Refurbished laptops are a popular choice for many people looking to save money and enjoy a new laptop.
Offered at a lower price than new models, refurbished laptops often provide access to higher specifications and displays that you might not have the budget for, allowing you to enjoy a powerful laptop at a fraction of the price.
But not all refurbished laptops are the same, and choosing the right model can be challenging, especially if you have never purchased one before. That’s why we have listed the five key things you need to check when choosing a refurbished laptop to ensure it is the right fit for you and your needs.
Check the Laptop Reviews
When buying a refurbished laptop, check the reviews of the make and model online to ensure it’s the right choice for you.
Many of these reviews will be left on independent review sites and on the websites of companies selling the laptop, including the manufacturer. Simply find the model you are looking to purchase and spend some time checking reviews, looking for comments that address:
- Build quality and user experience
- Purposes (what were the reviewers using the laptop for?)
- Programs you plan to use, and if others have had issues running them
- RAM and processing speed (will the laptop be fast and powerful enough for your needs?)
- Storage space
You can also find customer reviews of refurbished laptop models.
When you find these reviews, pay attention to the above areas, but also look for reviews that address the quality of the refurbishing and an accurate quality rating to ensure the refurbished seller is accurately describing their refurbished model.
Check the Warranty
Most refurbished laptop sellers offer a warranty, providing you with protection and peace of mind while you use the laptop. You should check the warranty duration to know how long you will be covered and what it covers.
You don’t want to be left paying for repairs or replacement parts after a few months of use. Some laptop manufacturers also allow you to take out an extended warranty directly with them, which can provide additional protection but at an extra cost.
Check the Price
The price of a refurbished model is usually lower than purchasing the laptop new, but you want to be sure you are getting the best deal. Compare the refurbished laptop price to the model-new price, using the original price.
You want to save between 30 and 70% when purchasing a refurbished model.
Recently released laptop models will usually offer less of a saving, especially if they use high-spec components, so you should consider this when choosing your laptop to ensure it fits your needs and budget. Older laptop models will come with a higher discount, but be mindful that their specifications may not meet your needs.
Check the Battery
Battery life on a laptop will dictate how easily you can work on the go, so it’s important to check the laptop’s battery life and whether it has been replaced.
Laptop batteries lose their longevity over time, reducing how well and for how long they hold a charge, so you will want a refurbished model that comes with a healthy or new battery. Look for refurbished sellers that only sell laptops with 85% or higher battery charge.
It’s worth looking for sellers who offer battery replacements for old or faulty batteries, so you don’t have to pay if something goes wrong.
Check When the Laptop Was Released
Finally, you should check when the laptop was released initially to ensure it is fit for purpose. The year a laptop was released tells you which processor generation it has, so you can see if it will meet your needs.
Laptops with an Intel Core i5 processor from 2014 will not be as powerful as the same processor in 2018, and you will typically notice slower speeds and reduced performance.
You also need to know the age to ensure you are getting a fair price. Older laptops should be offered at a lower price; you don’t want to pay the same amount for a five-year-old laptop as you would for a two-year-old model!
Check when the laptop model was initially released, or you can check the serial number too.
Find Your Refurbished Laptop Today
By checking these five things, you can easily narrow your search and ensure that the refurbished laptop you choose is available at a fair price and is fit for purpose.
When choosing a refurbished laptop, we recommend checking out ACT Traders, which specialises in expertly refurbished laptops for every budget.
Their range of refurbished Dell laptops comes with an impressive warranty and free shipping, too, making them even more affordable!
