If you are trying to buy a good laptop without spending a lot of money, maybe you want to buy refurbished laptops, used or open-box laptop. However, there are several factors that you should consider before buying a laptop of this type, since they will not always save you money.
Refurbished laptops can range from a brand new laptop that has been returned to the store because it was an unwanted gift to a laptop that has been in service for several years and then has been refurbished.
Because there are companies that are dedicated to restoring laptops and electronics and then reselling them for profit, buying a refurbished laptop is not always a good idea. Refurbished laptops are often cheaper than a new and lightweight laptop, so they are a good opportunity to save money (if you take some precautions).
As you might expect, there are a few risks associated with purchasing a refurbished laptop. To help you decide if buying a refurbished laptop is worth it, we have to look at a few factors.
Not all refurbished laptops are the same, so it is very important to know the difference before buying:
Open-box: the laptop was returned to the store by a customer or was used as a display.
Used: the laptop was used and sold in that state without being examined or repaired.
Refurbished – The laptop was refurbished by a company or technician without credentials.
Reconditioned and certified refurbished: The laptop has been, repaired, and restored by a certified technician. Laptops of this type are less likely to fail as they are expertly refurbished.
Is It Worth Buying A Refurbished Or Reconditioned Laptop?
Are we saying that buying a refurbished laptop is not worth it? Not always. You may well save money by doing so.
Although in our experience we have not had any experience with refurbished laptops (and we have purchased several refurbished laptops), there is always the possibility of unexpected problems.
So, you should be comfortable with the possibility that some of the components may not work as intended. This probably means that you should buy a replacement and repair it. It is very important to understand that there are several levels of laptop reconditioning, so you should know which one is better to buy.
For example, keep in mind that laptop batteries lose their ability to hold a full charge over time, so you may need a new battery for your laptop.
So if the refurbished laptop you want to buy has been on the market for a few years, the chances of you having problems will be much higher.
Buying a refurbished laptop can save you a lot of money, but it all depends on the make and model and where you shop.
Difference Between Refurbished and Used Laptops
When buying a laptop, you may find yourself with low prices on a refurbished laptop or a used laptop. There are some differences and we generally do not recommend buying used laptops, unless you are prepared enough to be able to repair a component in bad condition.
Some defective components that you could find when buying a used laptop can be RAM, graphics card, processor, hard disk, etc. Although it is possible to replace these components, the cost of these parts will negate any savings you may have found on the laptop.
Before Buying A Used or Refurbished Laptop
When buy refurbished laptops, it is a good idea to have the assurance that the seller guarantees the product. Make sure the equipment has a solid warranty for at least one year.
When you receive the reconditioned laptop, the first thing you should do is check its quality. Unless otherwise specified when purchasing, you should check that the laptop has:
Exterior: must be intact, free of scratches and dents.
Keyboard: should have a new appearance
Display: must be clear and bright, without scratches or green spots
USB ports: check each USB port with a flash drive
Components: You should check out some details like noisy hard drives, loose hinges, screws with a worn header, or obvious signs of wear.
Let’s not lie to ourselves, if you are considering buying a refurbished or reconditioned laptop it is because you want to save money.
There’s no question that a refurbished laptop is a good way to save on the price of a high-end laptop without spending thousands of dollars.
