Monday, September 13, 2010

Are Refurbished Laptops The Best Purchase?

Perhaps, but not necessarily.

Sometimes refurbished laptops might even be better than a brand new laptop. That is certainly the case as it relates to 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?

  1. 1965 - 1969 Shelby Mustang, GT 350 or GT 500
  2. 1964 - 1967 A C Cobra, 427 Cubic inch engine
  3. 1963 A C Cobra, Hi-Potential Engine


But, when trying to lead the pack using refurbished options may not be the right answer. When income is the focus a refurbished laptop gives you all you need.

This brings us back to our original question of refurbished models compared to new.



Generally speaking, yes for a number of 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.

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. Therefore, if support becomes necessary with the purchase the customer can know they are covered. 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. Should trouble arise the only thing you can do is buy new equipment.

*** Affordability ***

This was something we addressed earlier. I'd say that if a refurbished laptop purchase is being considered, this one element can be the determining factor.

Logically, a used computer costs much less than a new one with the exact same features. 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 ***

Because a refurbished laptop is less expensive you can actually get more bells and whistles than you would find on a brand new device.

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 ***

Refurbished laptop and excellence in the same sentence, really?

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.

Those that understand this are likely to do whatever they can to provide a high level of excellence within all their work

*** 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 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.

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