Monday, August 30, 2010

Are Refurbished Laptops Really Affordable?

Perhaps, but not necessarily. 

Brand new computers do have there disadvantages when compared with refurbished laptops. Affordability certainly points the way down this path.

Some people equate the word refurbished to be used or second hand with the end result of buying cheap laptops. This is not necessarily the case.

Consider refurbished cars for example. I asked a friend of mine what type of refurbished car he would be happy with.

His response?
  1. 1963 A C Cobra, Hi-Potential Engine
  2. 1967 Chevy Impala, two-door hardtop, or convertible
  3. 1966 - 1972 Chevy Chevelle, SS396 or SS427, two-door
But, when trying to lead the pack using refurbished options may not be the right answer. When income is the focus a refurbished laptop gives you all you need.

This brings us back to our original question of refurbished models compared to new.

Generally speaking, yes for a number of reasons.

• Guarantee
• Affordability
• Value
• Excellence

It is not the unit that needs to be in question but rather where that equipment was refurbished at.

*** Guarantee ***

Companies that provide refurbished computers would benefit greatly from providing a guarantee with their equipment. A number of them do.

Why?

Because a guarantee, even a 90 day guarantee, lets the buyer know that the company is willing to stand behind the product that they bringing to the market. In so doing, should the device not work as expected the client can be comforted by knowing that they are in good hands. No matter how good the computer seems without a guarantee or warranty its worth is questionable at best. Should trouble arise the only thing you can do is buy new equipment.

*** Affordability ***

This was something we addressed earlier. This may very well be the most import piece of the refurbished laptop purchase puzzle.

Logically, a used computer costs much less than a new one with the exact same features. If affordable economics is what you are looking for then a guaranteed refurbished unit like I spoke about above is certainly worth considering. Even better if they offer an extended warranty of some sort, generally speaking I avoid such options but not with refurbished computers.

*** Value ***

Because a refurbished laptop is less expensive you can actually get more bells and whistles than you would find on a brand new device.

This again depends on you and your individual circumstances. It is quite possible for you to just secure the basic necessities at a much lower cost than new, or if your pocket book will handle it you can get more value for less.

Bottom line, you have options with refurbished devices that are cost prohibitive in brand new and expensive units.

*** Excellence ***

A refurbished laptop and the word excellence, how can that be?

Again it depends on the person or company providing the unit. However, it would be my own belief that those who want to receive referrals and future business for their efforts are going to do whatever they can to get people talking about their work. Therefore, providing units that are “not-up-to-speed” would be a tremendous disservice to their own selves.

High quality products come from companies that understand this approach

*** Summing It Up ***

I call this my GAVE approach because I GAVE myself a break while I GAVE myself the technology I needed within the refurbished laptops that I purchase. Why not be the one that GAVE you your own break?

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