Refurbished Laptops: Is The Risk Worth The Cost?
That depends.
Brand new computers do have their disadvantages when compared with refurbished laptops. That is certainly the case as it relates to affordability.
In technology a refurbished device is not the same as cheap laptops no matter what some people might think.
Consider refurbished cars for example. I e-mail132013201320ed a friend of mine wondering what kind of refurbished car he would like.
His response?
- 1963 A C Cobra, Hi-Potential Engine
- 1964 – 1967 A C Cobra, 427 Cubic inch engine
- 1966 – 1972 Chevy Chevelle, SS396 or SS427, two-door
However, if you are one that needs to “keep up with the Jones” as it relates to your technology buying refurbished computers is probably not your best choice. A refurbished laptop is best for people who live on tight budgets while needing to obtain the best bang possible for their buck.
At this point we come full circle on the topic of refurbished verse new technology.
My answer, for the most part would be yes for several 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. Many do.
How does this increase value?
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. No matter how good the computer seems without a guarantee or warranty its worth is questionable at best. If something goes wrong you have nothing to fall back on except a brand new computer purchase.
*** Affordability ***
We touched on this earlier. This may very well be the most import piece of the refurbished laptop purchase puzzle.
Generally speaking, a refurbished device will cost much less than its newer counterpart . If affordable economics is what you are looking for then a guaranteed refurbished unit like I spoke about above is certainly worth considering. Even better if they offer an extended warranty of some sort, generally speaking I avoid such options but not with refurbished computers.
*** Value ***
Affordability positions a refurbished device into more features than what can be found for the same price on brand new units.
Each person will need to decide what is most important for themselves. 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.
Bottom line, you have options with refurbished devices that are cost prohibitive in brand new and expensive units.
*** Excellence ***
Is it really possible for the words refurbished laptop and excellence to coexist within the same sentence?
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. Therefore, providing units that are “not-up-to-speed” would be a tremendous disservice to their own selves.
Companies that take this approach to business will do all they can to produce high quality products
*** 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. Isn’t it time that you GAVE yourself a break too?
To put it another way, I GAVE up on high priced expensive laptops in favor of affordable refurbished laptops while finding a great place to read about refurbished laptops at BuyComputerAccessories.org. If you’re like me and want affordable technology that is not necessarily used computers then you owe it to yourself to check these people out for all your refurbished laptops.
