Refurbished Computers — Pros and Cons

The word “refurbished” can cause discomfort for tech-savvy individuals, especially when talking about computers. Some refurbished devices are great, while others are subpar. However, similar to many other things, you can find consistent and reliable providers that are Microsoft Gold partner certified and authorized for refurbishing.

It’s important to note that if you’re shopping for a computer to execute day-to-day high priority activities, your best bet is to buy brand new. For anything less, however, choosing a refurbished device can be your safest and most affordable options.

Here are some pros and cons you should consider when shopping for a refurbished computer.

Pros

Reduced Price

One of the best things about buying a refurbished computer is that you can get decent hardware at a good price.

One of the safest places to start is on Amazon. This allows you to search for certain brands and provides fast, free shipping. Amazon typically offers a 30-day money guarantee as well, meaning you can test your new device out before deciding if you want to keep it.

Detailed Reviews

Another great thing about refurbished computers is that you can find an abundance of reviews for them. New products don’t have as many reviews, and not as many people can afford to buy them.

Always make sure you pay attention to both the star rating and the main reason for the review. This can help you identify aspects that are consistently good or bad about the computer.

Environmentally Friendly

By buying a used computer, you’re helping to cut back on the amount of e-waste that occurs.

Each year, millions of tons of computers, cell phones, tablets, and other electronic devices end up in the landfill to make room for the new and updated technology. This releases harmful chemicals into the soil it’s buried in.

Buying a refurbished computer helps to keep it in circulation rather than in the ground.

Cons

Short Lifespan

Depending on the condition of the computer when it was sent for refurbishing, the lifespan of these computers tends to be shorter than new computers. For those who regularly update their tech, this is no problem. However, if you’re looking for a long-term solution, a refurbished computer may let you down.

Cosmetic Issues

Major damage to the exterior of computer devices typically calls for a replacement, but you can expect a few cosmetic imperfections to be present. 

These cosmetic issues typically consist of dents and scratches. However, at times, a cosmetic issue can reduce the functionality of the device.

Inconsistent Quality

Many would consider refurbishing computers an art. A fine art. And although many companies claim to know how to “refurbish,” the definition of the word is broad and many processes exist for refurbishing. 

As a result, there are a lot of inconsistencies in the qualities of these devices, especially when you buy from multiple different companies. Make sure you do thorough research before deciding to buy from a refurbishing company.