How to tell a refurbished Laptop?

[Jarrod]

Other than the obvious signs like scratches, and stuff on the keyboard, how can you tell if your laptop is refurbished? I have a suspicion that Dell might be using refurbished laptops to increase their supply...

[SoMuch2S@y]

My refurb had a bright red sticker on the bottom that said it was refurbished. It also had NO scratches, NO wear, NO sign of use at all. IDK where you are getting this info but I highly doubt Dell is sending out used laptops. Even all the refurbished ones (even the ones known as "scratch and dent") have been known to be spotless.

[Jarrod]

So basically there's no way of telling if they remove that red sticker. It'd be the same as a new one.

[SoMuch2S@y]

If WHO removed that sticker? Dell? LOL
Ok I understand you're probably very frustrated, seeing as how you've been waiting almost 2 months for a sunshine yellow laptop, but... seriously??? How did you come up with this idea and what proof do you have?

[noiren]

see if it smells, people always smell

[DTM]

Other than the obvious signs like scratches, and stuff on the keyboard, how can you tell if your laptop is refurbished? I have a suspicion that Dell might be using refurbished laptops to increase their supply...

I just applied your suspicion to Toshiba and HP, now what?

[Jarrod]

I don't have any hard evidence (if I do then it would be fact not suspicion) but nonetheless, it's possible. Plus, so many people are getting quasi-broken "new" laptops.

[grateful]

I highly doubt that..........I would think there are some parameters to which they actually label them refurbished, and have to let the people know

maybe on some conspiracy shelf they are, but its doubtful that taiwan and china are not willing or able to keep production equal to the demand

I would say the broken stuff is due to that same demand........they hire extra workers to fill the extra demand when people wait until the last moment around school time/christmas and they just want to shoot for the numbers, and some just arent put together the way they should be

[bensmom243]

My new-to-me Inspiron 1420 is a refurbished unit and it is flawless. There is not one scratch or smudge, I honestly would not be able to tell it is a refurb it it weren't for the sticker on the bottom.

I ordered it Sunday night and received it this morning. No complaints here.

[Waveblade]

As a sort of startling trend that people who are getting refurbs are much happier with their purchase.