In this digital age, the internet has streamlined communication. A significant number of people can credit their success to working on the internet. The need for connectivity and faster access to information on the go has led to increased demand for portable devices.
While getting a laptop is your desire, the cost of buying one might not always be feasible. With innovative technologies emerging every day, it’s hard to keep up with the latest trends. Refurbished laptops offer you a solution to your connectivity needs, albeit at a lower cost than brand new laptops.
In this article, we dissect the pros and cons of refurbished laptops and whether they are the best option for you. Also, you can follow Laptop Verge to stay updated with all the latest trends.
What are Refurbished laptops?
Most technologists often confuse refurbished laptops with used portable computers. It is imperative to understand the difference.
Refurbished laptops are older generation laptops that are restored to working conditions. The restoration process involves replacing key components or updating the hardware with peripheral updates to improve functionality.
Pros of Refurbished Laptops
Eco-Friendly
Reviving dead computers to their initial working state is majorly done by the manufacturing companies of the specific laptop. These companies understand the cost and effect of processing raw materials to make newer devices. However, their recycling systems sadly do not repurpose all the waste.
E-waste accounts for 2 % of the waste in American dumpsites. However, the waste takes up 70% of toxic wastes in landfills. The refurbished laptops’ restoration process uses pre-existing lithium, resistors, semiconductors, and screens to replace the worn-out ones. Lithium is carcinogenic, and the refurbishing process involves repurposing it rather than mine new lithium.
As a result, new materials are not produced, hence saving on energy and protecting the environment. Individuals who also rehabilitate dead portable devices use waste material as the cost of purchasing new components can be overwhelming.
Saves You Money
The cost of a refurbished device is considerably lower than buying a new one. You may get 40% off the original price depending on where you purchase your devices and their states.
In addition, some laptops may come with pre-installed software and added features that would have cost you more to buy a new laptop and install them personally. This is a superb way to get a good laptop at a discounted price when operating on a tight budget.
Better Specifications
The whole concept of refurbishing a laptop is making it better than it initially was. Most manufacturers design laptops for a wide use case in the market, this may sound good, but they are not suited to specific user needs.
Refurbished devices blend the new and old technology to create a device with enhanced functionality and a better cosmetic finish.
Reconditioned laptops have added RAM, better graphics cards, and improved software specifications perfect for programming and gaming.
Furthermore, you can still upgrade your gadget as long as the upgrades are compatible with the motherboard, which is the case in most laptops.
Thoroughly Tested
Before a laptop is reconditioned and put out for sale to retailers, much testing is done to determine the failed parts and the worn-out components.
The testing process involves testing its hardware and software by checking for bugs, breaks, and cut wires in the system. The defects are then corrected with surface finishing for the easy to mend dents.
Finally, corrupted software is removed, or the Operating System is completely wiped out and a new one installed. A computer is its OS, and therefore you should examine its software before buying. In addition, you should get a certificate of testing before purchasing a refurbished laptop.
Cons of Refurbished Laptops
Limited Lifespan
Most used laptops have been jolted or dropped before. While a dent may only appear on the surface, internal components suffer significant damage. It is hard to detect such defects since they do not immediately affect the laptop’s functionality.
Fabricators can patch hidden malfunctions for some time before your device becomes faulty. You will notice such defects much later on after your warranty period has elapsed.
The battery is usually the first part of a refurbished laptop to spoil and will offer you shorter uptime. As time goes by, the screen and other vital components follow suit. Extensively tested laptops, however, reduce the possibility of a shorter lifespan.
Older generation
Newer processors are costly, and you won’t find a reconditioned laptop using the latest technologies. The older generation laptops may not support newer software versions.
Rendering and programming software is constantly updated, and some of the crucial aspects may not be available to you on a refurbished laptop.
The processing speed of rehabilitated laptops may be slower too. However, older generation cores and processors are used with larger RAM to impart the same functionality. A reconditioned Core i5 will work just as well as a corei7.
Depending on the nature of your work and intended use, you may consider a refurbished laptop. For the casual internet user, an older generation laptop won’t negate any meaningful function. Still, you should highly analyze if the older gen laptop can meet your needs for a gamer or programmer.
Limited Warranty
The warranty guarantees you are purchasing a trusted product in the electronic market. In reconditioned laptops, the need for security only gets greater since there is a possibility of a faulty repair or hidden damage. A significant number of sellers don’t offer lengthy warranties.
The best-case scenario is a three-month warranty. By the time your laptop develops complications, your contract has expired, and refurbished laptop sellers have a no-return policy. Refurbished laptops may have lengthier and full coverage warranties when purchased from a reputable source.
It is still pre-owned
The sense of satisfaction associated with getting a new device is one to relish. Refurbished laptops do not offer you the opportunity to unwrap and install software for the first time. A significant number of buyers abhor cosmetic defects that are commonly associated with refurbished laptops.
Scarring on the screen and the glossy surface may make your laptop seem old. However, cosmetic imperfections do not impact its functionality, and you will get a great discount for a laptop having the slightest of scratches. A refurbished laptop may not give you the grand feeling of new ownership but suits your pocket.
Refurbished laptops offer you great value for money, and you should seek a technical expert’s advice on whether it is recommendable to buy a refurbished laptop and which one to buy.
