Business PickupLaptops are a considerable investment. Even budget models cost several hundred dollars, with the highest-rated options often exceeding $1,000. As such, it’s important to do your research ahead of time and ensure the laptop you’re considering will meet your needs and align with your budget. One option to consider is buying refurbished.
If you’ve never purchased a refurbished device before, you may be wondering what it entails. Here are some points to help you make an informed decision.
What Does It Mean When a Laptop Has Been Refurbished?
Sometimes, people confuse a refurbished laptop with one that has simply been used. In reality, a used laptop is not synonymous with a refurbished one. When a laptop has been refurbished, it has been returned for a possible issue or is no longer needed by the original owner. It then undergoes a rigorous process to restore it to near-perfect condition, which typically entails inspection, cleaning, upgrading software, and repairs, if needed. A used device sold by a private seller does not undergo the same process.
During refurbishment, technicians perform a detail-oriented assessment and look at many different features. For example, they analyze battery function, screen quality, and power supply. They may also look for loose connections and address cosmetic issues. The machine receives a complete data wipe and a new operating system is installed, essentially creating a blank slate for a future user.
Should You Buy a New or Refurbished Laptop?
In some cases, it may make sense to purchase a brand-new laptop. For instance, if you absolutely must have the latest technology or features for specialized work or hobbies, the newest model may best suit your needs. In most other cases, however, it’s almost always better to go with a refurbished laptop for the following benefits.
Cost Savings
A refurbished laptop will typically cost 25-40% less than a brand-new one of the same model. Depending on which type of laptop you’re considering, buying refurbished could save you hundreds of dollars on a laptop that’s still fairly new. Plus, since a new operating system is installed during the refurbishment process, you’ll be running an up-to-date system for a fraction of the cost.
Environmental Benefits
Of course, refurbishing is also an environmentally friendly practice. Recycling raw materials can take a long time and use many resources, but the refurbishment process is fairly quick in comparison. Parts are only swapped out if needed, so the majority of the device remains intact and ready for reuse.
When you choose a refurbished device, you contribute to the reduced demand for new products. You also reduce your environmental footprint; there were 53.6 million metric tonnes of e-waste in 2020, and reuse is an important way to be a responsible consumer and help minimize the electronics that end up in a landfill.
Are There Risks Involved With Buying a Refurbished Laptop?
Understandably, some people worry that a refurbished computer won’t last as long as a brand-new product, or that it may have performance issues. Yet, as with any purchase, the best way to gain peace of mind is to buy the device from a trusted source. Keep in mind that these laptops go through rigorous quality checks, and anything that doesn’t pass is addressed to ensure the device is in perfect working order. To protect yourself, purchase from a trustworthy retailer with stringent quality control measures and a fair return policy.
To help combat e-waste and save you money, Quantum offers reuse options so businesses phasing out their laptops and other e-waste can turn them into savings. You can get familiar with refurbished products for sale at Qnovum, our online store that offers refurbished laptops that have passed through robust quality checks. Browse through our extensive inventory here.