If you are currently in the market for a laptop but don’t have the budget for a brand new one, or maybe you’re looking to buy your child their first computer to assist with school work, a refurbished laptop could be ideal. We look at what you need to know.
What is a Refurbished Laptop?
Refurbished laptops can come from many sources. They may have been returned to the store where they were bought originally within 30 days of purchase. They could have been demo models or they may have been sourced from companies who are in the process of upgrading their IT equipment.
Before resale, the laptop will be subject to a thorough inspection and any faults will be rectified. At a minimum the computer will have had:
• The hard drive wiped clean and the operating system newly-installed
• All the hardware tested
• All the components tested – the motherboard, the RAM, the keyboard, the screen, the modem and the DVD if it has one
• Any internal defective parts replaced
• Any external parts replaced such as a hinge which is cracked or a latch which is broken
• A thorough clean
Individual Elements to Watch For
It’s physical condition – because the laptop is not new, it may show some signs of wear and tear, this is only to be expected, but usually these are simply things like scratches on the exterior and will not affect how it works.
The software – check that the computer you are buying comes with an up-to-date operating system already installed. There is little point buying an inexpensive laptop to save money, only to have to spend hundreds of pounds enabling it to work properly.
The battery – short-life batteries are a common problem, both among older and some refurbished laptops. If you need to be on the go with your laptop, ask specifically whether the battery will allow you to, or whether you need to keep it plugged in to the mains in order for it to work effectively.
The screen – unless the screen is badly scratched, cracked or damaged beyond repair it may not be replaced. You may also encounter problems with so-called ‘missing pixels’ on the display, so you should check any refurbished laptop carefully for signs of damage.
The warranty – some companies selling refurbished laptops offer no warranty whatsoever. Look for a reputable supplier who will give you at least three months – some will offer as much as a year, depending on the laptop you buy. Also ask about the time it would take the dealer to repair your laptop, should you encounter a problem and need to return it within the warranty period.
Refurbished laptops are great for anyone who wants a quality laptop without paying a premium price. If you’re looking for a wide range of cheap, second hand laptops, together with speedy and free delivery options visit portableuniverse.co.uk for great choice and customer service which is second to none.
