Are Refurbished Laptops The Best Purchase?

Posted by Guy Siverson
1
Aug 30, 2010
768 Views

Perhaps, but not necessarily.

Refurbished laptops can be even better than buying a brand new computer. That is certainly the case as it relates to affordability.

There are those who believe a refurbished unit must be the same as cheap laptops but that is not necessarily so.

Refurbished cars are a great example of this reality. I e-mailed a friend of mine wondering what kind of refurbished car he would like.

His response?

  1. 1966 - 1972 Chevy Chevelle, SS396 or SS427, two-door
  2. 1967 Chevy Impala, two-door hardtop, or convertible
  3. 1963 A C Cobra, Hi-Potential Engine

But, when trying to lead the pack using refurbished options may not be the right answer. When income is the focus a refurbished laptop gives you all you need.

Now we return to our comparison question between refurbished and new computers or laptops.

Generally speaking, yes for a number of reasons.

? Guarantee
? Affordability
? Value
? Excellence

It is not the unit that needs to be in question but rather where that equipment was refurbished at.

*** Guarantee ***

Companies that provide refurbished computers would benefit greatly from providing a guarantee with their equipment. Several do.

Why?

Because a guarantee, even a 90 day guarantee, lets the buyer know that the company is willing to stand behind the product that they bringing to the market. In this way, if something goes wrong the customer can rest assured in the knowledge that they will be taken care of. Even if it is in prime condition and will last ?forever? I personally would be wary of refurbished computers where any type of guarantee is exempt. If problems arise your options are limited to buying new devices.

*** Affordability ***

We looked at this above. I'd say that if a refurbished laptop purchase is being considered, this one element can be the determining factor.

In most cases, refurbished units simply cost less than brand new devices. When your budget is the concern their are definite advantages to considering a refurbished purchase if it comes with a guarantee like I talked about above. Even better if they offer an extended warranty of some sort, generally speaking I avoid such options but not with refurbished computers.

*** Value ***

Refurbished laptop computers can come with many more options for far less cost compared to that of a more expensive new laptop.

This again depends on you and your individual circumstances. It is quite possible for you to just secure the basic necessities at a much lower cost than new, or if your pocket book will handle it you can get more value for less.

The bottom line here is that you have options that are opened up and made available which are not necessarily present in a brand new device because of the issues of expense.

*** Excellence ***

Refurbished laptop and excellence in the same sentence, really?

Again it depends on the person or company providing the unit. However, it would be my own belief that those who want to receive referrals and future business for their efforts are going to do whatever they can to get people talking about their work. To that end, if they were to bring to market second hand equipment they would only be hurting themselves.

High quality products come from companies that understand this approach

*** Summing It Up ***

I call this my GAVE approach because I GAVE myself a break while I GAVE myself the technology I needed within the refurbished laptops that I purchase. You work hard and deserve a break too. Its time you GAVE yourself that, right?

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