Just to recap things we’ve already mentioned in other posts:
Is a refurbished laptop even considered “used”? Well yes, in a general sense it is, but there is quite the difference between “used” and “refurbished/reconditioned.” Factory refurbished laptops are computers that are brought back to a like-new condition by approved reconditioning companies. These are usually the original manufacturer of the product but not always. Many times the manufacturer will authorize third-party vendors to do the refurbishment, but don’t worry: Those third-party companies are trained specifically by the parent company to do the work. They go by the same standards the actual vendors of the products go by. You know that when your laptop comes out of the process it’ll be exactly the way you wanted it to be. If it’s not, guess what, you have a warranty like you would if you had bought new. Seriously, the only real difference is the price you’ll pay.
Now, a “used” laptop to me is something completely different. This is nothing like a refurbished model. Used laptops are generally bought in an as-is state, i.e. there has been no approved refurbishing program that the laptop has actually gone through. As you may recall, refurbished computers are put through a very rigid program that brings it back to a state where it looks and acts like it’s new and off the shelf. Used laptops can come scratched, broken, or damaged. Worse yet, you’ll have no recourse if this should occur.
Here’s how I’d do my shopping: If I wanted factory refurbished laptops, I’d go to stores such as Best Buy, Fry’s Electronics, etc. Those are known to carry a large selection of these products, and advertise it right there on the box. Those stores also have solid return policies and warranties, so you know what you’re getting right off the bat. If I wanted to go for a used laptop, I’d check out craigslist, eBay, or something like that. Be aware though that if you do this, you’re going to incur quite a bit of risk. There are no guarantees when dealing private-party. If you don’t get quite what you expected, there’s not much you can do about it!
What’s a good price discount on these laptops when compared to the newer models? Depending on the amount of use on the machines, a normal discount is anywhere from 5% to 50%. The computers that were barely used and only took a small amount of refurbishment will only really come with 5% off the new price; after all, the box was probably just opened, it was turned on and maybe used for a short time, then brought back. A laptop that’s been used for a longer period (say, months or years) will require a more extensive reconditioning process. When that happens, you’re actually likely to pay less out of pocket with a more significant price drop. Sound a little backwards? It is, but remember that you’re paying the discount because most people want to buy new, not refurbished.
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]]>Factory reconditioned laptops actually go through a fairly intensive check of their operation, condition, and other factors before they’re put back out on the market. This is so that customers buying these computers get the most out of their money, and allow the companies to actually make money on used computers instead of throwing them away and losing money. Combined with new and refurbished computer sales, companies actually make a substantial amount of money.
This intensive “check” of the operation of the laptop is what makes a laptop reconditioned and not just “used.” A used laptop is something you find on the internet (maybe on eBay, swoopo, craigslist, etc.), or from a friend or neighbor. That laptop isn’t guaranteed to be in good working condition; you’re basically taking that person’s word that it’s in good condition. Also, you want to watch out that the previous user’s personal data may actually be on that computer. You really don’t want that, do you?
So, as I said previously, reconditioned systems are the best way to go. The factory will actually go in and make that computer “like new.” The laptop will be stripped down to its bare bones, have any defective parts replaced, be wiped clean (so you or the previous owner don’t have to worry about personal data leaks), and all cosmetic problems will be taken care of. This is all done for you, and while it does cost the company some money to do the reconditioning, it costs a whole lot less than actually building a new laptop from scratch.
So, that’s what I have to say about that. If you value your money, find reconditioned laptops for sale at any place new laptops are sold.
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]]>Buying a used laptop is such a smart move that just about every financial planner in the industry would back you 100%. You don’t spend a whole lot out of pocket, first of all. Instead of spending $1700 on that new 17” MacBook Pro laptop you’ve been wanting since Christmas, you can go buy it used for half that. Wouldn’t that be nice?
So, why don’t more people buy used laptops versus going for the gusto and buying brand new for a ridiculous markup? I think it’s rather simple, really: People don’t like to use things that were used before them. I’m not talking about from a cleanliness perspective, either. I’m talking about the fact that people consistently feel the need to “Keep up with the Joneses.” Of course that’s outright rubbish. Who cares what type of laptop you have; whether it’s new or used is none of their concern. If you really wanted to show those Joneses who’s boss, just let them know who’s more financially savvy and thus has more money in their bank account! That’s the best way to deal with those pesky neighbors. 
If you’ve been following this site, you know that the focus isn’t just laptops, but refurbished laptops (another word for “used,” by the way). You’ve probably read a few things about what goes into getting a used laptop back up to snuff; how each laptop goes through a checklist to repair any mechanical or physical blemish.
You’ve probably also heard that the hard drive is completely wiped (sometimes more than once, depending on the refurbishing company), then has the entire operating system reinstalled from scratch. All of this goes into providing you with a great “new” laptop (new to you, at least) for much less money than if you were to go out and buy a brand spankin’ new model from the store. It only makes sense.
So, the moral of the story for tonight: Buy a used laptop. Your wallet will thank you later.
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]]>The very first thing that you should consider is whether or not you’re specifically interested in price or top quality. Of course, the first response everyone is going to have is “But I’m interested in both!” We know you are; we are too! But, when you’re going out on the used market, sometimes you can only have one or the other. It’s much like a used car: Do you want a beater from craigslist or do you want a new car from the dealership? Each one has its own pros and cons.
We’ve covered a few ways to find used laptops for sale in a previous post. In that post, titled Refurbished laptops: Where to buy them, I talked about online auction sites and third-party retailers. Both of those are completely valid for our purposes here, but there are other places to find them too.
Another place you should look for used laptops is the average everyday flea market. Remember those? You might have also heard them called “swap meets,” though it’s been a long time since I’ve heard them called that. Laptops can usually be found on sale at these informal marketplaces along with other types of electronics. All it takes is a bit of walking around and poking around.
One can’t also talk about used items without referring to craigslist. Yes, this is probably one of the best places to look for laptops. Craigslist is an online classifieds site that has millions of listings on a daily basis. If you set your location to where you live, the system will even help you find items in and around the area in which you live. That in itself makes it super convenient to use to find cheap used laptops.
Just like any of the auction sites though, you need to be careful. In fact, you may even need to be more careful than if you were purchasing a laptop from eBay. There are no guarantees given on classifieds sites. What you see is what you get. If someone rips you off and sells you a computer that later turns out to be a lemon, it’s nobody’s fault but your own!
Be alert, watch your back, do your homework, and you’ll find excellent used laptops for sale just about everywhere.
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