// ENGADGET — HARDWARE & GADGET
The pros and cons of buying refurbished laptops
Refurbs are older and might have a few dings, but you'll usually get more for your money.
Buying new isn't always the best route for your next laptop. Refurbished laptops can get you the same or even better specs as a new model, but without as high a price. Refurbs can also give you more room to prioritize the features you need. For instance, you might find a refurbished mid-range laptop with more memory and a better screen than a new budget machine at the same price.
There will be compromises, however. A laptop that looks brand-new might come with a well-used battery. Older models might struggle with the software you need to run. Warranty coverage can vary, with some sellers offering shorter coverage or none at all. Opting for refurbished can reduce some of the uncertainties of buying secondhand, but only if you know what the seller has checked and what to do if something goes wrong.
The biggest advantage to buying a refurbished laptop is almost always the savings. You're giving up the privilege of being its first owner and unboxing it fresh. That might not be a huge deal, but you have to understand what "refurbished" means for the seller you're considering.
A "used" laptop is generally sold in the condition that the previous owner left it. A professional refurbishment, meanwhile, should involve an inspection, cleaning, testing and repairs. Unfortunately, the standard for this varies across companies.
Dell and Apple, for instance, both have a program selling refurbished laptops. Apple's Certified Refurbished products undergo testing, arrive in a new box and come with a one-year limited warranty. A retailer selling its own refurbs might offer a shorter warranty with less guarantees, so you'll need to check what's covered. Generally, refurbs by the original manufacturer or a reputable store are safer than some online repair shop you've never heard of, though there are many places to shop refurbished tech.
Alternative statuses include open box options, which were usually returned and never used, that can shave off a few dollars. There are also specialist refurbishment companies that will repair and resell laptops. It's worth considering these if you don't find what you're looking for elsewhere, especially if they're transparent about their testing and repair process.
There are fewer guarantees when you aren't buying from a big company, but you can at least run through a few standard checks. Look for a seller who explains what's been tested, with clear condition grades that spell out the wear you should expect, along with an idea of the battery's current condition. Photos of the actual machine are useful, especially if there's any visible wear or tear.
Unfortunately, you're limited on how much you can check yourself unless you're able to physically inspect before you buy. If you can, ask to switch the laptop on and try it out. Otherwise, ask for pictures and videos, including one showing the serial number, if you can. The return policy is important to consider too: what are your options if there's a problem?
Unless you're lucky, a refurbished laptop is likely going to have a few knocks and scratches as trade-offs for a lower price. Usually, the worse the damage, the lower the price, but reputable refurbs are only going to go so low. A properly refurbished machine shouldn't have major problems like cracked casing, loose hinges or even water damage. If you see those, you're probably dealing with a low-quality company or a unit that hasn't been refurbished at all.