Buying a laptop requires consideration of a wide range of factors, from quality to price to availability to warranty. Some of these factors will be best served with a new laptop, but some may also be applicable to refurbished models. You may need help to decide which type is best for your needs.
Advantages of Refurbished Laptops
The most obvious advantage when buying a refurbished laptop is that it is likely to cost significantly less than a new alternative. This is despite the fact that if a laptop has been professionally restored, it can still function at close to optimum performance.
Refurbished laptops are not the same as second-hand laptops, which are generally sold as-is and therefore have no guarantee as to their functionality. This means refurbished laptops can often still carry a warranty, though it may not last as long as for a new laptop. You can visit the Refurbished Laptops website here for an idea of the type and quality of refurbished laptops available.
Many people also choose a refurbished laptop as a sustainable option. Reduce, reuse and recycle remains an important guideline when trying to minimise waste and protect the environment. Building and transporting new laptops means extracting more resources from the Earth; refurbishing laptops means less materials being thrown away. This is a particular issue with laptops, where there is a temptation to buy regular replacements to ensure you have the latest model. Minimising new purchases is a key aspect of many sustainability initiatives.
Advantages of New Laptops
Obviously, new laptops can have the highest quality and most modern features, even compared to refurbished laptops that have been professionally restored. They also tend to have longer warranties. Other aspects, such as customisations and servicing, are very much dependent on your choice of retailer. Whether you do choose new or refurbished, you will need to do your research carefully regarding specific models and suppliers.
Both refurbished and new laptops have their own advantages and disadvantages. Your choice will most likely come down to cost, sustainability, warranty and particular features or specifications, so research your options thoroughly.
