Whether you’re buying for work or play, make an informed decision about refurbished computers. When consumers think of refurbished computers, they often associate them with inferiority. While it’s true that you can save money buying refurbished devices, you can land a machine that could possibly be even better than new. Here are five other common myths and misconceptions about refurbished computers debunked — and why they shouldn’t stop you from buying a refurbished.
Myth #1: Refurbished means rejects.
Refurbished computers are broken or faulty computers that have been fixed.
This is a major concern for most people thinking about refurbished computers. Statistically, you are less likely to buy a defective refurbished unit than a defective new one because of the extra stress tests done to refurbished equipment.
At Recompute, we stock refurbished, ex-lease computers sourced from global corporations and government departments across the world. When we receive a computer at our facility, it is repaired (if required), cleaned and tested thoroughly before being put up for resale. Our refurbished laptops and refurbished desktops are at the peak of their reliability curve and ready for 5+ years of use with better reliability rates than the average new model.
Learn more about our refurbishment process to so you can order with confidence.
Myth #2: Refurbished is another word for “used”.
All refurbished computers are “used” or “pre-owned” models that are at the end of their useful life.
Only a small percentage of refurbished computers fall in this category, while the rest are either new or sparingly/gently used devices. Most computers come to refurbishers in good working condition and just need minor tune-ups to enhance their performance. Such products have much longer ‘useful life’ left in them than what consumers think.
Equipment labeled as “used” or “pre-owned” is different. Often, used hardware has been previously owned and put back on the market without being cleaned or tested beyond basic functionality. In other words, it is sold as is. As a general rule, the refurbished hardware is more stable because it has been field-tested, and any defects or bugs have already been fixed.
Myth #3: Refurbished computers are sold “as is”.
You will not get any Warranty or Guarantee for refurbished computers.
If you’re buying cheap computers out of the trunk of someone’s car, you’re unlikely to get a warranty. If you buy refurbished laptop or computer by a reputable vendor or refurbisher then you will absolutely get warranty, from around 30 days to 1 year.
At Recompute, we’re so confident that when you get your computer it will be good as new that all equipment is covered by our free 3-month warranty. NB: If someone is trying to sell you a used laptop and they try and defend their lack of warranty by saying “No one offers warranties on refurbished laptops”, don’t believe them.
Myth #4: Refurbished equals more repairs.
Refurbished computers are more prone to repairs and maintenance issues.
You have no reason to think that your refurbished machine will require any more repairs or maintenance than a brand new model. With that said, the most important thing to keep in mind is the company you’re buying from has a guarantee or warranty.
At Recompute, all orders are covered by a 3-month warranty so you can order with confidence. We’re confident that our refurbishment process ensures that every computer will perform for at least 4+ years (in some cases they go up to as long as six to seven years), without needing major repairs.
Myth #5: Refurbished computers are slow.
Refurbished computers have lesser computing power compared to new devices.
If you run a business or work in a creative sector, you may worry that “refurbished” means you sacrificing performance and getting a less powerful computer. It’s true that new computers come with latest technologies, like faster clock speeds and more processor cores. However, the difference in performance between the latest technologies isn’t so well defined.
Microsoft recently conducted a study to test whether users can tell the difference between using brand new and refurbished computer. The conclusion of the research found the performance was comparable and users couldn’t tell the difference – other than the price, of course.
The bottom line
Buying refurbished means you can upgrade your computer for less, compared buying a brand model, new without losing quality or performance. Rather than buying the low-end version of a brand-new computer, why not get a refurbished model of the top-of-the-line model for a fraction of the cost?
Whatever your hardware needs, Recompute has you covered. To learn more, get in touch.
