Refurbished Laptops Vs. New

One idea many computer shoppers do not take into consideration is buying refurbished. A laptop computer is not the cheapest item on the market. So, when purchasing a laptop, you do want to make sure that you get a quality product that will last in the long run. Some refurbished computers are high quality, and some are not. Some computer manufacturers offer better deals on refurbished computers. There is a difference in quality between buying new and refurbished.

New Laptops

When buying a brand new laptop computer, you know pretty much what to expect. Like anything else that you purchase new, you will be receiving a brand new product with no use on it. Also, you will receive all brand new accessories that come bundled with your laptop. Often times, this includes the install discs and power adapter. Brand new laptop computers do give you the satisfaction and security of buying something that you know is cosmetically perfect.

Refurbished Laptops

Most of the time, refurbished laptops are either computers that have broken and were repaired for resale, or a customer store-return product that must be sold as refurbished or used. Also, most companies will send out refurbished accessories with refurbished laptops as well. In terms of functionality, refurbished laptops are said to be as good as new. When the computer is refurbished, it is repaired for functionality, and also repaired cosmetically. Cosmetics-wise, some companies may actually put a completely new casing on laptop computers. This would make the laptop appear just like a brand new computer. However, other companies may just clean up the case, and it may show some light scratches or imperfections.

Warranties

Most reputable large manufacturers such as Dell, HP, Gateway and Apple will stand behind their refurbished products 100 percent. They will give you the same warranty on a refurbished product as they would if you bought a brand new product. This is a great benefit in terms of buyer security. One would be much more likely to consider purchasing refurbished if there was the security of knowing that it will be fixed if anything were to go wrong. One prime example of a good refurbished laptop warranty is Apple's warranty. Apple gives all their refurbished computers a standard one-year warranty, with the option to add two more years of warranty through their AppleCare Protection Plans. This is the exact same warranty that Apple gives with their brand new computers. In cases like this, warranties for refurbished laptops vs. new laptops are a great value.

Pricing

Pricing is usually very favorable for refurbished laptops. Using Apple as an example, Apple offers a complete line of not only notebooks, but desktops and iPods as well. Apple offers their refurbished products at approximately 15 percent to 20 percent off of new price, depending on the item. This can be a very good deal for anyone looking to save a couple hundred dollars. However, every company is different, and it is best to compare new versus refurbished prices, depending on the exact model of laptop your are thinking about purchasing.

Companies

For the most part, it is recommended to buy directly from the manufacturer. Smaller companies tend to not back their products as well as the actual manufacturers. One prime example of a company that does not offer what a manufacturer can offer is the site Gainsaver. There will be a link for it in the description. Gainsaver has gotten very mixed to negative reviews. They sell all refurbished computers that they refurbish themselves. However, they do offer prices that are hard to beat.

References

• Apple Refurbished Products Info
• Dell Refurbished Products Info
• Gainsaver Refurbished Products