What do I Consider When Buying a Refurbished Laptop?

Choosing to purchase a refurbished laptop has a lot of advantages. The devices tend to cost considerably less than new models, often have all the features you want, and still have some type of limited warranty. However, there are a few things you should look for when purchasing a computer notebook or other laptop that is advertised as refurbished. Here are a few tips to help you make a wise purchase.

When looking over the refurbished laptops offered by a vendor, it is a good idea to ascertain what the vendor means by refurbished. Unfortunately, there is sometimes a bit of confusion as to the difference between a used laptop and a refurbished laptop. Used laptops are generally sold as is, while a refurbished laptop has been thoroughly tested, and sometimes upgraded with more memory or some other feature. Watch out for vendors marketing previously used laptops that were not checked and brought up to standards, even though they are promoted as refurbished. Taking a moment to clear up this one point can save you a lot of money as well as frustration down the road.

Another consideration has to do with the service and protection offered to the buyer. It is worth your time to take a long look at the warranty and any guarantees that come with the refurbished laptop. It is not unusual for vendors to offer anywhere from a one- to three-year guarantee on specified components of the notebook or laptop. Read the terms of the guarantee, so you fully understand what hardware is covered and what is not. The best computer deal is often a refurbished laptop that has warranty coverage similar to that of a new system.

Comparing the price of the refurbished laptop computer with a similar new model is also a good idea. Ideally, you will see a significant savings without sacrificing much in the way of features. Depending on the make and model, refurbished computers may sell anywhere from twenty to sixty percent of the purchase price for a new unit. If the difference is less than twenty percent, you may do well to look elsewhere.

One final consideration when looking into a refurbished laptop is the type of operating system loaded on the system. It is not unusual for consumers to go with a refurbished unit simply because they are unhappy with the latest release of an operating system. There is a good chance that the refurbished unit will utilize an older but still popular operating system, one that the consumer knows well and likes. This will not only prevent frustration from dealing with a new and unfamiliar system, but also allow the consumer to wait until all the bugs are identified and addressed in the newer system releases before upgrading.

All in all, a refurbished laptop can be a great option for just about anyone. Students do very well with refurbished computer units, as well as people who simply want a reliable system to use at home or when on the road. With the smaller price tag and the assurance that the major hardware is covered, going with a refurbished unit is well worth considering.