Are you in the market for a laptop? Then, like all smart shoppers, you’re probably looking for the perfect balance between price and functionality. So, what are your options?
There are the most sophisticated of gadgets that have just been released in the market, or new devices that manufacturers have brought into circulation a few months ago. Or, as an economical option, you could consider refurbished laptops. And, no, refurbished devices are not just the typical used gadgets that have come into the market after their owners upgraded to new equipment.
What Exactly ARE Refurbished Laptops?
Refurbished laptops are devices that have returned by the buyers for various reasons. When these gadgets make their way back to the dealer or manufacturer, they go through careful testing and quality control checks. In case any defects are found, they are repaired and the faulty components are replaced. Most of these devices have been used for less than 30 days and in place of the term “refurbished,” you might also come across gadgets that are “remanufactured” or “reconditioned.” Understand that they are different terms for the same products.
You Could Easily Find One that Meets Your Requirements
Before going out to explore your options, the first factor that you need to consider is the purpose for which you need the laptop. For instance, you could be looking for a device for work or home use, or you could want one for streaming movies and videos or even watching TV. Some users just need a laptop for browsing and shopping or as a starter device for a child learning to be digitally savvy. For all these uses, you can opt for a great refurbished laptop that need not necessarily have the latest of technology or the best of graphics cards available out there. But, if you intend to use it for gaming, then yes, you do need the latest gadget you can buy.
You’ll Make Great Savings on Economical Devices
According to the results of a survey published on Gizmodo, 42% of respondents said that they wouldn’t spend $1,000 on a new laptop while just 21% were open to spending that kind of money simply because they wanted the latest of technology. If you talk numbers, there’s no way you can find an almost new MacBook for less than $1,000. But, should you opt for a refurbished laptop, you could get one ranging from $799 to $1049. Each of the devices performs exceptionally well. So, as long as you aren’t a designer who works on videos or other graphics, you can certainly make do without the higher RAM and multi-touch track pad made of glass.
Here’s some added information you might find interesting.
1. You Don’t Need to Worry About Warranties and Quality Assurance
Refurbished devices go through detailed quality control checks before being put up for sale. The best channel to find a refurbished gadget is a certified dealer or the website of the original manufacturers. Most companies have a separate page where they display refurbished laptops complete with a warranty. For instance, Apple offers you a 1-year warranty against defective materials and any other flaws that may show up under normal usage. You could also find authorized dealers that offer you a cash-back assurance if you’re not happy with the device. Add to that is the extended warranty you could buy. Here’s another helpful tip. Use your credit card to buy the device. In case there’s a problem, you’ll find that returning the device is much easier.
2. Typically, Refurbished Laptops are Barely Used
Reconditioned devices are seldom returned because of some defect. Take a look at some of the reasons why they end up back at the dealer’s.
- Buyer’s remorse because of which the packaging was never opened
- The packaging was slightly damaged when the buyer received the shipment.
- The buyer realized he couldn’t keep up with the payments.
- The devices were used for giving demos at the dealer’s physical outlet.
- The gadget was slightly damaged during shipping.
- The device had a minor defect that was easily fixed by the manufacturer.
- There was an error in the billing and invoicing process.
3. Certified Dealers Wipe All Traces of Previous Usage
Should you choose to buy a refurbished laptop at a certified dealer, you can rest assured that the gadget will not have any saved data belonging to a previous user. Dealers carefully wipe hard drives and may also reinstall the operating system for added protection. As long as you’re buying the device from an authorized seller, you can always send it right back if you see any saved data.
4. Refurbished Devices Perform As Well As New Devices
It is understandable that the main concern on your mind is whether the reconditioned device will work well. The owner of ATW Manufacturing Company, Tom Drew ran a test where he compared the performances of refurbished products and new products. He says, “We run a little program that’ll tell us how old the hard drive is, how many times it’s been turned on, the number of hours that it’s run and so on. The two refurbished computers we just bought came with brand-new one-terabyte hard drives, and the memory inside had been upgraded and replaced.”
5. You Might Be Better Off Buying a Slightly Older Version
Experts advise that when you buy a computer model that’s been in use for a while, it is likely to have more efficient operating systems. That’s because as the products are used by consumers, manufacturers receive feedback on the bugs and flaws in the systems. Companies are likely to work on eliminating the flaws and providing updated software that users can download. Also, once a product has been in the market for a while, you’ll have a fair view of its performance by reading the reviews. And, if you’re not keen on the latest (and, possibly untested) technology, you can make a more informed economical choice.
Just a final point. If you’re a concerned citizen caring about the environment, think about choosing a refurbished laptop. You’ll prevent a barely used, working device from ending up in landfills or recycling plants.
