what are refurbished laptops like?

Question

2 weeks ago i dropped my laptop on my sofa thinking it was okay. But when i poened it the screen was cracked and all messed up. so i took it in it would cost $600.00 to fix it the refurbished version of my laptop costs $400.00 which is half price. i am looking into a refurbisheed laptop because i heard that they were sent back imeditly not used otherwise in the long run would a refurbished laptop be the right choice?

i am buying from toshiba

Answer 1

Yes, why not. That just means that they have been opened and returned before, and nothing was missing or wrong with it, and worked properly. Don't buy it without warranty though, it might be a scam...will work for first 3 days and then stop.

Answer 2

It depends on the company, but if you get a refurbished computer from a major company like Dell then you get a slightly used computer that has been checked over by the Dell Factor to make sure the parts in it are still good.

Usually these computers are those that people unpacked and then returned. Actually repairing a computer is too expensive so if the parts don't check out then the notebook is scrapped. The only exception is with parts that are made to be replaced, like memory, hard drives and so on. If only your screen is messed up then that computer could be refurbished. If you buy a refurbished computer from the same company then I would ask if you could get a discount on the price by returning the old one. The worst thing they can say to you is no.

Answer 3

Refubished laptops are usualy just as good as brand new laptops. You can usualy tell what condition a referbished laptop is simply by looking at it. If there are only a few scratches here and there then the laptop is probably in working order. If the laptop is scratched up and the screen i dirty then the laptop may be a bit overused. Another thing is the year it was made. Try only to buy laptops if they were made is the past two years. Don't be afraid to inquire about this sorta thing...

My personal laptop is refurbished and it runs faster then my new desktop. And my friends had his refubished laptop for more then 4 years and it seems to suit him fine.

Also $600 is a bit steep for a broken screen, look around for someone else to fix it if you can.

Answer 4

They may have never been used or they could have been used for 6 months. The only company i ever buy refurbished laptops from is Apple though, they have a 200 point inspection process and a lot of the time replace parts that may not have worked but also parts that just needed polishing up.

Most manufacturers also give you a 1 year warranty

Answer 5

If the screen is the only problem and you're very careful with small screws, you should be able to replace the screen yourself.

Between a $400 refurbished laptop and a $600 repair, the refurbished laptop makes more sense. Because after your laptop is repaired, it essentially becomes refurbished.

You might then be able to use your old laptop with a broken screen as a media server of sorts. :)

Answer 6

Unless you really know the person who refurbished the laptop, you would be better off to go with a new one (not that much different in price) and then you aren't inheriting someone else's headache and you might even get a warranty.

Answer 7

all it means is that it was used already.. and it depends on what price you would want to pay.. either get it fixed.. or lose all the info on ur computer and buy a new one.. or refurbished.. which would still run the same.. or it should anyways.. but it was just in someone elses hands before yours this time

Answer 8

They are just like new ones. The only downfall of them is that they might have some scratches from previous ownage. Referbished laptops are laptops that are bought sold back to the store they clean them all out and re format them and then sell them to the every day people who want to buy them..

Answer 9

Manufacturer's have several levels of stock; "refurbished" usually refers to "B" stock, however, there are several levels: "A" stock is new/unopened merchandise; "B" stock is 'like new,' usually returned to the manufacturer and certified as being 'like new.' "C" stock is slightly damaged, but good. The manufacturer has certified that the unit is functioning, however, cosmetic damage is evident (scratches and/or dents); "D" stock is equipment to be 'destroyed,' this is do to equipment being beyond repair. Usually you get either "B" or "C" stock when you purchase refurbished equipment. Hope this helps.

Answer 10

Over buying a new one, Yes (if affordability is an issue)
Over getting your Old Fixed Definatly

Refurbished means the drive has been cleaned out, the chips have been checked and all the connections have been confirmed, it's not new...but it's tested and SHOULD be certified