It may be a coincidence that a financial recession should happen in the middle of a technological revolution. Computing technology is reaching greater and greater heights, with the latest and most powerful technology today becoming outdated within a matter of months. This can also have a few good things to it as well, as seemingly outdated technology becomes cheaper as the new generation of products takes their place in the market.
A laptop may not reach the end of it’s service life when obsolete or broken; more often than not, the laptop finds new life as a refurbished product, repaired and rebuilt to manufacturer specifications and quality control. This laptop is then resold at a fraction of the price, offering the consumer a full computing experience without having to break the bank. There are always a few risks when choosing to buy a refurbished product, but manufacturers may still offer full warranty packages for these products.
What is a “Refurbished” product?
A refurbished product is a product which has been repaired or restored back into working condition by a manufacturer or store. In this case, laptop or other computer devices which have parts such as a faulty motherboard or hard drive that renders the computer unusable are prime candidates for this treatment. These defective computers are usually sent back to the manufacturer or repair shop, and are then restored into working condition and resold again.
Depending on the manufacturer, the replacement parts used can either be new parts or functioning parts which come from pre-owned systems. Regardless of where the parts come from, major computer manufacturers usually don’t advertise refurbished products as brand new. These items are often resold at a smaller price point to make a small profit to recoup the lost expenses of a defective notebook.
What to Look For In A Refurbished Laptop
When considering a refurbished laptop, it is important to find a reputable dealer that specializes in refurbished or pre-owned laptops and computers. A good reputation usually means good feedback and reviews from others who may have done business with the dealer.
Some dealers and repair shops are also licensed by common laptop and computer manufacturers. This may be a good sign, as licensed refurbished products may include a warranty to go along with any refurbished laptops they may be offering to you. A standardized procedure may also be a safe bet with these licensed dealers, as it offers more consistent quality control even for a previously defective product.
Unlicensed sellers of refurbished products can also be found when shopping around. While this practice is not illegal in any way unless they falsely claim to be licensed, the quality and consistency of products from unlicensed sellers may be spotty depending on the seller. That said, you may come across a technician who does stellar repair work for every repairman that does not.
If possible, always try the laptop out before purchasing one. Be sure to work out all the functions you need to work before deciding to buy, and always request a signed receipt which clearly states that the laptop is in working condition. The product description should list the previous defects of the laptop, as well as the parts which were serviced or replaced.
The prices of a laptop can vary according to its specifications. For example, a laptop with a graphics processor which is built into the motherboard may cost significantly less than a laptop which has a dedicated Nvidia or AMD video card. Laptops with increased hard disk capacity or memory can also command higher prices. Larger screen sizes or the kind of materials the laptop is constructed with can also be deal breaking factors to a laptop’s price.
Searching for Refurbished Laptops
The internet has brought upon us a convenient way to shop. There are many shopping websites such as amazon.com and Ebay which list shops that sell refurbished laptops and other products, and should contain voluble user feedback and ratings from people who have previously purchased from these stores.
Well known manufacturers such as Dell or Acer may also list refurbished products on their official websites as well. The fact that these manufacturers clearly list these products as refurbished should bring peace of mind to the consumer, knowing that the parts are sourced from dependable and reputable component manufacturers.
Regardless of where you buy from, the website or store should accurately list the condition of the product. This is dependent upon the mechanical condition or age of the laptop when it was received by the company for refurbishment. Cosmetic flaws such as scratches, dents, or signs of stickers and wear do not actually inhibit the use or functionality of the laptop, but still drops the price of a refurbished laptop significantly. Laptops which have been returned by customers to the manufacturer without these cosmetic flaws or loss of apparent functionality are usually advertised as “like new” products with lower prices.
The specifications usually listed with new products should also be listed with refurbished or previously owned products. Manufacturers should list things like the included operating system, wireless capabilities, hard disk space, available memory, expandability as well as extras like office programs or accessories.
Manufacturers do not follow a specific standard to which kinds of extras are included in a laptop package. Manufacturers like MSI or HP sometimes offer additional programs or utilities which optimize certain computer experiences such media or gaming. Expandability is also a selling point for some laptops, but may void the warranty if tampered with.