August 31, 2010
Refurbished Laptops: Is The Risk Worth The Cost?
That depends.
Refurbished laptops can be even better than buying a brand new computer. This is certainly true when it comes to the topic of affordability.
Some people equate the word refurbished to be used or second hand with the end result of buying cheap laptops. This is not necessarily the case.
Consider refurbished cars for example. I asked a friend of mine what type of refurbished car he would be happy with.
His response?
- 1965 – 1969 Shelby Mustang, GT 350 or GT 500
- 1964 – 1967 A C Cobra, 427 Cubic inch engine
- 1966 – 1972 Chevy Chevelle, SS396 or SS427, two-door
If having the latest greatest technology is what you want, then a refurbished computer may not be your best 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.
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. 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 so doing, should the device not work as expected the client can be comforted by knowing that they are in good hands. 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. Perhaps it is the most important part of considering the trail to refurbished laptops.
Logically, a used computer costs much less than a new one with the exact same features. If the budget is the issue then be sure to consider the advantages of refurbished as long as they carry the guarantee I just spoke about. 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.
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.
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 ***
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. Why not be the one that GAVE you your own break?
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 affordable 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.
That depends.
Brand new computers do have their disadvantages when compared with refurbished laptops. This is certainly true when it comes to the topic of affordability.
Some people equate the word refurbished to be used or second hand with the end result of buying cheap laptops. This is not necessarily the case.
Refurbished cars are a great example of this reality. I asked a friend of mine what type of refurbished car he would be happy with.
His response?
- 1967 Chevy Impala, two-door hardtop, or convertible
- 1962 – 1967 Chevy Corvette, Coupe or Convertible
- 1963 A C Cobra, Hi-Potential Engine
If having the latest greatest technology is what you want, then a refurbished computer may not be your best answer. A refurbished laptop is more than enough for those living paycheck to paycheck.
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. A number of them 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. Therefore, if support becomes necessary with the purchase the customer can know they are covered. Finding yourself without a warranty or guarantee is reason enough to not consider a refurbished device. If something goes wrong you have nothing to fall back on except a brand new computer purchase.
*** Affordability ***
This was something we addressed 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 . 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 is that refurbished units provide more affordable options when compared with there more expensive and new counterparts.
*** Excellence ***
A refurbished laptop and the word excellence, how can that be?
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. That is why selling computers which are not working right would be an extreme problem for their own future well being.
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. Why not be the one that GAVE you your own break?
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 affordable laptops at BuyComputerAccessories.org. If you’re like me and want affordable technology that is not necessarily cheap laptops then you owe it to yourself to check these people out for all your refurbished laptops.
Filed under Technology and Gadgets by ckahuna