Refurbished products have become a popular choice for many consumers looking for something cheaper that isn't secondhand. Among the most prominent products in this market are technology items, such as the refurbished laptops we'll discuss in this article.
Furthermore, we'll offer some advice if you decide on a refurbished laptop, so you can be confident in your purchase. This way, you'll know if buying refurbished laptops is truly worthwhile and if it's right for you, or perhaps you should choose a new one. In short, this guide will clear up any doubts you might have about making the right choice …
If your problem is budget and you're looking for the cheapest laptop possible, here's a selection of the best value-for-money models you can buy for under €500 :
You can also check out all the refurbished laptops that Amazon sells , with a full warranty and where you can save up to 50% off their original price.
Guide Index
What to look for when buying a refurbished laptop
When buying a refurbished laptop, you should know that you'll save money and get a like-new device with a warranty and up-to-date technology. However, to avoid any surprises, it's important to keep these considerations in mind :
- Look closely at the description or category. Many refurbished laptop stores have ratings about this equipment according to its status provided by the company that was in charge of restoring the product. For example, they can tell you that it has some small damage, etc. But always make sure that it is 100% functional.
- Before buying, read the return policy of the web where you are buying. Generally, they usually have a return period that can range from 15 days to 90 days in some cases. During this period, try to verify that it works as indicated in the product description.
- You should ask to always save the invoice or proof of purchase, either in physical or digital version, since this will be positive when making use of the guarantee or any claim.
- Always buy at secure platforms, and using secure payment methods, such as PayPal.
Once your refurbished laptop has arrived, the next thing you should do is perform a few checks :
- Inspect the laptop for damage or wear apparent that were not indicated in the description of the store.
- Make sure that there is no information from another previous user and that it has been factory reset.
- Pass an antivirus scanner or anti-malware For security.
- Search the updates most recent.
- Check with use the operation of all your hardwaresuch as whether the fans are spinning properly, the health status of the storage drive, the battery status, etc.
I must say that, generally, there are no problems if you've bought from a reputable site , and refurbished laptops often arrive like new and without any defects. However, these points are just precautions.
Advantages of buying a refurbished laptop
Buying a refurbished laptop has its advantages , although it's not without its disadvantages either. Among the most notable pros are:
- you save more money: Refurbished laptops are usually fairly new models, but for lower prices, in some cases you can save hundreds of dollars over the same new model.
- E-waste is avoided: this equipment that cannot be sold as new, would otherwise end up becoming electronic waste, with the environmental impact that this entails. So if you want more sustainable technology, buying refurbished is a good start.
- Proven purchase: When you buy a refurbished laptop, you are looking at a product that has been tested by experts to ensure that everything works correctly, so it is much better than buying second-hand, where none of this is true in many cases.
- New hardware and software: When you buy cheaper second-hand equipment, it is usually equipment from a few months or a few years ago. Instead, refurbished laptops can be fully current models, so you don't pay for out-of-date technology.
- Warranty: Another great advantage of reconditioned products, compared to second-hand ones, is that they have a guarantee. Generally 12 to 18 months, which is great peace of mind for the buyer.
Refurbished or new laptop?
First of all, it's important to understand exactly what a refurbished laptop means . Many buyers confuse this term and aren't quite sure what it refers to; others believe these products might have a bad reputation. But simply understanding what it means will give you more confidence in them, as they can be labeled as refurbished for various reasons:
- returned laptops: if a new laptop has been returned by an individual or a company during the estimated return time, that is, during the test days given by the stores, then this equipment, which cannot be considered second-hand, can be labeled as refurbished and sell it again, but cheaper.
- Repaired: sometimes, it may be a laptop that left the factory with a fault, and that has been sent to the official technical service for repair. In this case, it cannot be sold as new either, even if it has not been used, and it will be sold as refurbished.
- exposed: Sometimes these are laptops that have been on display in shop windows or store displays, so they could not be sold as new.
- Flaw: they may have some type of damage to the packaging or to the laptop itself, such as scratches, or small things that do not affect its operation, but also prevent it from being sold as new.
- without original box: It may also happen that the laptop does not have the original box for whatever reason, and for this reason it will be packed in another box and sold as refurbished, even if it is brand new.
- Leasing or leasing: They can also be equipment with very little use from the lease or leasing.
- Surplus: They could even be laptop models that come from surplus.
As you can see, most, if not all, options are generally better than a second-hand laptop whose age and condition are unknown. However, when compared to a new laptop, the new laptop has some advantages :
- New: It has its original packaging, all the original components, it has no damage and has not been used by anyone. It comes straight from the warehouse to you.
- full guarantee: They usually have a longer warranty than refurbished ones, from 24 to 36 months, depending on the make and model.
However, for these two points, you'll have to pay more . So, should you buy a refurbished laptop or a new one? Well, to help you with this question, let's look at a list of potential candidates or people for whom a refurbished laptop might be a good option:
- Students: They don't usually work, so the budget is tight, and buying a refurbished laptop could save them a lot of money.
- For children: If your kids are just starting out with computers or using them for homework, they might start with one of these cheaper refurbished ones.
- Without experience: If you are an older or younger person with no experience, or just wanting to "tinker around", you may also be interested in a refurbished laptop.
Where to buy a refurbished laptop with guarantees
Finally, you should also know which are the trustworthy sites where you can buy a refurbished laptop with full warranties , and these sites are:
- Amazon Second Hand: The American platform Amazon has refurbished products sold by Amazon Warehouse. Among them you will find refurbished laptops at a good price. You have a good variety of them, and you will know that you have the confidence and all the guarantees that this site provides.
- Apple Store: In the Apple Store you can also buy products from this firm that have been refurbished, such as Macbook models. So if what you are looking for is an Apple, this can be a good site, with the maximum guarantees and confidence.
- PC Components: On this Murcian online platform, there are also many sellers who distribute refurbished laptops that you can buy at a much lower price than new models. You will find a great variety to choose from, and it is also a serious place, fast in shipments, and that offers all the guarantees.
- Backmarket: Of course, Backmarket could not be missing from the list. The American has also landed in Europe with a large market focused on refurbished technological devices, such as laptops. In it you can find various brands and models, and with detailed descriptions of the state, as well as being a trusted place.
- Mediamarkt: Finally, the German technology chain Mediamark also offers the possibility of buying refurbished laptops. On this occasion you can choose between buying in person at any of its stores or doing it through the web.
