Advantages and Disadvantages of Buying a Used or Refurbished Laptop

Purchasing a brand-new laptop is exciting. However, the biggest disadvantage of buying new is the cost. Laptops aren’t inexpensive. Even when they’re on sale, they can still take a big bite out of your wallet.

Used and refurbished laptops are also widely available from private or commercial sellers. Let’s look at the advantages and disadvantages of purchasing a used or refurbished laptop to help you make an informed decision.

Advantages

You’ll save money

You will save money if you purchase a used or refurbished laptop. With so many reputable refurb programs that guarantee a certain level of polish, you’re taking a manageable risk.

Buying used from a private seller can often result in even greater savings. However, you must be knowledgeable enough to check for specific items before finalizing the sale. Important considerations include battery history, storage condition, and general physical care.

Environmentally Conscious

Laptops contain a wide range of metals and plastics that are difficult to obtain and even more difficult to dispose of. Giving a used laptop a second life often means keeping it out of the landfill and avoiding the purchase of another new PC.

Many used or refurbished PCs have no flaws other than they are not the most recent models on the market. If you shop wisely and get something “as good as new,” you can be content with a smaller carbon footprint.

An Abundance of Reviews

In most cases, waiting for used and refurbished laptop stock to become available indicates that regular users and reviewers have had plenty of experience with the laptop. Online reviews written by amateurs and professionals alike should be easy to find and give you a good idea of what to expect. Certified refurbished laptops should live up to most reviews in terms of build quality, display, and features.

Disadvantages

Lack of Recent Features and Hardware

Purchasing a refurbished laptop implies that the device has been used previously. That means you might not get the most cutting-edge technology and features.

You May Need to Upgrade Again Soon

Buying a used laptop may require upgrading sooner because older hardware can’t keep up with newer technology.

If you purchase a laptop for general productivity work, this won’t be an issue. However, if you’re working with specialized software that requires a certain level of performance, you may be looking around to upgrade again.

Deal with Degradation

Reading reviews for a used laptop you want to buy is always recommended, though some details may differ when you get your hands on the PC. Batteries, for example, degrade over time, and you won’t get the same life out of them as you would from a brand-new model. That’s why it’s critical to inspect the battery’s health.

Consider how well the thermal system works if you want a used gaming laptop. Similarly, buying used from a private seller means you’re unlikely to get any warranty. Some refurbished sellers provide warranties, so if you’re uncomfortable repairing your PC, go with a qualified refurb.