptops simply because it could have been a demo model at a store, or maybe a person opened up their laptop and realised that they ordered the wrong model.
Let’s get one thing straight: a refurbished laptop is technically a used laptop. However, it differs in that a refurbished laptop has undergone inspection for cosmetic wear and tear and extensive testing and overhaul to ensure it is fully operational.
So, if you’re deciding whether to go the new or refurbished route, here are some things you should know about refurbished laptops.
1. It has been tested thoroughly
You could buy a brand-new laptop, and it could have a defect that you wouldn’t know about until after you’ve bought and started using it. When this is the case, you’ll have to make sure the warranty is still valid and send it in. Refurbished laptops, on the other hand, undergo thorough testing to ensure they’re sold, which tends to make them a more reliable option. Yes, some refurbished laptops may have needed repairs, but you can rest assured that they have been completely overhauled.
2. It will cost you less
A huge draw to buying a refurbished laptop is the discount. Buying the latest laptops can cost a fortune, but if you go for a refurbished one, you can find top-of-the-range models with huge discounts, typically for 50% plus.
3. It may give you better specs
When you opt to buy a refurbished laptop, you can get a premium laptop with all the bells and whistles for a fraction of the price of a brand-new one. Think 1 terabyte hard drive, which for most people would be way out of budget. When you have the option between having a machine with higher specs in a good price range, or a new laptop with lower specs, the refurbished option seems to be a sweeter deal.
4. It is the more environmentally-friendly option
Buying refurbished laptops is a great way to help the environment. Think about it: it takes a lot of resources to manufacture new laptops, but going the refurbished route ensures that those resources are not going to waste.
5. It may come with a great warranty
Depending on where you buy your refurbished laptop from, most places offer excellent warranties on their refurbished products – some up to two years. However, it all depends on the place you’re purchasing from, so keep an eye out for ones with a warranty. Ideally, you want a refurbished laptop that comes with a warranty of at least one year.
What should you check when buying a refurbished laptop?
Just because it says refurbished does not mean you should trust the seller blindly because some deals are going to be better than others – you just need to know what to look for. Here are some quick tips to help you know that you’re getting a solid machine.
1. Always examine the refurbished laptop – refurbished means that it should be thoroughly tested and repaired, but you can’t take a chance. Look over the packaging and exterior properly. There should be scratch and dent-free
2. Look for a warranty – you want a laptop that comes with a one-year warranty of at least
3. Note the difference between refurbished and certified – a certified laptop does not mean it is a refurbished laptop; it means that it meets certain requirements of the establishment selling it, and often, these certified laptops will be sent to refurbishers
Final Thoughts
Newer doesn’t always mean better – especially if you can find a good refurbished laptop. You don’t have to settle for a device that doesn’t have the specs you’re dreaming of just because of the price. Refurbished laptops are an amazing option and sometimes the most reliable option, thanks to all the testing and overhauling they undergo. So, before you go looking at a store’s catalogue of new laptops, always check refurbished laptops to see if you can’t get a better deal.