Used Laptops vs. Refurbished Laptops - What's The Difference?

eived this question yesterday and wanted to helpsaavy shopper will attempt to stay away from AS-IS
clarify the meaning for some readers who may beor 7 day DOA systems unless they can inspect the
wondering the same thing.laptop beforehand or have great knowledge of how
Used Laptopsto repair such systems if something were to go
Used laptops, as the name suggests, are laptops thatwrong.
have been used by a company or individual, and areRefurbished laptops
resold to another individual or company. Just like usedRefurbished Notebooks and Laptops are systems
cars, these notebooks come in various conditions andthat have been returned to the factory due to some
levels of performance. In the industry, used laptopsinitial mechanical flaw. The system is repaired with the
come in 3 different categoriescorrect replacement parts, and re-tested again to
"As-is"insure that the laptop works to original specifications.
7 day, (or similar amount), DOARefurbished Laptops are an exceptional bargain for
30 day warrantythe following reasons:
We'll discuss each briefly.1.) Systems are given steep discounts. Some models
"As- is" - used notebooksare available at up to 50% off of the original retail
Again using the used car analogy, "as-is" means thatprice..
there is no warranty expressed or implied when2.) Systems have been thoroughly tested. -
purchasing this notebook. You bought it, you dealRefurbished Notebooks have been checked and
with it. These notebooks should either be inspectedre-checked for quality control and will have a lesser
before purchase by someone who knows aboutdefect rate than a new system.
laptops, or should be purchased at such a cheap priceRefurbished Notebooks and Laptops come in various
that if it has mechanical problems shortly aftercategories:
purchase, it won't be a strain on the users budget.Grade A Refurbished
"As- is" notebooks should be thought of as units thatThese Notebooks are in pristine condition. They may
will get you by. As-is units are also acceptable asonly have minor scratches.
replacement parts units if purchased at a cheapGrade B Refurbished
enough price.These Notebooks are in good condition. They may
7 day DOAonly have minor scratches and such other things as
This type of DOA notebook warranty can be anydings in the case.
amount of days; however, 7-10 days is standard.Grade C Refurbished
This is essentially a notebook that has been given aThese Notebooks are in used condition. They may be
warranty of 1 week. These units rarely make senseoff lease returns from a leasing companies.
for the purchase of any notebook computer thatWhy consider refurbished notebooks?
you expect to use heavily unless.When I am asked this question, I always respond,
The price is incredible"Why consider a recertified used car?" Yes it's great
You are very skilled at diagnosing and repairing laptopto have the "new car smell" but is that new car smell
computersworth an extra couple thousand? It's the same with
30 day warrantya notebook. A brand new whiz bang Laptop 3000xyz
Most Used laptops will fall into this category. Thesemay cost $1000, but a refurbished whiz bang Laptop
notebooks have been at least certified by the2500xyz may cost $759 and probably has many the
vendor to boot up to an operating system withoutsame features, looks, and even processors but may
crashing, have a decent display quality, etc. Believe itbe one step behind the current one in speed or
or not, some great bargains can be found in this lot,memory.
depending on many factors such as The initial qualityIn those situations, is it really worth the extra
of the notebook. Thinkpad Notebooks are usually$250.00 to say that I have an extra 0.9 GHz on my
very good in this category because of their highlaptop and an extra USB port that I won't use? This
quality and good durability.situation is one in which a refurbished notebook is a
Used laptops can be good bargains, however theno brainer.