Being a portable device, laptops are one of the most commonly used gadgets that are perfect for all kinds of work; especially if you are a student who needs it for school. This also means you will try to look for the most affordable laptop, considering all its specifications such as performance, functions, and technicalities. If you happen to stumble upon the term ‘refurbished’ while looking for laptops and don’t know what it means, then you have come to the right place.
Keep on reading to find out what this word means, along with 7 things to remember while buying a refurbished laptop.
What does refurbished mean?
A refurbished device refers to one which has been previously used and is sent back to the manufacturer to sell at a discount. The manufacturer repairs any bugs or damages the device has so that the final product is in an almost new condition and is ready to sell in the market. There are various factors that contribute to whether a refurbished device is suitable for your workload, and they are categorized below.
Is a refurbished laptop suitable for you?
While refurbished laptops cannot replace new laptops, there are factors you can consider to ensure smooth functioning throughout their lifespan.
- 1) Battery life
If the laptop had previously been used for hard-core tasks, then there is a good chance that the battery life may not be as good as it should be. Laptops normally last a total of 5to 6 years or so, before purchasing the laptop, try to find out its’ manufacturing date so that you can get a rough idea of how long it should last. Besides, the battery can be replaced with a new battery at a small expense, so your laptop could last a long time.
- 2) Stick to trusted sellers
It is vital not to trust any third party sellers while purchasing your laptop in case you face any issues after the purchase. This can include spotting any noticeable defects that affect the performance of your laptop or even returning the laptop if needed. Buying straight from the manufacturer is always a good option because there is an assurance that the product will be exactly as perceived.
- 3) Limited warranty
In most stores where refurbished laptops are available, there is also a 1-year warranty. This warranty varies from store to store, but is around the same interval. In contrast, while purchasing a new laptop you might receive a longer warranty. This can be a drawback for refurbished laptops if in case you face issues after the warranty ends. Some laptop manufacturers may even have a 7-day (or more) return policy, so make sure you avail it if needed.
- 4) May not be the latest version
Refurbished versions are usually one or more versions behind the newest version, which technically, isn’t that big a drawback because it should still last you a few years, but there is always a chance that they might stop sending software updates which would make the device outdated sooner. Nevertheless, if you purchase the latest available refurbished version, by then the chances of this happening anytime soon are slim.
- 5) Lower price, but at what expense?
No doubt, refurbished laptops can be pocket-friendly as compared to the latest version of laptops, but are they really worth it? Sometimes, the version of the laptop is so old that it may not be worth after the allotted discount, hence be mindful of this while purchasing your computer.
- Enjoy an almost brand-new laptop
If you buy a refurbished laptop from reputable companies such as Apple and Dell, there is a guarantee that the laptops have been handled by experienced individuals which makes it more likely for it to be error-free. These individuals specialize in electronics and give equal attention to every device, making them less susceptible to mistakes. This step eliminates most errors.
- 7) Inspect your laptop properly
The last and the most important measure to take is to ensure that your refurbished laptop is how you anticipated. This means examining every important part of it, starting from the appearance to the inner contents of the laptop to make sure you are getting what you pay for.
While it may be tempting to purchase a refurbished laptop because of the low risk of any system errors and the low price, it is also important to keep in mind all the factors while purchasing, so you don’t mistakenly end up with an unsuitable laptop after having spent your money. Good luck!
