Yes, for most study programs, a €400 laptop is more than sufficient. It mainly depends on what your child specifically needs for their courses.
What can you expect for that price?
For around €400, you can get a refurbished laptop from the professional market. These are devices built for intensive daily use and have often served in companies for several years. You're not paying for marketing or flashy designs, but for reliability and durability.
Brands like HP and Dell deliver excellent performance in this segment. These laptops come with a fast SSD, a powerful processor, and a sturdy chassis that can take a beating. For course materials, note-taking, research, video calls, and project work, this is more than enough.
You can find the current selection on the laptop page of Back in Use.
When do you need more than €400?
Some study fields require more. Think of programs that use heavy graphic software or 3D modeling. In those cases, you’ll need a device with specific hardware, like a strong graphics card or extra processing power. That means a higher price range.
Examples of programs where you need to be careful:
- Graphic design
- Architecture or engineering
- Video or photo editing
- Game design
Why do many parents prefer refurbished over new?
New laptops in the lower price range (€400 or less) are often made for light home use. They may look modern but are technically weaker and less durable. Performance is limited, the chassis is often fragile, and they often come loaded with ads or trial software that slows things down.
With a refurbished device, you get better quality for the same budget. A solid professional device, fully checked, cleaned, and equipped with a fresh operating system. No surprises, no unnecessary software.
What about warranty and ease of use?
Refurbished doesn’t mean risky. At Back in Use, you get a standard 2-year warranty, extendable to 3 years, so you can buy with peace of mind. If something breaks, we’ll fix it. Just like with a new purchase.
The devices are delivered ready to use. You don’t need to install anything yourself. Your son or daughter can turn it on, log in, and start working right away. Perfect for the start of the academic year.
Are HP and Dell really the best choice?
For students who use their laptops daily, HP EliteBook and Dell Latitude models are especially suitable. They’re quiet, fast, solidly built, and designed for long working days. That’s why they’re used in business settings too.
Unlike entry-level models from retail stores, these laptops have a durable chassis, a comfortable keyboard, and reliable performance, even when multitasking.
Check out our selection:
Who is €400 enough for?
In 90% of cases, a €400 laptop is sufficient for:
- Students in social sciences
- Teacher training
- Languages, law, or economics
- Healthcare (without heavy image processing)
- General bachelor programs
As long as the device meets the school software requirements and functions reliably, it’s a smart choice.
Conclusion: Yes, €400 is enough for most students
Especially if you choose a professionally refurbished device from a reliable provider. You get quality, Belgian service, warranty, and ease of use – without overspending. And you’re giving your child a device they can truly rely on.
Still have doubts? We’re happy to help via backinuse.be. That way, you can make a conscious and safe decision as a parent.