Are Refurbished Laptops worth buying?

[Curtis317]

My current windows 7 computer is showing it's age and doing some odd things. I am considering getting a new computer. However I have seen some refurbished laptops for a substantial reduction in price. Has anyone gotten one? Any problems? Would it be dumb to get a windows 7 or should I get a windows 8 laptop? And whose would be best? Toshiba, Dell or HP?

 

[Marcelo]

Refurbished Macbook Air!

 

[Marc]

I haven't bought a refurbished computer, but I do buy a lot of "refurbished" peripherals when I can and have been happy with them. The last was a Thunderbolt to 2x eSATA external drive adapter about 6 months ago at 40% off retail and full "original buyer" warranty from the manufacturer. Some say a refurb is better than a new computer/peripheral because they get extensive "quality" checks that standard production models don't get. I can't speak to the reality of that claim.

However, if your current windows 7 computer is just "showing it's age and doing some odd things", but otherwise is fast enough for the software you use, I'd try a format and reinstall the OS and then you applications. Don't forget to back up all data first to an external drive (or 2 if you don't at least run a RAID 1 or 5 and your data is important to you).

Mac person here so I speak about the OS. I still run XP in a virtual machine when I need a Windows PC for something like my old version of Microsoft Project.

But then again - I only buy used cars so a refurb doesn't scare me.

 

[Michael_M]

If your running Windows 7 and the glitchs are mostly software (as opposed to hardware) you may try a software reboot:

Depending on the manufacture of the laptop, you may be able to perform a 'reset to factory condition'. This option deletes everything and resets the laptop (or desktop, it works for either) to the exact same condition as when you pulled it out of it's box fresh from the store.

NOTE: This will format the hard-drive and put the original image file of the computer back on the hard drive. This WILL DELETE EVERYTHING so backup all data, program serial numbers, website favorites, passwords, etc. YOU WILL LOSE IT ALL!! But if the issue is because of bloated software, this will fix. You will have to install all software again (but you would have to do that on a new computer anyway).

I typically see a 100% performance increase when I do this (about once a year--unless I feel lazy )

 

[yodon]

I got a refurbished laptop from Dell back probably around '09 and I've been quite happy with it.

 

[gpainter]

My brother-in-law used to refurbish. He would also set it up based on what you wanted to do. Never had any issues. Dell for some reason was the most problematic.

 

[Randy]

I've got a client that refurbishes by the thousands and they've got very good stats (which I can't share by the way)

You can feel safe getting one from the "major" mfg's

 

[qualityfox]

As far as Windows 7 or Windows 8, unless you get a touchscreen, I would avoid Windows 8. I have it on my non-touchscreen laptop and hate it. I haven't heard if people with touchscreens like it any better.

 

[PaulJSmith]

I have 8.1 on my non-touchscreen HP laptop. I can't say I hate it, but there was certainly a learning curve from my old XP desktop (eMachines). Nothing is where it used to be.

I wouldn't be concerned about buying a refurb as long as it comes with a decent factory warranty, which I believe all of the legitimate ones do.

 

[johnboywalton]

I bought a refurbished printer a few years ago, so the ink cartridges would match the ones on my other printers. It still runs great!