What should you look for when buying a refurbished laptop?
When you are shopping for a laptop, it can be hard to decide what is best. There are so many different models out there, and they all have their own benefits. One solution that some people find helpful is buying refurbished laptops instead of new ones. This way, you will not end up spending too much money on something that may become outdated in just a few months’ time. But before you buy one, make sure to do your research!
Laptops have come a long way over the years, and now it seems like there will be no end in sight to how much better they can become. However, as time goes on, the performance starts to decline, which means it’s time to sell your old laptop and buy a new one to keep up with our workloads.
Buying a refurbished laptop is one option that many people are looking into these days because it’s more affordable and doesn’t require you to spend all your money at once if you want something right away. Many vendors even offer free laptop recycling options as well in case you want dispose your old machine.
However, there are certain aspects to keep in mind before you decide on buying a refurbished laptop. This is exactly what we will cover in this blog post.
#1 Warranty
If you are going to buy a refurbished laptop, it’s important that the warranty is in good order. You want to ensure your money doesn’t go down the drain – especially if this happens within just a few months of buying it. It can be difficult for people with no experience when they first start looking at buying one of these devices. To make this easier, here’s what to do and avoid!
Do’s
Read the warranty terms thoroughly before making your decision. If there are any issues, return or repair procedures should be fairly simple to understand and comprehend – no matter what kind of refurbished laptop you’re looking at purchasing. It will also depend on who restored the device in question.
If you’re looking for a warranty that will cover the laptop, you need to make sure it’s with a licensed company. This is because there are plenty of people out there who offer these warranties and they may be scams! Make sure you do your research so that this doesn’t happen to you.
Don’ts
Skipping the details or background research on the device and seller may cause a lot of problems later on. So try and avoid missing out these steps when checking the warranty of the refurbished laptop.
#2 Reviews
When we buy a laptop, one of the most important parts is reading reviews about it. If no one has written any reviews yet for that specific model, then you should probably avoid purchasing it until someone does – as this could be bad news!
Do’s
It’s worth looking at how long people have had their refurbished laptops and if they have any complaints about them. This way, you’ll know if the refurbished laptop is a good one or not and whether it’s worth your time and money!
Another thing to look out for are reviews that talk more about the company helping with repairs than the actual device itself. This means they may be trying to scam you into buying a more expensive product!
Don’ts
If there are any complaints about your chosen model, you might want to reconsider buying it. Simply put, you don’t want to purchase a device with a confusing or poor review.
#3 Discount
One of the biggest questions people have when they are looking for a refurbished laptop is how much of a discount they’re actually getting. It’s important to find out because some retailers will not offer you as big of a discount as other sellers or retailers.
Do’s
The best way to find out is by reading the price list. If you’re looking at a refurbished laptop, it should be listed and then compared with other devices that are new or used!
After doing your research, if there’s still some confusion about whether your chosen device will work for what you need it to do. You are advised to shop around and compare prices from different resellers.
Don’ts
Making your decision based on the discounted price may not be such a good idea. Avoid buying a refurbished laptop without comparing the original cost with the current one.
#4 Year of release
One of the most important things to look at when you’re buying a refurbished laptop is what year it was released. The reason for this is because laptops from the same model will have similar specs and features – meaning they should be able to perform any functions that are assigned to them!
Do’s
Ideally, the device you want to buy should be less than two years old. This is because the hardware might not perform as well and could break down sooner than expected!
It’s important that your laptop works for what you need it to do before making a purchase decision – especially if this will be used frequently in demanding environments such as gaming or graphic design.
Don’ts
Getting an older model for a very low price might not be a good bargain. You don’t want to end up with a device that is slow or does not have the basic features.
#5 Battery life
Before buying a refurbished laptop, this is another crucial factor to consider. You want to make sure that the device has a lasting battery and can support high-powered software or programs. Sometimes, laptops which have been used for a long time may have a shorter battery life as it tends to reduce with frequent charges.
Do’s
It is a good idea to ask the manufacturer or seller about the usage and remaining battery lifespan. Mostly, authorized sellers replace batteries and can also replace them in case of a problem. While the ideal battery life can be anywhere between eight to ten hours, your refurbished one may last for slightly less depending on the usage.
Don’ts
Try and avoid investing in a refurbished laptop that has less than 80 percent of its original charge cycles left.
#6 Condition and laptop body
Even if you are purchasing a refurbished laptop, you should make sure that it looks appealing and does not have dents or scratches. This is why it is crucial for buyers to examine the laptop’s frame and body for any problem.
Do’s
It is important to inspect the device closely and check for any wear and tear. At times, there may be a small dent or crack on the surface that could be easily missed. While such issues can reduce the price of the device, you might want to consider one that provides a good value for money.
So look for a computer that appears close to new and has no external or internal damage. Check the ports, track pad and keyboard for functionality as well.
Don’ts
You don’t want to invest in a refurbished laptop that needs frequent repairs or does not offer the required support.
#7 Locate authorized sellers
Now, you can find a lot of online platforms and credible sellers who offer good deals on refurbished laptops. Many people buy their gadgets and electronics from various retailers that are trusted and credible.
Do’s
When looking for a refurbished laptop, consider authorized sellers or manufacturers before anything else. You may be able to get big discounts and make sure that the device is in good condition too.
If you buy from such retailers, you could avoid scams or issues with the warranty over time. The following is a list of some platforms that you can locate easily:
Don’ts
Purchasing a refurbished computer without researching the seller or asking for the credentials could cause a few issues. You may not be able to get coverage for damage or a year-long warranty.
One of the biggest reasons why you should consider reputable sellers is that they run extensive checks on their devices for damage and lags. By purchasing your laptop from a manufacturer, you can also make sure that you get a reasonable price and valid warranty.
Wrapping Up
These are a few essential factors to keep in mind when buying a refurbished laptop. If you think about it, a lot of people buy such devices as they are reasonably priced, efficient for work and gaming as well and can help e-waste too. So in case you are thinking of purchasing a refurbished computer, you should consider some of these factors to get a good deal.