Buying a new laptop is often a major investment. More and more consumers and businesses are therefore considering a refurbished laptop as an attractive alternative. But what exactly are the advantages and disadvantages of such a device? In this blog, we will guide you step by step through everything you need to know to make a well-informed decision.
Refurbished meaning
Refurbished literally means 'revised' or 'reconditioned'. A refurbished laptop is therefore not a completely new device, but also not an ordinary second-hand one. The devices are thoroughly inspected, cleaned, repaired if necessary, and often equipped with new components. Only then are they offered for sale again.
A major difference compared to second-hand laptops is that a refurbished laptop comes with a warranty and technical inspection, which significantly increases reliability.
What exactly does the refurbishment process involve?
When refurbishing a laptop, the device undergoes a comprehensive overhaul:
- The laptop is extensively tested at various checkpoints.
- Defective components such as hard drives, RAM, or screens are replaced.
- A fresh installation of the operating system is performed, allowing you to start with a clean environment.
- Accessories such as adapters and cables are checked.
Does a refurbished laptop always get a new battery?
Not always. Some refurbished laptops retain their original battery if it is still in good condition. However, reliable sellers typically replace batteries that have less than 80% of their original capacity. It is wise to specifically ask about the battery condition before purchasing.
Is a refurbished laptop reliable?
The reliability of a refurbished laptop heavily depends on the seller. Therefore, always buy from specialized refurbishers or recognized webshops. Avoid platforms where private individuals sell devices without technical inspection or warranty.
How to check the quality?
When buying a refurbished laptop, it is important to carry out some checks yourself:
- Explicitly ask about the condition of the device and review the grading categories.
- Check the battery status or request a test report.
- Ensure that all essential accessories (charger, cables) are included.
Condition of the device and the battery
Refurbishers often work with clear grading categories such as 'excellent', 'very good', or 'good'. A device in 'excellent' condition is barely distinguishable from a new laptop. Moreover, the condition of the battery greatly affects the user experience, especially if you plan to use the laptop on the go.
Support and updates
Check whether the laptop model is still supported by the manufacturer. This ensures you continue to receive security and software updates. Business models, such as Lenovo ThinkPad or HP EliteBook series, are often supported for many years, unlike cheaper consumer models.
Right of return
If you buy a refurbished laptop online, you are entitled to a 14-day cooling-off period as a consumer. This legal right provides extra assurance: if the device does not meet your expectations, you can return it without giving a reason.
Is buying a refurbished laptop always the best choice?
Although a refurbished laptop offers many advantages, it is not always the best option in every situation.
When is buying refurbished less interesting?
For extremely cheap laptops or devices with outdated specifications, buying a new laptop might sometimes be a better investment. Also, be cautious with offers that seem too good to be true: these models often have limited support or reduced performance.
Second-hand vs. refurbished laptop
A regular second-hand laptop is typically purchased 'as is', without warranty or technical checks. A refurbished laptop, on the other hand, is professionally inspected, restored, and sold with warranty. This difference makes buying refurbished much safer and more attractive.
Is a refurbished laptop cheaper than a new one?
Yes, usually it is. You typically save between 30% and 70% compared to the original retail price. The newer and better the condition of the device, the smaller the price difference will be. Nevertheless, a refurbished laptop is almost always cheaper than a new device of comparable quality.
How long does a refurbished laptop last?
A high-quality refurbished laptop can easily last another three to five years, depending on usage and the specific model. Especially business models offer higher build quality and longer lifespan compared to budget consumer laptops.