It seems like every few days a new version of technology comes out. And the things we do own be come obsolete way too quickly for my tastes. So if I have to buy a new computer every few years, I want to find a way I can do it cheap. I don't have thousands of dollars to blow like that, but I want to be up to date. Both to look professional in my business, and to impress my friends.
One really great way to do this is through refurbished computers. That means that there was some sort of damage to a computer when the refurbishment company bought it, but they have now fixed it up. Refurbishment is a great deal, but it can be just a little risky. So here are a few tips to navigate the waters.
Things to Beware of
1) The history of your computer matters, ask. Was the computer you are looking at buying owned by a teenager who spilt stuff all over it, or a big business where it was used by tons of people, or just in a home office? It makes a difference.
2) Buy from a company of real, actual people. Don't just order online, click a button and done. When you are buying from a company that sells used computers, you want to be sure that you talk to a real person. That way you can get a feel for what kind of people you are dealing with. Are they just going to sweep things under the rug or actual find permanent solutions? You can also ask them about the history and nature of the damage.
3) Medium damage is better than big or small damage. Sometimes a computer can be considered "refurbished" when it was only a little wire that needed to be moved. Also sometimes it could've been dropped or smashed. With the little tiny wire, the techs probably only spent a few minutes on it. They didn't really give it much extra attention, so it is more likely they missed something. With a huge problem, there is more opportunity for a mistake or just something that will never be the same. You want to find something in the middle.
Why Buy Refurbished
There is only one real reason to go for a refurbished computer; price. But that is an excellent reason. Refurbished computers are always so much cheaper than brand new, and they work just as well. Also, if you buy from a smaller business, it helps the economy. And small businesses tend to be better at customer service, which can be handy if there is a problem.
Ultimately it is a question of balancing the risk against your needs. But I have bought refurbished a few times and only ever had a problem once. And that time the company I buy from was really nice about it and I got a replacement for free. So it all worked out. For me, it's refurbishment all the way.
One really great way to do this is through refurbished computers. That means that there was some sort of damage to a computer when the refurbishment company bought it, but they have now fixed it up. Refurbishment is a great deal, but it can be just a little risky. So here are a few tips to navigate the waters.
Things to Beware of
1) The history of your computer matters, ask. Was the computer you are looking at buying owned by a teenager who spilt stuff all over it, or a big business where it was used by tons of people, or just in a home office? It makes a difference.
2) Buy from a company of real, actual people. Don't just order online, click a button and done. When you are buying from a company that sells used computers, you want to be sure that you talk to a real person. That way you can get a feel for what kind of people you are dealing with. Are they just going to sweep things under the rug or actual find permanent solutions? You can also ask them about the history and nature of the damage.
3) Medium damage is better than big or small damage. Sometimes a computer can be considered "refurbished" when it was only a little wire that needed to be moved. Also sometimes it could've been dropped or smashed. With the little tiny wire, the techs probably only spent a few minutes on it. They didn't really give it much extra attention, so it is more likely they missed something. With a huge problem, there is more opportunity for a mistake or just something that will never be the same. You want to find something in the middle.
Why Buy Refurbished
There is only one real reason to go for a refurbished computer; price. But that is an excellent reason. Refurbished computers are always so much cheaper than brand new, and they work just as well. Also, if you buy from a smaller business, it helps the economy. And small businesses tend to be better at customer service, which can be handy if there is a problem.
Ultimately it is a question of balancing the risk against your needs. But I have bought refurbished a few times and only ever had a problem once. And that time the company I buy from was really nice about it and I got a replacement for free. So it all worked out. For me, it's refurbishment all the way.
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