Refurbished Computers: Is The Risk Worth The Cost? August 31, 2010 at 6:48 am
Perhaps, but not necessarily.
Refurbished laptops can be even better than buying a brand new computer. This is certainly true when it comes to the topic of affordability.
There are those who believe a refurbished unit must be the same as cheap laptops but that is not necessarily so.
For example, think about the plight of refurbished cars. When I asked a friend about his own desires in refurbished cars here is what he had to say.
His response?
- 1963 A C Cobra, Hi-Potential Engine
- 1962 – 1967 Chevy Corvette, Coupe or Convertible
- 1965 – 1969 Shelby Mustang, GT 350 or GT 500
But, when trying to lead the pack using refurbished options may not be the right answer. A refurbished laptop is more than enough for those living paycheck to paycheck.
At this point we come full circle on the topic of refurbished verse new technology.
My answer, for the most part would be yes for several 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.
Why?
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. In so doing, should the device not work as expected the client can be comforted by knowing that they are in good hands. Finding yourself without a warranty or guarantee is reason enough to not consider a refurbished device. If problems arise your options are limited to buying new devices.
*** Affordability ***
We looked at this above. 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. If affordable economics is what you are looking for then a guaranteed refurbished unit like I spoke about above is certainly worth considering. Even better if they offer an extended warranty of some sort, generally speaking I avoid such options but not with refurbished computers.
*** Value ***
Refurbished laptop computers can come with many more options for far less cost compared to that of a more expensive new laptop.
It really depends on what you need most. 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 ***
Is it really possible for the words refurbished laptop and excellence to coexist within the same sentence?
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. To that end, if they were to bring to market second hand equipment they would only be hurting themselves.
Companies that take this approach to business will do all they can to produce high quality products
*** 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. Why not be the one that GAVE you your own break?
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 used computers then you owe it to yourself to check these people out for all your refurbished laptops.