Refurbished Laptop Computers
Laptop computers have become very popular in today's world, as they offer compactness coupled with mobility which is important for professionals all over the world. This way, they can, literally take their office with them wherever they go.
Laptops can, of course, be purchased brand new from the manufacturer. But there are other ways where one can save money during the purchase of a laptop.
Types of Refurbished Laptops
There are different types of refurbished laptops, which will help make the concept clearer. Let's see what types are available in the market.
Factory Refurbished Laptop
Sometimes new laptops are returned to the manufacturer due to some minor problems such as a dent in the case or problems with the screen. Sometimes, these laptops are identified during the various stages of examination during the manufacturing process itself. These laptops are then fixed and re-checked by the manufacturer. The hard disk is formatted and the operating system is reloaded. The laptop is used for about 4 to 5 hours to check if it is working properly. Finally, a new serial number is fixed onto it to mark it as a factory refurbished laptop. These are then sold by the manufacturers themselves at a reduced cost.
Refurbished Used Laptops
Sometimes, laptops used for some time by a user are sold off. This can be for various reasons, often because the user wanted to upgrade to the latest version of the laptop. This used laptop can then be fitted with upgraded parts and sold for a less price. Such refurbished used laptops can be as good as a latest version.
However, while buying such a laptop one must make sure of two things: the number of users that the laptop has had and the date of the first purchase. These two things are very useful because the number of users will help you determine the type of use that the laptop has been subjected to. It has been seen that most buyers of refurbished used laptops prefer to buy laptops which have been used by women. The second thing is the date of purchase because hardware becomes obsolete in 5 years time. So unless the laptop contains refurbished hardware parts, one should purchase a refurbished used laptop which is not more than 2 to 3 years old.
Custom Refurbished Laptops
These laptops are the ones that are repaired and reassembled so that they match customer requirements and preferences. This means a buyer can specify what he wants and the laptop will be refurbished accordingly. Here, a buyer can specify things such as screen size, processor speed, multimedia requirements, hard drive and RAM capacity, etc.
Thus, one can purchase a laptop which is customized to suit one's specific requirements.
Advantages
There are many advantages to buying a refurbished laptop computer. They are:
- Reduced Cost: You get a laptop at a reduced cost, around 30% less than the price of a new one.
- High Quality: Refurbished laptops are subjected to high levels of performance standards tests at the factories before they are sent out to be sold. Thus, you are assured of a high quality laptop even though it may be refurbished.
- Discounts: Often such refurbished laptops are offered at discounted prices for students, senior citizens, military personnel etc.
- Warranty Advantage: Many times, refurbished laptops come with a longer warranty period - normal warranties last for 1 year, while refurbished laptops come with a warranty period which can be extended to up to 3 years.
There are a few things one must keep in mind before one buys a refurbished laptop computer. They are:
- As mentioned before, one must check the date of first purchase of the laptop to know how old the hardware parts are - one does not want to end up with a laptop full of almost obsolete parts which can be difficult to repair or replace.
- Another thing which is mentioned before is to find out how many users the laptop has had before one buys it. A laptop which has had more than 2 users will probably not do you much good. The condition is very important, as you have to get the same kind of performance capability as from a new or newer laptop.
- Make sure that you purchase a refurbished laptop from the country where one is staying at. This way, you can reach the dealer when you want without much hassle.
- Shop around till you find a good price while ensuring quality.
- And last, but most important, make sure that the refurbished laptop comes with a warranty. If the manufacturer's warranty has expired, then the vendor should be giving one. Thus, if any problem arises, you can at least approach the vendor for help, repairs and replacements.
