With so many devices on the market today and more coming out, choosing between refurbished laptops vs new ones can be challenging. Factors like size, storage, processing power, screen quality, and Random Access Memory (RAM) must be considered.
However, before focusing on specific factors like the ones mentioned above, you have one key decision: are you buying a refurbished or new laptop?
Here’s what to consider before making this decision.
Refurbished Laptops vs. New Ones
Refurbished laptops are used devices that are evaluated, repaired, cleaned, and often upgraded by the manufacturer to be resold. Refurbished laptops come from different sources, like companies, schools, and businesses that trade in their old devices.
Refurbs could also come from returned machines by consumers who either didn’t like them or found the devices defective.
A report by Consumer Reports Reliability Survey shows that between 2010-2015, Windows laptops failed at a 15% rate while Apple laptops failed at a 7-9% rate. Although most refurbished laptops are usually used, they can also come from overstock, open-box returns, or machines with cosmetic problems like scratches.
On the other hand, new laptops come directly from the manufacturer and are unused. Since they are new, they often have the latest software and features.
The main difference between new and refurbished laptops is their price. Refurbished laptops are sold at a discount compared to new laptops with the same specs.
However, it’s very unlikely that the latest laptop models will be available as refurbished. At the very least, you may have to wait six months from the release date to buy a refurbished version of the latest model.
Therefore, refurbished ones are handy if you’re working with a budget but still need a high-performing, well-maintained laptop.
Other than cost, there are other things to consider while deciding between a new or refurbished laptop.
Why Buy a New Laptop?
Buying a new laptop gives you access to a newly manufactured device with the latest technology specs and designs. Therefore, it matters what you want to use the laptop for.
For example, if you need the latest gaming machines, you’d benefit more from the latest generation laptop, which is a new one.
The latest machines also mean new software. The latest software and operating systems prioritize security over outdated ones. Therefore, with a new machine, your data and information are more protected from the ever-rising cybersecurity threats.
Moreover, laptops, like any other machine, depreciate with time. They may lose their battery life after two to three years of use. With a new laptop, you’re guaranteed a new, long-lasting battery.
Lastly, a new laptop typically has a one-year warranty, which gives you a grace period during which you can replace it for free if it becomes faulty.
Cons of Buying a New Laptop
Here are the disadvantages of buying a new laptop over a refurbished one.
Cost
New laptops are mostly expensive. However, it’s important to note that expensive sometimes means better.
Pollution and Unsustainability
Every new laptop manufactured adds to the existing e-waste. If not refurbished or reused, these machines are eventually dumped in landfills, releasing toxic components like mercury and lead into the soil and eventually streams.
It’s also not sustainable to continuously source and use the raw materials and resources used for building new laptops when you can reuse existing ones
Why Buy A Refurbished Laptop
For a device to qualify as refurbished, it has to be inspected, reviewed, and cleaned by the manufacturers or licensed third parties.
Here’s why a refurbished laptop may be your best decision yet:
It’s a Good Bargain for a High-Quality Machine.
Buying a refurbished laptop can save you a significant amount of money compared to buying a new version of the same model. It’s also important to note that refurbished doesn’t necessarily mean old. You can get recent generational laptops at a good bargain—just not the most recent, as discussed earlier.
Guarantee Of Quality
A refurbished laptop must be rigorously reviewed before being allowed back into the market. For example, if any hardware is damaged, say the battery is dead, the manufacturer will replace it. As such, by the time the machine is up for reselling, you are guaranteed quality as per the refurbished standards. Some manufacturers may even provide a warranty.
It Can Have a Warranty
Trusted resellers provide a warranty for refurbished laptops. It could be a one-year warranty like a new one or a shorter period. However, not all manufacturers provide a warranty. It’s good that you make sure yours does before buying.
They are Eco-friendly
When we recycle laptops, we reduce the amount of e-waste emitted to the environment during new laptop manufacturing. We also reduce the need for new machines, which reduces the raw material, human labor, and resources used. This positively contributes to attaining sustainability.
Cons Of Buying a Refurbished Laptop
Top of the list of disadvantages of buying a refurbished laptop is that you may not be able to find the latest model as a refurbished machine. Although you can find something close, the impact may be felt later.
For example, a refurbished laptop may be able to host current software but will be locked out of software that will be developed in the next two to three years. Therefore, you have to consider your goals when making this decision.
Refurbished laptops may also have minor cosmetic damages like scratches, and not all dealers offer a warranty for refurbished laptops.
Verdict: Which is Better Between Refurbished Laptops vs. New?
So which one is better, a new or refurbished laptop? For starters, both are better than buying a used one.
Secondly, both are good machines with pros and cons to consider when buying. When choosing between the two, you have to factor in important factors.
For example, if you are on a tight budget, a refurbished laptop will give you quality at a cost-effective price. On the other hand, if the model and generation of the machines matter, a new laptop is your best fit. It’s also the safest option since you are guaranteed quality.
Finally and most importantly, if you care about the environment, and you should, it helps that you buy a refurbished device. It may be a small input, but collectively, it goes a long way.