Is it wise to buy a used laptop or a refurbished laptop? Well, it depends. Just like making the decision to buy a used car, not every car that is used is a lemon. People buy new cars for many reasons and the same can be said for electronic equipment. People sell off perfectly good laptops simply because they want a newer model, a lighter model, or they need a model with more memory and their laptop is not capable of an upgrade. Many previously owned laptops are business laptops that come off lease from major companies. These used business laptops are generally higher-end models that have more features and capabilities than even new home user laptops so you can actually get a better used business laptop model than a new home laptop model.

You need to compare the prices and options available between a previously owned laptop and a similar quality new computer. Take into consideration what the laptop will be used for. If you are buying a laptop for a child as their first computer so they can play games or watch movies, or if you are buying a laptop for a child that is going off to live in a college dorm, do you really want to invest a great deal of money in a new laptop when it may be at risk for damage or stolen when you can buy a used laptop that will work just as well for several hundred dollars less?

If you make the decision to purchase a refurbished laptop, there are questions you need to ask about like the warranty and the return policy. If you buy a refurbished laptop from a well known and established company such as Apple or Dell, you will get a great deal because these companies have clearly defined warranties, not likely to out of business tomorrow, and good customer service reputation.

There is also a difference between a refurbished laptop and a factory refurbished laptop. When buying a “refurbished” laptop, the product has been restored to meet the manufacturer quality standards even though it has been used. Buying a “factory refurbished” laptop, the product has been returned to an authorized factory service center and restored to meet the manufacture warranty even though it has been used. Basically the difference is whether the refurbishment was done by a private company or by a factory authorized service center.

Is it safe to buy a refurbished computer from e-Bay or Craig’s List? If is probably better to buy from a local, reputable business that sells used computers than to make your purchase online because if there is a problem it is easier to return the laptop locally, and with a local dealer you can physically go check out the laptop before you make your purchase. Then again, if you make decide to purchase online you may find a better price. When you are purchasing online make sure to select a dealer with no less than 100 percent feedback rating.

Author Bio: Stewart Wrighter has been searching online for a used laptop that his son can take to college. He purchased a refurbished laptop for his young children to use at home.

Category: Business
Keywords: used laptop,refurbished laptop