Buying refurbished laptops and other technology can be tempting. It is a way to save money and be friendlier towards the environment; however, you must thoroughly research your supplier and chosen device.
What do we mean by refurbished?
A refurbished laptop is one that has been previously owned, although it may not have been used. It will have since been cleaned, repaired, and restored, so its condition will be as close to new as possible both in appearance and functioning. Some retailers use grades such as satisfactory, good, or excellent, so pay attention to any specific terminology. The refurbished label stands in contrast to a laptop classified as secondhand, which will not necessarily have undergone the same kind of restoration and does not have the same guarantees.
Where to buy refurbished laptops
The quality of a laptop’s refurbishment varies by supplier. Factory refurbishment comes from the original manufacturer and will probably come with more comprehensive information about the restoration and a better warranty. It is harder to be certain of the qualifications and quality of a third-party restorer. Look for official programmes run by retailers such as Amazon, as these tend to have strict membership requirements. You could also visit the Refurbished Laptops website here.
Age
Older laptops are more likely to have issues, and it can be hard to run them with modern software or to source parts for future repairs. A refurbished laptop that is more than five years old is likely to only perform the most basic functions, which doesn’t include streaming or gaming.
Warranties
New laptops come with warranties, usually of at least a year. Refurbished laptops should do the same. This protection is part of what sets a high-quality refurbishment apart from an as-is secondhand laptop. Even if the warranty is shorter, you have a right under the Consumer Rights Act to return a purchase that is defective or not as described.
Consider your supplier, the age, and the condition of the device alongside any available warranty before purchasing a refurbished laptop.
