Websites That Sell Refurbished Laptops
While buying a brand-new laptop can be fun, you can save a lot of money by purchasing a "refurbished" one instead. These are units that have been returned unopened, were damaged and replaced by a warranty, contained faulty components, or were used as "floor units" at a retail store. In the refurbishing process, any damaged or faulty hardware is replaced, and the unit is inspected internally and externally.
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The Dell Outlet
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There are several websites that contain large inventories of refurbished laptops. One is Dell's Outlet website. This site has mostly the same selection as you will find on the main website, although the refurbished laptop you choose may have some cosmetic damage. However, Dell guarantees that the screen, keyboard, touchpad and palm rest will be as good as new. Laptops are shipped free in three to five days. Their refurbished warranty is identical to their new-unit warranty.
Apple's Refurbished Mac Store
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Apple's refurbished units website is another popular destination. It sells refurbished iPods and desktop Macs here too. The quoted price next to each unit shows you what percentage you are saving from the retail price, and it can range from 10 percent to 25 percent. Like Dell, Apple's refurbished computers are covered by the same warranty as brand-new models, and they undergo inspection, cleaning and component replacement if necessary. They are also supported by the same optional extended warranty (called "AppleCare") as brand-new models.
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Lenovo's Outlet
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Lenovo is a popular laptop and netbook manufacturer that also has an "outlet" website. These units are covered by a one-year warranty. If you want to return the item, you must do so within 21 days of the invoice date, and you will be charged a 15 percent restocking fee unless Lenovo was at fault (such as in shipping you the wrong laptop). However, their discounts are particularly steep compared with the competition, often exceeding 50 percent off the suggested retail price, and the inventory is large; there are hundreds of models to choose from.
Toshiba's Outlet Center
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Toshiba is a popular laptop manufacturer, and they have an online "outlet center." Unlike Dell and Apple, Toshiba makes a distinction between "clearance items" and "refurbished items." For one, refurbished laptops have a 90-day warranty instead of a one-year warranty. Two, are sales are final -- refurbished laptops cannot be returned for a refund. Their refurbished units are generally offered at a much greater discount than their clearance units.
Amazon's Warehousedeals.com
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Amazon.com has a subsidiary named Warehousedeals.com. As with Amazon, shipping may be free for certain purchases over $25, and some laptops may be eligible for two-day free shipping through Amazon Prime membership. The website is navigated in much the same way as Amazon and provides customer reviews and product blurbs and images. However, the selection of laptops that are actually in stock is relatively narrow, and the website is not clear about warranty coverage. Like Amazon, you can return any item in its original condition within 30 days of it arriving at your door.
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