Laptops are in such high demand that people cannot even imagine their work and life without them in the high-tech world. Whether using the laptop for official purposes or educational needs, playing games, or simply watching your favorite shows, having a suitable device is crucial. But, come on, everybody knows that purchasing a new laptop is quite expensive especially for a student with a limited budget. Thankfully, there’s another option: refurbished ones. These relatively affordable products will allow owning great gadgets without spending too much money. This means that you can get an excellent laptop for a few hundred dollars while you would have to pay thousands to get a new one. But before you decide to go for any deal out there, there are certain things that you have to consider.
Refurbished or renewed laptops are those that have been bought and used by other people and then returned to the seller or manufacturer due to some issues or because the customer didn’t want that type of laptop. These laptops are considered to be cheap laptops as they are repaired, sometimes brought back to life, and then sold at affordable rates. Sounds like a fair deal, isn’t it? It can be—if you know what to look for. It is not a matter of seeking the lowest price in the end. You want a product that will endure and get the task done without causing problems in the future.
1. Check Out the Seller’s Reputation
First and foremost, in a bid to be in a position to purchase a refurbished laptop, there are some basic questions you need to answer. In this world, not all sellers are equal. Some are genuine and will sell you a laptop that you would expect from a new one while others will sell a device that freezes the moment you switch it on.
The best way is to purchase from the laptop manufacturer or reputable dealers. Third-party sellers are also common, which makes it important to look at their reviews, ratings, and return policies. A reliable seller will offer a warranty for the product and, moreover, will clearly explain the return policy, which will be very useful in case of any failure. All that depends is peace of mind, folks.
2. Make Sure There’s a Warranty or Return Policy
Well, you do not just purchase a car without some form of warranty or insurance coverage, would you? The same applies to, for instance, purchasing a refurbished laptop. That being the case, if it is not new you shouldn’t be left in limbo if it decides to break down. A majority of reliable sellers provide a minimum of 90 days warranty on the products; however, it is always good to check. Some will even provide you with an extended warranty for a few extra dollars more, which can be ideal, especially when purchasing a brand-new model.
And oh yes, let’s not forget about the return policy. If you get the laptop and realize it is not what you wanted, you’ll be glad you can return it. This is especially important if you are purchasing online because you are not inclined to physically examine the device or use it before receiving it at your doorstep.
3. Take a Good Look at the Laptop’s Condition
Refurbished laptops can be widespread in a number of ways. Some are probably just a day old with only minor marks, while others may have more damage. However, to avoid the mentioned problems, make sure to check the laptop minutely before ‘buying it’. When making your purchase, pay close attention to the physical condition of the screen, keyboard, and ports.
As for the labels in the refurbished world, it’s often possible to distinguish between Grade A, B, and C. Depending on the status, Grade A means that the laptop looks new and has minimal visible defects. Grade B may have a minor defect in its appearance, but it in no way compromises the functionality of the appliance. Grade C is the most economical, and it usually comes with some dents and scratches, and a higher level of utilization is evident on the device. You should feel confident about your purchase and do not hesitate to discuss the questions with the seller.
4. Check the Battery Life
Another critical point to consider when purchasing the refurbished laptop is the battery. Let’s be honest: just like a car is defined by its engine, a laptop is only as good as its battery, especially if you are always on the move or working from home. If the laptop battery has been charged earlier, it will not hold a charge for as long as it would if it were a new battery. Speak to the seller regarding the battery’s health or whether he has replaced it.
5. Review the Laptop’s Specs to Match Your Needs
Just like you would look at the specifications before purchasing new laptops, you have to do the same when buying refurbished ones. It is also worth understanding that not all laptops are the same, and you need to know what you are going to be using them for. Do you need a device that would be enough for simple things like using a browser and reading emails? Or do you require a more capable operating system for work, graphic design, gaming, or video editing?
Key things to check:
Processor (CPU): Though it has many variations, this is usually considered the brain of your laptop. If one wants reasonable performance, one can go with an Intel i5 or i7. If the load is to be heavier, it requires a machine with more power.
RAM: More RAM allows computers to run more applications simultaneously smoothly. For something that is intended for basic usage, 8 GB is adequate. However, you need more resources if you are performing demanding operations, such as video editing, which requires at least 16 GB of RAM.
Storage: An SSD will be faster and more dependable than an HDD you might have used. Opt for an SSD if you can, as you will notice a tremendous difference in its performance.
Graphics: For those who are involved in gaming or designing, search for a dedicated GPU (graphics processing unit). You don’t want your laptop to lag every time you need to handle heavy graphics work.
Wrapping It Up
Purchasing a laptop that has been restored to its original condition is very effective since it’s inexpensive, and one can acquire a good machine. It’s just important you’re informed about what you’re doing. Therefore, by looking at the reputation of the seller, warranty, condition, and specifications of the laptop, you will be in a better place to get a cheap laptop that meets your needs.
By doing some homework and exercising some common sense, you can obtain a good deal on a laptop that will last you years – for a fraction of the price of a new computer.
