Are refurbished laptops just as good as new?

[Mikozee]

A refurbished iPod is just as good as a new one because it's all flash memories, no moving parts.

But a refurbished computer has moving parts, namely the HDD. I would assume that since it's been used at least once, it must have some wear and tear damage on it, even if it's still usable, meaning the longevity might possibly be shorter.

But that's my theory. Are refurbished laptops just as good as new laptops?

[Tsunade_Hime]

Yes.

90% of refurbished computers actually have no issues. The customer didn't want it, buyer's remorse, too slow, wrong color, didn't suit their needs is the most common reason why computers are refurbished. Also defective users that claim the computer is defective, and in actuality they didn't know how to use it also contributes.

The 10% of the time, something actually is defective. The manufacturer or a 3rd party then refurbishes it, ensures functionality and resells it typically 30-60% off brand new price.

I bought a refurbished Dell Latitude 13 over 3 months ago, no problems whatsoever. Though my E6410 did have to go back to Dell, Dell made the return process very easy.

I would stay away from 3rd party refurbishers, I only buy manufacturer refurbished laptops.

[stamar]

Its possible that a refurbished laptop is better than new.

This is because it has one thing going for it that a new one does not, someone actually tested it as working.

[Hearst]

If you opt for the certified refurbishers by the manufactuer then most likely it will be just as good as having a brand new model so you shouldn't worry. Most certified refurbishers will have checked and retested the laptop to make sure it's in good working condition before putting it back on the market again. As Tsunade_Hime pointed out, some models may not even be used at all for a variety of reasons so theoretically you may end up being the first person to use it.

Another bonus is that you get much better value and save a lot of money by opting for a refurbished model as IT goods generally depreciate very heavily so you don't lose out much should you opt to sell it on later. You may also get higher specifications and upgraded warranties packages with some refurbished models compared to the brand new equivalent too.

[Gracy123]

Apart from being cheaper, I personally wouldn't risk buying one, especially for a main computer... I would miss the "out of the box experience", knowing that no one has touched/opened/recovered/readjusted/repaired it. The smell of new, the lack of fingerprints... or with 2 words - being virgin

If I was to buy something NOT new, I'd rather go for second hand. Would feel better about buying something someone would have taken care of, instead of something that was unwanted for whatever reason.

Although Tsunade is generally right that often electronics are being returned for no particular reason, I would still suspect technical defects that no one would have spent hours or days to look for and repair if not directly reproducible or obvious ... - the easiest way to get rid of something defective is to put a 20% price off tag on it - better than invest hours to look for a problem.

But that's just me
My 2 cents

[lead_org]

It depends on who is the refurbisher of the laptop, tier one computer companies do thorough checks on the laptops or desktops before they are sold off again. While, some small computer stores or ebay sellers, just clean the outside before onselling them. The latter usually are less reliable sources of refurbished computers, they are more like used second hand computers.

Regarding hdd, it really depends on how old it is, also flash memory have a nominal working life too... hdd can be replaced cheaply nowadays, whilst flash memory can't be. Furthermore, i would be less inclined to get a refurb ipod, since the battery will be the weakest link in these stuffs.

[Mr.Mischief]

I wouldn't by a laptop from eBay listed as "seller refurbished", but I would buy a refurb from Dell, or sealed in box refurbished from eBay.

I bought an Asus G50Vt-X5 refurbished sealed in box off eBay and it was perfect. I also recently purchased a Dell Latitude E6410 from the Dell Outlet, it was at an awesome price and it came with a 3 year warranty. It also arrived in excellent shape.

Summary: Refurbs are AWESOME(most of the time)

[Trottel]

Originally Posted by Gracy123

Apart from being cheaper, I personally wouldn't risk buying one, especially for a main computer... I would miss the "out of the box experience", knowing that no one has touched/opened/recovered/readjusted/repaired it. The smell of new, the lack of fingerprints... or with 2 words - being virgin

If I was to buy something NOT new, I'd rather go for second hand. Would feel better about buying something someone would have taken care of, instead of something that was unwanted for whatever reason.

Although Tsunade is generally right that often electronics are being returned for no particular reason, I would still suspect technical defects that no one would have spent hours or days to look for and repair if not directly reproducible or obvious ... - the easiest way to get rid of something defective is to put a 20% price off tag on it - better than invest hours to look for a problem.

But that's just me
My 2 cents

You ever bought one? I've bought 6 from Dell. You would have never known they were not new. Same thing like with a refurbished iPod.

[Tsunade_Hime]

Originally Posted by Trottel

You ever bought one? I've bought 6 from Dell. You would have never known they were not new. Same thing like with a refurbished iPod.

Well, many manufacturers offer scratch and dent, and some of them are in really horrible condition whereas some will be absolutely pristine, really luck of the draw with scratch and dent. And that's why you order certified refurbished or previously ordered new from Dell's outlet.

[Mr.Mischief]

Refurbished laptops = Preshrunk Jeans