Question Buying refurbished laptops

[Airjyx]

I created a thread about 2 weeks ago on buying a replacement motherboard and going by what I have read on the forum, I have come to the conclusion that it really isn't worth it so now I am considering getting a refurbished / second hand i7 laptop. I have seen some on a place called backmarket but don't really know if its a reputable place to buy laptops. Anyway my question is concerning buying a refurb / used laptop. Is it a good idea? what do I look out for when buying a refurb or used laptop? I would appreciate any advice you all can give. Thanks

 

[USAFRet]

Depends on who it was refurbished by.

From the manufacturer (Dell/HP) no problem.

If it was by "Joe the Laptop Guy"...maybe he just wiped the dust and fingerprints off the outside.

Also, be cognizant of the OS that it comes with.
I got a "refurb" ASUS a few years ago from a reseller on Newegg, that came with a bogus WIN 10 Pro install and license. Exactly 6 months after use, the OS unactivated itself. The reseller was zero help.

 

[punkncat]

My daughter is the queen of breaking or losing laptops. The last five or so years I have purchased her four of them. I have found most of them on Newegg and have chosen shipped by Newegg even at a slightly higher price. I always try to pick from refurbishers that are (as above) factory, or have at least a 92% or better seller rating.

All but one of those were Dell business class. I have had good experiences with it and prompted me to also use the same methodology to find my mom an inexpensive laptop update.

Make sure to pay close attention to the details about its condition. I have never picked one below B grade. Expect them to have some scratches and scuffs. All of them have been perfectly functional aside one commonality in that all of them so far had a battery that was already degraded if not on their way out. It is of note here to say that all but one of the above mentioned, and the one I got for mom, were under $200 and in most cases closer to $100.

 

[Airjyx]

Depends on who it was refurbished by.

From the manufacturer (Dell/HP) no problem.

If it was by "Joe the Laptop Guy"...maybe he just wiped the dust and fingerprints off the outside.

Also, be cognizant of the OS that it comes with.
I got a "refurb" ASUS a few years ago from a reseller on Newegg, that came with a bogus WIN 10 Pro install and license. Exactly 6 months after use, the OS unactivated itself. The reseller was zero help.

How do I get refurbished laptops directly from the manufacturers? Had no idea this was possible

 

[Airjyx]

My daughter is the queen of breaking or losing laptops. The last five or so years I have purchased her four of them. I have found most of them on Newegg and have chosen shipped by Newegg even at a slightly higher price. I always try to pick from refurbishers that are (as above) factory, or have at least a 92% or better seller rating.

All but one of those were Dell business class. I have had good experiences with it and prompted me to also use the same methodology to find my mom an inexpensive laptop update.

Make sure to pay close attention to the details about its condition. I have never picked one below B grade. Expect them to have some scratches and scuffs. All of them have been perfectly functional aside one commonality in that all of them so far had a battery that was already degraded if not on their way out. It is of note here to say that all but one of the above mentioned, and the one I got for mom, were under $200 and in most cases closer to $100.

These are really affordable. What was the laptop specifications?

 

[USAFRet]

How do I get refurbished laptops directly from the manufacturers? Had no idea this was possible

Dell Outlet, for one.

Refurbished & Overstock Laptops, PCs, Monitors: Dell Outlet | Dell USA | Dell USA

Refurbished laptops, desktop gaming computers, monitors, docks & servers on the cheap from Dell Outlet. READY TO SHIP laptops for sale. Up to 30% savings.

www.dell.com

added:

ASUS

https://www.asus.com/in/deals/outlet/

HP

Buy HP Refurbished Laptops, Desktops and more - Clearance Sale on HP Store Australia - Shop HP.com Australia

Buy HP refurbished laptops/desktops, overstock and clearance - all with manufacturer warranty! Shop now at HP.com Australia.

www.hp.com

Acer

Acer Recertified | Factory Refurbished Laptops

Take your life and projects wherever you go. Shop laptops in a variety of sizes and styles.

acerrecertified.com

 

[punkncat]

You don't typically get them direct from the manufacturer but from whatever retailer they are selling them through. Dell has an option on their site for picking used equipment and have had pretty good luck with them as well.

Most of the ones I picked were along the lines of i5 units from 'earlier' generations. I typically pick them with HDD and swap that out myself, when the option is available.

 

[geofelt]

If you are short of funds, buy new.

If you have plenty of money, you can afford to buy a refurb.

A refurb done by dell, lenovo... and such is likely to be done well.
Still, be prepared to need to replace the battery sooner than you might hope.

 

[Airjyx]

If you are short of funds, buy new.

If you have plenty of money, you can afford to buy a refurb.

A refurb done by dell, lenovo... and such is likely to be done well.
Still, be prepared to need to replace the battery sooner than you might hope.

Do you have the link for lenovo refurbished? looking to get the legion series for heavy 3d modelling and animation using Blender. Also @USAFRet @punkncat can I get refurbished desktop/workstations?

 

[punkncat]

Workstations or refurb business class PC are all over the internet.

 

[USAFRet]

Also @USAFRet @punkncat can I get refurbished desktop/workstations?

Yes.
ex: https://acerrecertified.com/desktops/


In google, search for {manufacturer} refurbished.
That should lead you to whatever manufacturer you looked for.